Road biking has no appeal to me whatsoever. Mountain biking is only really "feesible" when the trails are dry, when they were wet I used to ride Metroparks path for excercise, specifically some sections in Berea that weren't so straight and boring. Now I got a kickass recumbent stationary with a TV in front of it though. You pretty much need a fork. It's crucial in maintaining control over tree roots and stuff, and the smallest amount of cushion is a huge relief to your wrists. I actually prefer a hardtail. I wear long sleeve T, jeans and skate shoes. And an MX helmet and gloves. And a Camelbak. I'm there for the excercise not to win a race. I also don't need a bunch of little cuts and scrapes to show off to my gnar bicycle buddies. As for shorts, I don't think they're necessary for the short loop offroad I usually do, as I don't actually sit down much unless I'm exhausted. Sometimes my junk finds its way out of my boxers and chafes on the inside of my jeans when I pedal though, that's kinda annoying. I used to ride Huffman Park in Medina (~2mi beginner to intermediate loop), Reagan Park in Medina (~4.7mi intermediate to advanced loop) and Findlay State Park in Wellington (~8mi intermediate loop). Maybe there's more since then, go to www.camba.us For MTB she would have to be semi-athletic and somewhat adventurous. I took a buddy once who made a brilliant observation, "This takes a combination of skill and stamina. If you are lacking in one, you can make up for it with the other. I have neither, this is not fun and I never want to do it again. What's the easiest way back to the parking lot?" Anyhow, all the above is IMHO, and I'm sure eventually some pro MTBer will be along to tell you I'm an idiot. Which I am. I've done alot of things in my life, and every one of them half-ass.