Need help selecting the right bike!

[Izzy]

I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me in buying the right bike for me. I just subscribed to this magazine, and I have been reading reviews online and there are so many to choose from I'm not even sure where to start. I'm a beginner, female, about 5'8", 140 lbs. I'm not looking to do any crazy stunts, just want to ride offroad. Lightweight and comfort are important to me. I like to get more than one opinion before making an investment like this - there's only one bike shop in my area and no organized group locally I can talk to. The bike shop carries Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Raleigh and some other brands I didn't recognize. They recommend the Cannondale's Terra (2002 model). Any other suggestions? Anything in particular I should look for, or if I go with the Terra, any customizations I should have them make for me? I've read elsewhere some riders weren't real happy with some of its components. Or what about ordering a bike online if my local shop doesn't carry (or won't order) the one I decide I want? Help! THANK YOU!

[Flying Monkey]

I'm not very good at recommending bikes to people I don't know, but I would strongly recommend test riding every bike that you consider. And make sure that you test it off-road like you intend. It's always good form to support your LBS, but if they don't have what you want, by all means, don't buy.

[pghjon]

1st. I agree, ride them all.
2nd. I took a look over at mtbreview.com
The terra sounds like it is well liked. A better seat may be a good upgrade.

I like dealing with the LBS not mail order.
Personal opinion. Service is key with your bike, and mail order doesn't give you service.

[jimilton80401]

With the selection that your local shop offers, you're going to have to ride the models within your price range (which you don't mention) and figure out which one feels best. I know that Trek (and Gary Fisher)offers a women's specific design frame, but I'm not sure about the others that you mentioned.
The most important thing is fit, then weight and features, IMHO. You can buy a bike with a good frame and then add lighter weight upgrades as things wear out.
Also, see if the shop will provide a fit kit, including having cleats fitted between your shoes and the pedals, that is if you are going clipless. They charge around 75.00 in this part of the world, but it's money well spent; they can also make a bike that might appeal to you, but not feel 100% right to you, more comfortable.
In my experience, you should be prepared to spend a bit more than you think you need to. You might need to have an extra 100.00 in reserve, just in case. Another thing to consider is that you might be able to get a past season model for a good discount. Since we're at peak season, now might not be a good time, but if you could wait until Sept or Oct, a dealer might be trying to clear out old inventory and might be able to offer you a deal. Bikes don't always change that much from one year to the next.
If all else fails, consult the internet, such as mtbr.com for reviews of bikes that others recommend. Unless you have unlimited finances, there will always be trade-offs.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

[Subscription Guy]

Some suggestions:

1. Set a budget (range) that you're willing to invest and stick to it.

2. Try before you buy. Trya as many bikes in your price range as possible. Even if it means driving a ways to get to a few other shops. Bike fit and comfort is very important.

3. Don't stress over which brand. The major brands are a good value (Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Specialized, Gary Fisher, to name but a few). Sometimes we magazine types can get carried away talking about every little component, but at your stage of the game all you need is a decent bike and time to practice.

4. Buy from a shop that gives you good vibes (not online), with the thought of developing a relationship with them. A good shop will not only make sure you buya bike that fits your body and budget, but they'll be a resource for the future... Over time you'll be needing repairs, upgrades, new gear.... Don't buy from a shop where the folks seem like jerks, you'll regret it.

[Izzy]

Thanks for all the advice . . . you've all been a great help!! I'll let you know what I end up with. . . .

[carlvoss]

I bought my girlfriend a Gary FIsher Tassajarra GS at the beginning of the season. GS stands for Genesister, or women specific. She absolutely loves it. Components are good etc, but she really like the color! Go figure... Regardless of what people might think about women specific designs and how much different they really are, you should pick a bike that you like and if that means it has a "feminine" paint color then great. The more you like it the more you will ride!

[KENNEDIE]

Price is a big factor. And price is inversely proportional to weight. Higher the price, less the weight, unless you're buying a DH bike. My personal opinion is that most bikes work pretty well for your everyday riding when well maintained. I've ridden the crappiest bikes on rough terrain without any real adverse effects. Bottom line for comfort is: proper fit.-JK

[thanita]

What everyone else says (about fitting different bikes, no jerk shops, etc.) Just another thought; don't get too hung up on "women specific." While these are great for some women (and fit some men better, too), other women fit "unisex" bikes better. I have a Juliana, which is WS, but actually switched out some of the "women's" components 'cause they didn't work as well for me. Take your time making your choice (even if you're dying to get out and ride!) ;)

[angelo_caduto86]

All of the above is very good info and I'll add a couple pennies.

Before you walk into the bike shop, which is the best place to go, think about what you would like to do, first in your riding and second in your purchase (even if the two will actually happen in the opposite order).

In riding you mentioned off-road, have you thought about what kind of off-road...that is what is the terrain like in your area. If it is dirt roads, then suspension isn't as important, but if off-road is going to be down a ski mountain, you want more cush.

The thing is, once you have a good idea of what you are going to do, when you walk into a good shop, they will gladly point you to the bikes that meet your price range and your riding style.

You will be surprised that after you ride a couple bikes, that you will get on one and think....hey this is it.....hopefully you didn't get on a bike that is $300 out of your price range.

I used to think that you should buy a bike like parents buy shoes for an eight-year-old = so you can grow into it, but I disagree with that now. Even as a beginner, with a greater chance you will improve quickly, you should look at your first bike as a beginner bike, not the whiz bang Team Issue. Either you can upgrade the components or get a different bike (ask the dealer about the trade in policy).

One of the hardest things about test riding a bike is even the best shops aren't set up for your conditions. Usually when they let you ride it is around the parking lot or down the street (great for assessing comfort on the bike, but not really giving you a good feel of how you will actually be riding). This is understandable, if your rode eight bikes through the mud, how are they going to sell the seven you don't buy....

If you read Dirt Rag you will see reviews, but also the occasional 'check back' review where they let you know how things are holding up (I find these to be the best resource, since how else will you find out that a certain brand's disc brakes have problems after a year). I bet D.R. will let you be part of that team, that is once you buy your bike, a year later send them a letter letting them know how it held up. Probably more people should do that.