what is a good starter mountain bike for girls?

Answer 1

1) it fits you right (get an expert to help)
2) it's mechanically sound - everything works etc (get an expert to do a checkup and tune up if it's used)
3) it fits your budget (include a helmet, under $20 at Target/Wal-Mart)
4) you like the color / style / etc

Go to your local friendly bike shop, let the nice people show you around so you see options and price ranges and figure out what size and setup will fit you best. If your budget can't handle a new bike, at least you'll know what to look for now, and how to tell a piece o junk from a decent bike. Avoid wal-mart etc. You might get lucky at Goodwill or a garage sale, but that chews up a lot of time.

Answer 2

If you can afford a good, plush fork, you should make sure the bike has one. It will reduce the occurrence of endos (going over the handle bars).

Also, you should have either flat pedals (no straps) or clip-less (the kind with cleats in the shoes). I'd start with simple, flat pedals and graduate to clip-less later. Avoid the pedals with toe straps. She will go over the handle bars and you don't want a bike that's rotating to twist her foot around producing a radial fracture. That almost happened to my son. Clip-less pedals disengage when the foot rotates relative to the pedal, toe straps might not.

Obviously, she should wear a helmet. They are all pretty much equally safe. The difference in price (which can be large) is a function of comfort and the amount of air the helmet allows through. Also, she should wear gloves. Short finger gloves are OK, 'cuz you're really trying to protect the palms during crashes.

Answer 3

It all depends on your budget, and your body anatomy. Some bike companies offer what is calles WSD (Women Specific Bikes), and they usually are variations of standard bikes to adjust to the 'usually' different legs vs torso lenghts in women and men, and some other things. If you're over 5'5", probably you can look at both standard and WSD bikes.

I would suggest getting a hardtail ( a bike with only front suspension ). Fit is very important, you must feel confortable in the bike. Also, weight is very important, specially for women.

There are several bikes you could look at, but I think it's very important to go to several bike shops and see what they offer, and the price. Ask for a test ride, while it's not the best way to know a bike, at least it will let you know the fit of the bike.

Answer 4

walmart carries the good selection