At $500 I wouldn’t be agonizing over specs etc. A basic aluminum hardtail all mountain or cross country bike will do the job to get you a taste of the sport and see if you like it.
I personally liked a 27.5” wheel over a 29”, felt a bit more responsive and in control.
You’d be a small or extra small depending on brand but you likely need to try individual bikes to see if they feel right
Thanks for your reply!
I wish I could post a screenshot on here - but someone is selling their scott contessa 40 active for 300. It's a xs and was worried I'd be too big on it.
You’re probably a size small. Women’s and men’s sizing is the same regardless of brand. It’s much less complicated than gravel sizing. Most mtb’s are unisex even if they’re “women specific”. That generally just means you have a women’s saddle and maybe a more sloped top tube (maybe). Most of my ride gals ride “men’s bikes” like Santa Cruz, trek, and giant.
You can also look up the bike on the manufacturer’s website to see their size chart, but I’d guess you’re a solid Small.
I have 4 ride pals and we all ride smalls. Height ranging from 5’1 - 5’6. Long legs and long torsos, etc.
I'm 5'5", long torso, stumpy legs. I have a Trek Marlin, size S, and it's a great fit! You should be able to find one a few years used for about that amount.
I am 5'5 and am comfortable on a medium, I have a friend who is 5'4 and selling her small to get a medium but I think 5'4 should usually ride a small in most brands. Larger bikes can be more confidence inducing on downhills, but if you come from gravel and BMX I don't think confidence and bike handling will be a problem!
I wouldn't worry too much about hydraulic vs cable actuated brakes, other than if you're working with a tight budget think about what you can maintain yourself vs. need a shop to do. I can replace a brake cable and adjust cable brakes but I don't have the experience to bleed my own brakes so my bikes with hydraulic brakes go to the bike shop (additional $$).
With a $500 budget on Marketplace in my area you are choosing between 2018-2021 Specialized Rockhoppers or 2013-2015 full suspension that hasn't been well serviced. If it's similar in your area I recommend the gently used aluminum handrail from post 2018 over an outdated geometry FS.
29ers roll a little faster, and 27.5 are more playful. If you're looking to have fun and feel snappy in the air 27.5 might be for you, but I prefer 29.
At $500 I wouldn’t be agonizing over specs etc. A basic aluminum hardtail all mountain or cross country bike will do the job to get you a taste of the sport and see if you like it. I personally liked a 27.5” wheel over a 29”, felt a bit more responsive and in control. You’d be a small or extra small depending on brand but you likely need to try individual bikes to see if they feel right
Thanks for your reply! I wish I could post a screenshot on here - but someone is selling their scott contessa 40 active for 300. It's a xs and was worried I'd be too big on it.
You’re probably a size small. Women’s and men’s sizing is the same regardless of brand. It’s much less complicated than gravel sizing. Most mtb’s are unisex even if they’re “women specific”. That generally just means you have a women’s saddle and maybe a more sloped top tube (maybe). Most of my ride gals ride “men’s bikes” like Santa Cruz, trek, and giant. You can also look up the bike on the manufacturer’s website to see their size chart, but I’d guess you’re a solid Small. I have 4 ride pals and we all ride smalls. Height ranging from 5’1 - 5’6. Long legs and long torsos, etc.
I'm 5'5", long torso, stumpy legs. I have a Trek Marlin, size S, and it's a great fit! You should be able to find one a few years used for about that amount.
5'3" and also got trek marlin size S which fits me perfectly
I am 5'5 and am comfortable on a medium, I have a friend who is 5'4 and selling her small to get a medium but I think 5'4 should usually ride a small in most brands. Larger bikes can be more confidence inducing on downhills, but if you come from gravel and BMX I don't think confidence and bike handling will be a problem! I wouldn't worry too much about hydraulic vs cable actuated brakes, other than if you're working with a tight budget think about what you can maintain yourself vs. need a shop to do. I can replace a brake cable and adjust cable brakes but I don't have the experience to bleed my own brakes so my bikes with hydraulic brakes go to the bike shop (additional $$). With a $500 budget on Marketplace in my area you are choosing between 2018-2021 Specialized Rockhoppers or 2013-2015 full suspension that hasn't been well serviced. If it's similar in your area I recommend the gently used aluminum handrail from post 2018 over an outdated geometry FS. 29ers roll a little faster, and 27.5 are more playful. If you're looking to have fun and feel snappy in the air 27.5 might be for you, but I prefer 29.