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Hi,
I'm Cinthya. I'm really keen to start mountain biking. Just wondering if I can get some advice. I've been doing lots of research on what bike to get. I had decided to go for a specialized rockhopper but when I tried it on for size the 15 was too small and the 17 too big. So the guy at the shop suggested I would be better suited to a women's frame. I test drove 2 bikes which I loved but now I can't really decide and don't really know anyone who knows that much about mountain bikes. Ok I will stop babbling the 2 bikes where the specialized myka elite or the cube wls pro. I don't really want to spend more than 600. Does anyone know if these are good entry level bikes or any other good ones they can think of.
Thanks

Sounds like you are on the right track and clearly went to a decent shop and tried out some bikes and different sizes, (as opposed to popping to Argos and coming away with a load of crap), don't know much about general XC bikes but I'm sure the spesh and cube are good bikes, personally I like to build them from scratch (and perhaps buying some bits 2nd hand to keep the cost down) but theres nothing wrong with buying whole bikes, after youve been riding for a while you may like to change certain bits (brakes, gears, etc) so you end up with a bike that feels perfect.

Andy

Welcome to the forum!

Most manufacture do make a 16" frame which will be perfect for you from the sounds of it, so while the spesh is a good bike its not right for you. For your budget it is worth thinking out side the box at less common brands

http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/trail/mantra-pro might have same problem if size
http://konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=fire_mountain#1
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gen ... 0#features

what ever you do is go and try as many as possible

The next step when you have a couple that you really like is to play spec top trumps and play the two builds off against each other for equipment and weight then which ever is best is your winner !

Of the two you posted i'd probably choose the Myka Elite but they're very closely pitched against each other, i reckon the myka has a better drivetrain.

Welcome - Getting a women's specific frame sounds like a good idea. Men have shorter legs and longer torsos than women so its not as easy as getting a small size.

The biggest difference between men's frames and women's frames is top tube length. A shorter top tube would put you in a much more comfortable and efficient position. Handlebars on a women's bike are sometimes narrower to accommodate a woman's narrower shoulders.

Both manufacturers you mention are good so I guess it comes down to which rides better for you and which brand will have the best support at your local shop.

See you out on a ride soon!

Thank you so much everyone for the advice. I will be getting my bike tomorrow will make final decision then.!. How exciting. Thanks again x

Hello Cinthya..i would highly recommend getting a cube wls..sarah from here rides 1 and a friend of mine also has 1..they come with great spec and look fab too..think they are £650+ though..good luck..Z