Female mountain bikers

bcattoes

If you are a female mountain biker (single trail), what type of bike do you use? Or would you like to use (if you'd prefer something other than what you currently have). I'm looking for a good trail bike.

bcattoes

Anyone?

Nikki_XC

Hi there!

I'm a female mountain biker as well and have been riding single-track since last summer. I started on a Trek 4300 front-suspension mountain bike, with not much travel in the fork, only 100mm. I now ride a full-suspension Trek Fuel EX6 with a bit more travel, 120mm. It helps, but it's definitely a cross-country bike so it's not idea for super downhill and gnarly stuff. It does ok, but I definitely want a bigger bike for that stuff!

If you're just starting out riding single-track trails, I recommend starting on a hard-tail (no rear suspension) to learn the basics of mountain biking. Your legs are your suspension. You don't need a fancy bike to get started, but I do recommend getting properly fitted at a bike shop. Avoid purchasing a bike from Walmart or any Sporting Goods stores. Support your local bike shop, they have the best warranties and should have a great bike within a reasonable price range. Trek bikes are fantastic and the starter mountain bikes are reasonably affordable, not much more expensive than what you'd get at Walmart.

Also, try to attend a few mountain biking clinics if they offer them in your area to get some basics down. I follow James Wilson online as he provides so many helpful tips to improve my riding.

About me -
My riding preference is Enduro-style. Lots of fast downhill with moderate climbs. However, I do ride a lot of cross-country style being that I live in Ohio and we don't have a lot of downhill areas to ride. I usually have to travel for that stuff.

Feel free to add me if you'd like!

Nikki_XC

Oh yeah, James Wilson's website: http://www.bikejames.com/
"Welcome to Mountain Bike Strength Training Systems"