New Bike

[stumpy]

Hi all you women mtbers out there. I am shopping for a new bike. I am 5'7" so a I am not a small women. This will be my third (and hopefully) last mtn bike so I am looking at EVERYTHING. I currently ride a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR. I love the full suspension but feel like I lose pedal efficiency when I ride. (You can see my post in hanging out) I don't want a hardtail but am considering a soft tail. Any pointers on what a woman should consider in a mtb purchase. Thanks for your help.

[thanita]

Well, you've got pretty much the whole world of bikes available to you, 'cause at 5'7" you're not going to have any particular sizing issues (at 5'3" I find many "unisex" smalls too large). I can only speak for the bikes I've ridden, and I would recommend the Santa Cruz superlight to anyone - I have the medium Juliana, and I love it - light for a full suspension. I hear the new Santa Cruz Blur is supposed to be excellent at reducing pedal bob, but I've not ridden one myself. How much money you want to spend is another issue - you have the whole world of custom bikes to consider if you've got the dough. What's your range?
T

[stumpy]

I drooled over the Santa Cruz Blur last night. However, the frame alone is 1800.00. I would love to have it but it is just a hair out of my price range. I think I will have something in the ball park of about $2000. 00 to spend. Thanks foryour help.

[zzyxzz]

Just for an outside opinion...

I own a SC Blur. All I can say is...Oh-my-f***in-god!
It is a great bike. It tracks well, descends like it has double the travel, and climbs like a scalded monkey.

If you can stretch your budget, it will be your best investment ever. You won't regret it.

I know 4 others who ride one; they all love this bike.

[stumpy]

Is there any bob oin the suspension when you climb?

[The Rose]

if your looking for no bob climbing check out the giant nrs. the suspension is designed to top out under pedal input but it still reacts to trail input. I think there are 4 different models so i'm sure you can find one that fits your budget. I've ridden giants for the last few years and i'm very impessed with the overall quality of the bikes they put out. you cant beat them for bang for the buck either.:D

[stumpy]

I know Giants are nice bikes but they jsut aren't for me. I went to the Santa Cruz site and looked at the Blur and was really impressed. I have looked at it before and thought it was out of my price range but I want this to be my last bike so I can probably come up with an extrea buck or two if I find something I love. I am going to go look at some Santa Cruz bikes at a local bike shop this afternoon. WooHoo

[The Rose]

doesnt santa cruz make the juliana model of the superlight frame? its feminine geometry might be worth taking a look at. i think a hard tail is also available. at pedros a few years ago i had a chance to talk to the people that desined the juliana ( wayland maybe??) and its more than just geometry the handle bars are a different thickness, the stem is shorter and its rigged for a lighter rider. ( i think most fs bikes now are set up for the 150 lb rider ) ok thats my little contribution to the santa cruz thing good luck.

[thanita]

Yup, the Juliana is basically a tweaked superlight, available in both hardtail and full suss. It's a great bike, I love it (have had a small, now a medium) - good standover, etc. But I'm short, so my options are somewhat limited - the Blur is supposed to eclipse the superlight as far as reducing pedal bob goes, but I'm happy with my ride - don't know anyone who isn't pleased w/ their superlight.

I'd ride as many bikes as you can get your hands on before you buy - nothing compares with checking out what the ride feels like to YOU.
T

[stumpy]

I plan to ride a lot of bikes. What is crappy is that I can't take a lot of them on an actual trail. I do always look for hills to ride though. I guess if the bob isn't there when I am on the street, then it should be a good ride on the trail. Here's a stupid question: Any suggestions on how to test ride when I can't get to a trail?

I was planning to look at a Blur at my LBS this week but work got in the way so I have to wait until I get back from vacation. I REALLY want a new bike but I am going to take my time so I get exactly what I want.

Also, a girlfriend of mine who is about my size is going to let me ride her Turner tonight. What a friend.....to let someone ride their Turner. WOW!!!!

[thanita]

Not a stupid question at all, pavement doesn't tell very much about a bike. I would suggest going over some curbs, whatever urban lumps you can find to test the bike under "real" conditions. Just make sure you don't try that 3' jump for the first time on a test ride - I'm pretty sure neither the shop nor you will be happy with a mangled rig!

I'd also ask the bike shop for suggestions of where you can try the bike - if they're cool, they will understand.
Good luck,
T