In the market for a new bike for my wife.

[chickenwing]

Looking for:

- Hardtail/front suspension mtb w/flat bars

- Preferably $1K or under.

- 27.5 wheels (or smaller if need be).

- Preferably has rear eyelets for a rack.

Also, she's 5' 0" tall so it needs to be available in a XL size? Or whatever size bike that would be.


Any ideas?
Thanks.

[bakerjw]

Surly likely has something along those lines.

5' 0" and an XL XS perhaps.

[chickenwing]

Yeah I'm not seeing anything in the Surly lineup with those specs.

The closest thing I'm seeing is the Salsa Timberjack 27.5 and the Jamis Dragonfly Sport. But they're both $1400. A little cheaper would nice, but seems like that's the starting price for a decent bike these days.

[offroute]

I've had success finding XS and S bikes on the pinkbike.com classifieds.

Rack eyelets is bound to kill some possibilities. Used Salsa El Mariachis can be found for under a grand. Edit: Not 27.5, but heli-versatile and comfortable. Put your lady on a 29er demo or parking lot ride and see what she thinks. My gal is small and I would not shy away from 29" wheels if I was shopping for her HT.

[chickenwing]

Great input, offroute. I've never seen pinkbike.com before, looks like some good deals. Also, good idea to have her test ride a 29er and see what she thinks.

Thanks

[eec]

My wife had a Specialized Myka (women specific) for a couple years. She was never really a regular rider, just more casual stuff. Last year I bought her a Salsa El Mariachi 29, and she LOVES it. She actually wants to ride more and more now because of it. She's about 5'4". I wouldn't shy away from a 29.

[chickenwing]

Excellent, I'll check that one out. Thanks!