I am 5ft 1in and 115 pounds.

I initially bought the 2011 Specialized Ariel Sport because I didn't know whether I liked biking and whether I liked Mountain or road biking better.

I definitely love road biking and spent a lot of money for my 2012 Amira Elite with upgraded carbon handle bars (totally worth it though!).

My husband would like me to join him for an occasional MTB ride, so I was going to see if I could turn the Ariel sport hybrid into a MTB.

The good part about my Ariel Sport is that it already has a front suspension with a lockout and a suspension post along with 29 inch tires. The bad part is that I have already brought the bike in to my original LBS store twice for front deraillment problems, and this is still occurring. Another biker guy recommended a $20 chain deflector, so I will try that next.

If the chain deflector does NOT work, should I change out the front derailleur for a more reliable $150 Shimano XTR plus labor and change out to MTB tires or should I just buy a cheap MTB, which does not have lock out suspension nor a suspension post?

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2012 Specialized Amiral Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle