What women's mountain bike for £400 - 600?

[Flippin' Kipper]

Hi looking for a mountain bike for a friend and wondered if anyone had any suggestions for a mountain bike in the four to six hundred pound bracket?

Probably best if we can stick to the lower end of the price scale, as she is more likely to buy one then.

[Kawasicki]

my wife has a women specific geometry Specialized Rockhopper, she LOVES it. It cost £500 or so back in 2005. The handling is ace and it impressively light.

[R2FU]

Not to hijack your question, but am going through similar investigations for the wife. She is a reasonable height (5'8") and very active/sporty so we have been wondering whether there is any real benefit to a "women's" bike or whether she should just get a man's one of the right size?

Anyone have any views on this?

[Camoradi]

Re women's versus mens bikes.

My partner has been through this process recently. Women's bike frames are often identical geometry to the men's equivalent model. The differences tend to be things like the following

Narower handlebars
Shorter handlebar extension
Women's saddle
Shorter cranks
Different colour scheme

Obviously all of these things are based on assumptions about "average" proportions of female riders, which may or may not be correct for the individual. Best bet is to try the bikes out and if it feels right.....

My partner eventually went for one of these.
Click

Superb bike for the price. Quick delivery etc

Edited by Camoradi on Sunday 6th June 13:26

[rhinochopig]

You can't go wrong with specialized WSD bikes. They spend a LOT of money getting the ergonomics right on their bikes.

[Kawasicki]

R2FU said:

Not to hijack your question, but am going through similar investigations for the wife. She is a reasonable height (5'8") and very active/sporty so we have been wondering whether there is any real benefit to a "women's" bike or whether she should just get a man's one of the right size?

Anyone have any views on this?

My wife is 5'5" so her experiences may not apply to your wife. I think it comes down to what basic proportions your wife has, in terms of weight, leg and arm versus torso length . The reach to the bars on mens bikes was simply too long for my wife. We couldn't see any down side to getting a woman specific design, you get all the components specced to suit, fundamentals like crank length and front spring rates are more likely to be correct. The benefit of a bike that really fits is huge. My wife went from mtb novice to rolling down large boulders in wales in about 30 mins.