[Riv]

Hi there,

I used to ride road bikes years ago. After many near misses and eventually being struck by a car, I reluctantly gave them up.I always missed having a bike, so I have decided to get a trail bike instead.

I am 5ft 3 about 130 lbs female in my 30's - Is the CRF150 the bike for me? I have spent hours reading through forums and wonder if I should get the CRF230 instead. Thing is I only sat on the 150 and I was on my tip toes on that.

Really wanting a fun bike for MI trails, no racing, but I want to be able to climb hills etc.

Advice please?

[NomaD]

The 230F is only a inch or two higher. The 150 is light and ideal for tracks, but has less power than the 230 (obviously). For your riding i'd go with the 230 because you can go pretty much anywhere you want. AND, if you do get into going to tracks, you can always change out the suspension and maybe uncork the bike. Most people like to be able to touch the ground on their bikes, the 1-2 inches might be uncomfortable for you but keep in mind you can always change the height of the shocks.

About wheight, the 230F is heaver. Mainly because it has a steel frame (so does 150) bigger engine, and comes with a battery for electric start. 150F 2006 models also have electric start, thus making it heaver than the 2005 model.

Stock wheight on 230F is around 235 pounds.
Stock wheight on 150F 2005 model is around 215.
Stock wheight on 150F 2006 model is around 225.

Personally I don't feel the wheight of the 230 anymore (i'm the same wheight as you so it should be the same). Less wheight is nice, but you'll learn to use the extra wheight to your advantage after a couple times you go riding, and then not even notice it at all.

The 230F sounds like the perfect bike for you, though the 150F is also not too bad. They both get around pretty well, so I suggest to go sit on a 230, and keep in mind that you can lower it if you want.

Happy shopping

[iron range rob]

I bought a CRF150 for my first trail bike. So far, I am pretty happy with it. The only thing I wish it had was a 6th gear (more top end). Other than that, it is a great bike. Eventually, I plan to modify it so it sits 1" higher (I am 5'-11" so it is almost too small for me). Like Nomad said, the you won't really notice the weight once you get used to riding. The only time that weight comes into play is when you dump the bike!
Enjoy shopping!

[Old Dude]

I bought the 150 for my son 5'6" 145 pound son who had never ridden before. I bought a 230 for me. I was an experienced rider who had not ridden in about 12 years. I loved the 230 but realized that my son was not having as much fun on the 150. I went out and rode the 150 and discovered why. The 150 felt like a mini bike compared to the 230. I put him on the 230 and the smile factor increase was immediately and obviously evident. The larger wheels and more horse power make a huge difference. The 230 is a great trail bike and IMO you will be much happier with it in the long run. I gave my son the 230 and got myself a 250x......Because I could. This months Dirt Rider has a good blurb about the 230.
O.D.

[Asmith]

My wife was in the same dilemma several months ago. We decided on the CRF 230F and we are glad we did. Her skills progressed very rapidly as her confidence in the bike and its power increased.

We changed out the front suspension in favor of the inverted Showas. She once again progressing rapidly as she's discovering how good the bike is.

My Vote - CRF230F all the way!

[nedirtbikr]

We changed out the front suspension in favor of the inverted Showas. She once again progressing rapidly as she's discovering how good the bike is.

Smith - it sounds like you're pretty happy with the 230 (I am with mine too.) About those front forks...where do you get them? Are you happy with the change out? Did you change your shock too?

My son has a 150 and will be moving to my 230. I think I'd like to do an upgrade like yours to give the bike more jumping capacity.

Like others, my biggest beef with the 230 has been the suspension. Any thoughts you're willing to share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Asmith]

The swap was easy to do. I have about $700.00 into it. I bought the CR 85 fork tubes on E-bay for $150.00 and the triple clamp conversion kit from Reger Engineering for $ 564.00. It gives a great ride but still a little too soft due to the difference in weight between the 230 and the 85. Just have to dial in with the right spring and the wife will be doing triples in no time!

Rear shock is still stock. We'll do one thing at a time, get that dialed in and then address the back if needed.

[05crf150]

if ur on ur tip toes with the 150 then go with that u deff cant fit on a 230 if ur on tip toes with 150....my vote 150

[edelnero940]

it could go either way in your situation. The possibility is there to lower the 230 2 full inches in the rear, but the 150 might be more comfortable due to its smaller size and weight. But... the 230 is alot more bike for the price. Only $400 more than the 150, and 74 more cc's (its actually a 223cc engine). I would sit on both before you decide, and maybe test ride them. Its a shame to buy a bike then realize its too small, but its also a shame to buy a bike and realize its way too big. I'm 5'5", and the 230 fits me perfect. Mine's not lowered at all, so with a Kouba link on it, the 230 should fit you fine.