Stella63
New Member
Hello. I've just joined and introduced myself briefly in the newbies thread. So I'm 63 and for the last few years have hired electric mountain bikes when on holiday, so ridden a few different ones (some I can't remember what they were). Also hired them locally for a day out on trails. So am biting the bullet and wanting to buy one and cycle regularly. Except might need to get two so OH can join me! Have some really good trails in my area and have done a couple of those. Initially I thought I'd just be doing the odd level trail and nipping into the nearest village on it for fun and exercise. But the more I thought about it, I want to do more than that - go further, higher and not be too limited by the bike. So although I'm not going to be doing any extreme stuff I've decided I want full suspension.
I have two gammy knees and walking distance is now not an option for exercise, which is why I first hired an electric bike on holiday - and it was great! No problem with the knees. Hence I want to do more!
The bikes I've ridden before were a specialized Turbo Levo twice (great but there were pros and cons and it's out of the price range), a Trek Powerfly 5 - which was fine too except I found the hardtail rough on the rough trails round here and didn't feel as stable. Another one I can't remember the make - one I hadn't heard of before. And a hybrid bike I was told was suitable for trails (It wasn't! It felt very unstable on tree roots).
So ever since I've wanted to get a Specialized Turbo Levo - but a) too expensive b) they keep changing the models c) I did have some issues with the size of it and getting on and off. But I had that with the Powerfly 5 as well. Maybe just practice.
So I've narrowed it down to Trek Powerfly 4FS, Trek Rail 5 and if anyone can suggest anything else I can look at. I'm wondering if the Powerfly 4FS is enough for rougher hilly trails. But also wondering if the Rail 5 is overkill. Quite like the slightly lower looking standover on the Powerfly 4FS.
Sizing - I have always ridden a medium - they are fine riding but seem big for getting on and off. I fall on the cusp of small and medium sizes at 5'6 but most of my height is in my back rather than my legs. Still think medium is the right size for me though, so I'll just have to adapt!
I have two gammy knees and walking distance is now not an option for exercise, which is why I first hired an electric bike on holiday - and it was great! No problem with the knees. Hence I want to do more!
The bikes I've ridden before were a specialized Turbo Levo twice (great but there were pros and cons and it's out of the price range), a Trek Powerfly 5 - which was fine too except I found the hardtail rough on the rough trails round here and didn't feel as stable. Another one I can't remember the make - one I hadn't heard of before. And a hybrid bike I was told was suitable for trails (It wasn't! It felt very unstable on tree roots).
So ever since I've wanted to get a Specialized Turbo Levo - but a) too expensive b) they keep changing the models c) I did have some issues with the size of it and getting on and off. But I had that with the Powerfly 5 as well. Maybe just practice.
So I've narrowed it down to Trek Powerfly 4FS, Trek Rail 5 and if anyone can suggest anything else I can look at. I'm wondering if the Powerfly 4FS is enough for rougher hilly trails. But also wondering if the Rail 5 is overkill. Quite like the slightly lower looking standover on the Powerfly 4FS.
Sizing - I have always ridden a medium - they are fine riding but seem big for getting on and off. I fall on the cusp of small and medium sizes at 5'6 but most of my height is in my back rather than my legs. Still think medium is the right size for me though, so I'll just have to adapt!