Total Novice looking for advice please...

[Speedy Gonzales]

Hi All,

I am just starting out and would like some advice, What is the best bike for me? I am looking to get into mountain biking on & off road, need something really comfortable, I am female, 32 years old and 5' 7" tall... Are there any bikes you could recommend and also what is the best winter gear to wear?

Any help or advice you can give would be greatly received

Thank you... Jules

 

[marinyork]

I can't offer much advice on the bikes (other than you might want a 2nd bike someday). Thermals, overshoes, very good set of gloves, layers for the winter. Also I found a cycle buff is quite useful.

 

[Speedy Gonzales]

Thank you MARINYORK

 

[GilesM]

The bike to buy all depends on what sort of off road riding you want to do, and how much you want to spend.

 

[accountantpete]

Have a think on how much off-roading you will be doing.

The basic choice is down to a MTB bike which will be a bit heavy and slow on the road due to weight and tyres and a road bike which will be great on the road but pretty useless off it.

Or you can opt for a hybrid type of bike with wider wheels etc which will allow you to do a bit of both.

 

[xpc316e]

I'll leave the bike buying advice to others Jules, but I'd buy the best you can afford when it comes to winter wear. It is easy to work up a sweat when cycling, so breathability is really important. Having plenty of ventilation, like armpit zips, is recommended too. Wear plenty of layers and be prepared to set off with what seems to be less than ideal, because you'll soon be peeling off layers. Summer is easier on a bike, because the airflow and minimal layering ensures that your sweat is swiftly evaporated. I'd spend a significant portion of my budget on gloves and footwear, as hands and feet rapidly chill on a bike because of their exposure and poor blood flow brought about by relative inactivity. I reckon a Buff is about one of the most versatile items of clothing.