AIBU to ask for advice buying a mountain bike?

[MountainBike2020]

Dear All, At the moment I have an Apollo Abyss 6061 mountain bike which is fine on rough tracks but on a road it is really, really heavy and like driving a tank! I also have an Apollo Elyse Comfort bike, a hybrid, which is fine on roads, cycle paths etc. We live quite rurally and me and my DS13 like going off road, along public bridleways which are often uneven (ruts from horse hooves, tractor tyres etc) and if they are wet/muddy the hybrid bike isn't so good as it has mudguards which clog up and also the suspension is not great. So, I'm looking for a women's mountain bike which is lighter than the one I have. Ideally I'd like full suspension (front and back) however don't have a limitless budget. I'm 5ft5 so advice about what size frame/tyres would be appreciated. I'd quite like one with a wide, comfortable saddle! I've looked on Ebay and Gumtree for a second hand one but nothing available at the moment so would consider treating myself and buying one new. Any advice or recommendations gratefully received. Many thanks x

[memememe]

have a look at specialised, youll prob want a 15" frame. i dont think you need full suspension though, just the front forks should be ok x

[Unusualllly]

Yes a full suspension isn't needed for what you describe. Look at hard tails (only front sus), xc (cross country) or trail bikes.
You could join your local MTB Facebook group and ask for help/bikes for sale there.
Please don't buy a bike based on its saddle, a saddle can be easily replaced.

[BoingBoingyBoing]

If you are just cycling on trails etc as others have said get a hardtail, or even a cyclocross or gravel bike, you'll get a far better bike for the money. Cheap full suspension bikes are heavy and generally shit to ride.

Saddles can be replaced, but don't be fooled into thinking a wide, soft saddle = comfort. You want one which fits your sitbones properly. Too wide and things get very chaffy.

[Singlebutmarried]

I’ve got one from Evans cycles. It’s a pinnacle, front suspension only but is perfectly good for a bit of off-road.

Have a look for pinnacle hybrid on their site (you can usually get last years model on a good deal) you’d probs need a medium frame.

[Singlebutmarried]

@BoingBoingyBoing I read sit bones as shit bones 😂😂

[LolaSmiles]

If you're just on bridleways and tracks then you'll get a better hard tail for your money than a full sus.

Your leg length and reach will make a difference on sizes. Many manufacturers have their bike geometry on their website and one you can put in your height and leg length and it will advise on frame. As others have said, saddles can be changed and padded isn't always comfiest.

If you want a full sus then Canyon do some nice women's ones.

[SweetPetrichor]

In your position I would go for front suspension only. You'll get more for your money if you're going with that over full suspension and a cheap full suspension bike will be very heavy and an unpleasant ride.
Don't worry about what tyres or saddle is on it - they are an easy replace later. I recently replaced my bike saddle with an ISM PM 2.0 saddle and it is brilliant for comfort. It looks weird but it takes all the pressure of the tender undercarriage and puts you right on your seat bones. It's made my riding far more pleasant.