[upi44]

hey guys...and gals. I am 49 year old female. 5'7" 175 and a good athlete. I am getting back into Mtn biking. Bought a road bike and did not like road biking so returning road bike and getting mtn bikie. I will not be doing jumps or fast down hills or hoppin logs. I will be doing trails. I have $1500-$2000ish to spend.

I looked at :
2008 mongoose canaan elite... great components and I liked the bike $1500

Giant anthem x3 $1950

specialized fsr xc pro $2200

or any others you might suggest....

What do y'all think??

 

[dogonfr]

Welcome to the forums I'm sure you will enjoy the thrill of Mountain Biking. :drumroll:

Take a look at the Haro line up like the Sonix Comp. :thumbsup:

http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/tab2_subNav3.php

Jamis Dakar XCT 1 or 2. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/fullsuspension/index.html

Ibex Asta Expert is on pre order. :rockon:

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Stacks/Series_Asta.html

 

[jetpropel]

Welcome to the forums I'm sure you will enjoy the thrill of Mountain Biking. :drumroll:

Take a look at the Haro line up like the Sonix Comp. :thumbsup:

http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/tab2_subNav3.php

Jamis Dakar XCT 1 or 2. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/fullsuspension/index.html

Ibex Asta Expert is on pre order. :rockon:

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Stacks/Series_Asta.html

\

Loving the full suspension, eh?

That kind of budget can get you a great hardtail bike as well.

Specialized Stumpjumper & Stumpjumper Comp.
GT Zaskar Expert
Jamis Dakota & Dragon Series : Elites & Comps

Just to name a few..

 

[CougarTrek]

Might be able to get an 08 Trek EX 8 in your budget range.

The Giants are good bikes as well

 

[GFish72]

Giant Anthem x3 would seem the better fit for what you're doing.

But looking at that Mongoose, made me think twice.

http://content.mtbr.com/TRP_14_352_9crx.aspx

You're right, better components and cheaper than the Anthem x3. Looks sweet as well. Don't know how much it weighs (Anthem x3 W says it weighs 13.2 kg = 29.1 lbs.).

I'd go for the Mongoose.

 

[drain bamage]

You could get a Specialized Switch Link: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39202&eid=2 I am sure you could get that bike for around 1800 or else look at this one: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=40121&eid=95 and they have a really good sale right now but this is an iron horse that cant be to bad: http://www.rscycle.com/2007-Iron-Horse-Azure-Comp-Cross-Country-CLOSEOUT because you save 41 percent off original price and plus the 20 % off iron horse bikes. I think it is a steal and I say go for it. I just bought a bike from them and it is free shipping no tax and I got mine to my door in 3 days after order!

 

[bigpedaler]

I was going to argue against the Canaan -- but they're running the Mongoose FreeDrive now, so that takes care of any issues I HAD with the bike. It's a good'un.

The Anthem is definitely a class bike...but either will do. Go for what moves you.

 

[JimC.]

a few thoughts...

as I'm older than you, let me suggest that a HT bike might discourage you - due to a pounding of privates - that simply isn't comfortable. A full suspension rig should offer good handling and comfort that will keep you wanting to go riding as opposed to fear of pain post ride. I winced at previous suggestions for a Zaskar from GT, having had one, couldn't sell it fast enough as it was so stiff and harsh, my @$$ begged for mercy after each ride. A move to FS has had me smiling and riding more and more for 15+ years now. If we were all 19, that might be different, but it's about the comfort now, not the racing.

Thought 2: there's a womens' forum here that can offer lots of advice from the female perspective - http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=94

Lastly, there are some great deals on some proven technology out there like the Juliana from Santa Cruz; designed by a world cup winner and racer (Juliana Furtado) the bike is well priced and the frame is such good quality that upgrades later won't be regretted.

Here.

Hope that's a help, good luck, Jim

 

[knutso]

http://www.rscycle.com/2007-Iron-Horse-6-Point-6-All-Mountain-15-Only?sc=19&category=55
definetely overkill for you but if you want a super soft ride and durability ....
the additonal 20% off gets this bike right into your budget ... great deal for you Id think because only small size is left =)

 

[JimC.]

Oh please...

Weight: 35.4 LBS

Why not suggest she drag an anchor behind her too? Posts like this are exactly why I suggested she check out the womens' forum.

Jim