What size/type of bike do I need?

Question

I am looking to get a bike for riding in parks or on trails occasionally, but when started looking for a bike (used), I became all confused with all the heights, sizes, speeds, etc. Can someone give me some advice as to what kind of bike I need? I am 5'2", female, and won't be riding it very often (once a week at most). Also, what is a reasonable price to pay for such a bike?

Answer 1

I think that a mountain bike hardtail is a very versatile bike that would serve you pretty well.

At first (and second, and third) all the terminology will seem daunting... this fork has SVP damping with rebound this, with 'X' headset, hydraulic disc brakes with ventilated rotors... bal bla bla bla.

Don't let it be too frustrating. If the bike shop is just tech talk, and can't explain what all that stuff means to you (not to a racer, but to you as a casual rider), try finding other shop that could come with a good option.

Most mountain bikes comes with the wheel diameter of 26". While there are 29" tires, I would not think that for your height those would be the best option. Stick to 26".

Basically, you will find different types of bikes: rigid, hardtails, and full suspensions.
- Rigid bikes don't have any suspension, and I wouldn't recomend them if you plan doing some trail riding.
- Hardtails have a fork (which is the front suspension), but are rigid on the rear wheel (hence the term, hardtail). I think one of this would be your best bet.
- Full suspension are bikes that have suspension on both wheels. While this bikes can be pretty nice, the price of admision is kinda high, and unless you ride them on dirt, or have a lot of money laying around that you want to burn, I wouldn't recomend them for starters.

The advantage of hardtails is that the fork will provide enough cush to smooth the terrain, but it will be light enough for your riding, and for a limited budget, you will likely get a better bike than if you would go for a full suspension.

Besides this, how the bike fits you is the most important thing you should look at. I could offer you my bike for free (well, I'm not, just a suposition) it will likely not fit you and the only use you will use it for is as a paperweight or keep open the door, use it as a clothstand or something like that. You need to feel confortable on the bike, and don't feel either too stretched out or feel crammed in the bike.

If possible, try to get a new bike at a dedicated bike shop. They should help you get a well fitting bike that is setup properly. The risk about buying used is that you don't know how hard a bike was ridden before selling, and also that you don't know if it will fit you or not. When you have already a bike, and want to replace it, it could be a good option since you can compare the measures of both bikes to see if it will or it won't fit you.

I think that you should find a good hardtail for around 200-400 bucks, depending on the bike shop.

About speeds, for that price you could expect a 7 or 8 speed on the rear and 3 front (21 or 24 speed). Only mid to high end bikes come with 9 spd on the rear. But, don't worry too much about that.

Answer 2

I like the recommendation for a hard tail (suspension forks only, no rear suspension). Might want to look into the Trek 4300 or 4500 models. You should expect to spend $400-500, but if you look for a past year model, you might be able to get a deal. If you haven't yet, visit the local bike shop (LBS) and ask them to fit you. Differen't manufacturers use different methods to measure their bikes, so a 50cm Trek might not fit the same or as well as, say, a Giant or GT.
By going to the LBS, you get personal service, expertise and quality bikes. If you have more than one LBS, visit them all and go in as if you knew nothing more than the last store, see who treats you the best.
$400 may sound like a lot, but you can expect it to last a lifetime with the type of riding you mention, and if you do get into it and want to ride something more challenging, the aformentioned models will take you there, and back.
Good luck.
Welcome (back) to cycling!

Answer 3

Buy a small frame 14" or 15", hard tail, with shimano XT, and a good wheel set.