Hello all,

I currently don't have a bike and am really keen to get one but wanted some advice first. I use to work in a bike shop and have some idea but unfortunately the selection there wasn't great. My old bike was a Mountain Cycle Fury. I liked the bike but it was just the wrong size for me and had been set up incorrectly. It kind of put me off as I seemed to have so many problems with it and I therefore haven't ridden for ages. Ideally I think I should probably get a cross country bike and the other half is on about getting a Specialized. He's a downhill man and loves his Demo8 so I need impartial advice. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Lotta

Try some out, a decent bike shop will be able to give good advice on geometries and sizing.

After that it's budget and riding style that will affect your choices.

As ever, make some of your budget available for Helmets, Gloves shorts etc.

All the extras are already sorted, right down to my ace open face retro troy lee.

perhaps somthing along the lines of the specialised sx or trail would be right, not to much boucne that you couldnt do some xc, but be able to keep up with your partner on the downs...

What kinda price are you thinking of spending? FS or hardtail?

"All the extras are already sorted, right down to my ace open face retro troy lee."

The Troy Lee's more of a 4X lid.
i.e. it's good for a 40 second blast but there's no vents, so for XC you're gonna hate it after 10-15 minutes. On a hot day I think it would spend most of its time dangling off the end of your bars.
If you're looking for a bit more coverage than your average XC helmet then the Giro Xen or the new Fox one (Fury?) would be ideal. They're vented but offer a little more protection round the back.
Hell, even a dirt jump lid would be more comfortable than the Troy Lee.


Edited to add an f to off.

Price wise i'm going for about £600 +, I think the bf may chip in so that we can get something that we can both use (we're about the same height) I could spend more but I don't want to go too far. I don't want a full suspension either because a) I don't need it and b) for my price they'll be too heavy. I want to be able to ride Wharcliffe without feeling like I did on the Fury, i.e. like i'm actually going to be able to get through the day.

p.s. what do you mean about the Troy Lee?! It is amazingly cool. I get what you're saying though but I love it and have worn it for a whole day without taking it off without much discomfort. I realise it's not really the best but we've got a couple of dirt lids and other helmets knocking about.

have a look at http://www.merlincycles.co.uk , any of their bikes are spot on, but it sounds as if the B52 is something you might want to seriously consider, and it is in the right price bracket for you

edit: made the website a link

Wait a few months, the Womens Spech FSR XC will be marked down to around 600/700!

bf may chip in so that we can get something that we can both use

You'll be in world of compromise there.

Get something that fits you and you'll feel comfortable riding!

And the love of all things holy dump the troy lee!

don't get sucked in by women's specific models, I'm quite little (5'5ish) and light and I found that the XS or 15.5" mens versions are fine (and generally cheaper)and a slightly shorter stem did the business. Who wants a pink bike anyway pah!

Fox helmet is called the FLUX (I think)

I would keep the Troy Lee helmet if you like it!

Wharncliffe - pretty big rocks, you sure you dont want a full suspension bike???

I use my wifes bike to go down to the chippy on - you can share!!

Who wants a pink bike anyway pah!

Right on! I've never been one for women's specific stuff anyway, older brothers do that I guess.

I've managed parts of Wharcliffe before but I just don't think a full sus is right for me.

No one seems to like the Troy Lee, it's brilliant (I agree not necessarily to use everyday) but it's totally retro chic!

wharncliff eh? I'm oop there tommorow..btw

Im off to wharncliffe tomorrow too if its not pissing it down

Has anyone seen in MBUK, that bloke called Doddy(or something)? I mean the guys a fashion victim anyway but I saw some pictures of him wearing the new Troy Lee D2 open face helmet - some things just dont suit some people.....

especially his face - ugly boy!

DN..look for a erm..large chap pootling very slowly indeed down some of the easier DH tracks on a Reign...!

I get it, no one like troy lee, ok i'll not wear it, I never did have any fashion sense!

I will do!!
I will be mainly wearing far too much body armour, moaning about a poorly toe and riding battered Norco

I came over the bars on the rocks last weekend on that NoHuman track, landed on my chest - and hurt my big toe...

DN..I'm in no way a DHer....very much a xc rider but wanting to get into the DH stuff a bit..I'll keep an eye out!