Hi, I have been reading the forum for the past couple of days and thought I would introduce myself. I am new to cycling and currently commute by bike (when it is not raining) and have done this for a month or so. I am now looking to buy an MTB and aim to try some out over the weekend so that I get the right fit - albeit my budget is £500. If/when I do buy an MTB, does anybody know whether there is a friendly and welcoming MTB/cycling club in the Bedfordshire area (rather than a club full of hotshots that will disappear within minutes of setting off!) or, if any of you live nearby, whether you would fancy buddying up with a newbie?
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Hi Cathy Welcome to the forum Woburn has several clubs - I am a member of Cyclone MTB club (but I dont get out much to ride with them!) they are really friendly and have a few women out riding most sundays. The club ride for the social rather than the fitness on a Sunday so wont leave you behind - regular rides every Sunday at 10am or 11am - you can ride a few times before you decide whether to join or not - their website is www.cyclonemountainbikingclub.co.uk Hope this helps and enjoy your shopping
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 Where abouts in Bedfordshire are you? Im sort of up the road in Northamptonshire/Warwickshire, Rugby area
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Thanks Helsbels - it sounds like the sort of club that I'm looking for - as I'm not an elite athlete, I was looking for a club where I could enjoy a social ride - as soon as I have a bike, I'll get in touch with them. Pootle - I'm just north of Luton so probably a little too far away from you in the Rugby area but once I've got my bike (and figured out how to get it into my car), perhaps we can see what rides are out there!
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Yeah no probs cathy, i can take you around Harlestone Firs in northampton, my old stomping ground
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Hi Cathy Also try Dunstable Downs and Barton Hills near you (both parts of where the Chilterns start but just N of Luton) loads of technical bits but bridleways only not open access, but good riding for your local!
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That's a good idea re: Dunstable Downs - I hadn't really given that a thought. As for Barton Hills, I know that area really well due as I walk up there regularly.
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Hi Cathy I am new to this site too. I live on the Northants/Bedfordshire border and am lucky enough to work only 3 miles from Chicksands!! So if you fancy meeting up one evening or weekend let me know! Ta Bumley
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Thanks Bumley - would love to as Chicksands isn't far from me. I am looking to buy a bike next weekend and it is between a men's Kona Blast and a the women's Specialized Myka Elite. I tried out the first this weekend and really liked it so need to compare it to the Myka next weekend. I haven't a great deal of experience with women's bikes so I am interested to see if there is a significant difference. What do you ride?
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I ride a Trek Fuel EX8 WSD its beautiful!!! Love the womens specific design bikes they are so much more comfortable and I find Trek fits me the best. If you wanted to try a Trek WSD I still have my old 4500, you are more than welcome to try it!
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 Cathy, I've got the Myka Elite, I like the bike now but I've had to have some upgrades. It came with Avid BB5 brakes which are rubbish, they do not work when wet (little use in this country then) another girl I ride with has the same bike and the same problem.The forks are not great, I have upgraded them, the pedals are rubbish, I could only grip on 1 side of them so was constantly having to flip them over and I have had to have the headset replaced (after 4 months!) as it had a hairline fracture in it which was spotted when the forks were changed and it was suggested that it probably happened at manufacture. I suppose it depends on what kind of riding you intend to do with it, but if I had known what I know now I would not have bought it. I hate to sound negative as I love the bike now but I have spent over £300 getting it to how it is, so if I had just spent a bit more in the first place..... but I was new to MTBing and didn't know if I was going to get on with it and get out 3-4 times a week that I do now. Hope this helps.
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Hi LaLa,
That is really helpful - I am between a Kona Blast and the Myka and the main differences are that the Kona is a men's bike and has hydraulic bikes whereas the Myka is a women's design and has the Avid BB5 brakes. As I am near 6ft, I don't think that the women's design will make much difference. I feel that the Kona is a more solid bike but a lot of people really like the Specialized bikes...the more I read, the more confusing it gets!
Hey Bumley - thanks for the offer (I saw that you have it up for sale on another part of the forum) but as it is 16", it would be too small but I have heard that the Trek is a really nice bike - shame though! The EX8 looks superb!
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Hi Cathy Let me know when you get sorted with a bike and we can arrange to meet up. Have you ridden Chicksands before?
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No - I'm new to mtb'ing so would be trailing behind!
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Cathy, don't know if you have seen it but this months MBR magazine has a test of 12 sub £500 hardtail bikes, not women specific bikes, they never are! The Kona Blast gets top marks. If you can't get hold of a copy i'd be happy to scan the results page and email it over to you. Happy shopping!
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No worries, we can take it nice and gently for your first ride there! There are some great little technical areas tucked out the way, so you can perfect your technique without a load of hairy a**** guys watching!! Just let me know when - You will love it!!!!!!!
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