STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

Permagrin

Ok, so I'm (still) in the market for a FS. I know I want something that can take a beating (durable) that I don't have to worry about hurting or regularly replacing parts on, at least 4" of travel (5 maybe? doesn't matter as long as its more than my HT), disc brakes (avid, hayes or shimano) and a lockout rear would be a plus but it's not required. The rest is standard stuff, I'll get platform pedals (don't say it) and I don't need anything super high end. The kicker is that I need to stay around or under $1000-$1300 if possible...

Question for the girls who ride women specific bikes: Is it worth the extra cost and do you really notice a difference with the wsd vs the same size in a men's bike?

Question for the masses: Do I spend a bit more and get the warranty or spend less and go used?

I found a nice Trek Fuel EX8 WSD on craigs list but I'm torn between new and used. How much does standard bike repair cost (average usual repairs, tune ups, etc) if there's no warranty? I'd do some of it myself if I knew how, and I'm willing to learn but right now I have to go with taking it in for worst case costs.

Thanks for the info.

__________________
"One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning."
- James Russell Lowell

sdyeti

I think it depends what kind of body type you have. I am short (5'3") and I found (when I was in the market for an AM bike) that many manuf. did not make a small enough bike. I am spoiled, though, because the last two bikes I got were ones that I had custom built. I got to choose stem length, crank length, bar width, etc ahead of time. Some guys bikes will come with stems, cranks, bars, etc that are too wide or long...so if you're thinking about buying a pre-built bike, keep in mind that you may have to spend $$ to change things to fit you.

I personally like having the piece of mind of a warranty, but that's just me. Keep in mind a cracked frame or some other frame failure is always a possibility. If you're buying from someone you know and trust, well that may be different.

A few years ago, when I was looking for a race bike, I checked out some of the "women's specific" bikes. The componentry sucked compared to the price point. But, I think they have gotten better in the past couple years. I rode a Specialized Saphire (full sus women's Stumpy) on a demo ride and I really liked it. Another good one is the Era (women's Epic).

Bottom line as with any bike, try to get out and ride as many bikes as you can so you can get an idea about what fits you best.

IMHO, spend a little more to get a little more. You will be happier in the long run. Cheap components = bad.

__________________
My Blog: Two Wheel Love
THE PATH-Love the Bike You Ride

Wrecker

I second the trying it out first and checking out the components/price.

I know a lot of women that love the WSD and they fit great. However, at 5'9 with a longer torso/leg combo than most, I am not comfortable on them (too compact feeling).

As for used bikes, you may be able to find a great deal out there. But, be sure to have it checked out before purchasing for any of the problems mentioned above.

If you do get a used bike, remember that the parts will be worn and may need to be replaced sooner than brand new stuff.

Of course, the flip side is that you can get components you may not be able to afford otherwise.

I've heard too many horror stories of craigs list/ebay, so you may want to chat with someone that has experience with them prior to any purchases.

__________________

sdyeti

Also, you may need some patience, but you never know what will show up in the Marketplace here!

__________________
My Blog: Two Wheel Love
THE PATH-Love the Bike You Ride

jeffj

Make sure it fits you. If that is a wsd, then so be it, if not, don't sweat it. It's all about having more choices.

I don't know your size range, but you might check out these:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=4946

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=4705

Also you might check with this shop:

http://www.performancecyclery.com/

They frequently have some good prices on older stock as you see by their web page.

Pho'dUp

WSD or not? It all depends on the rider. Like Wrecker said, most WSD bikes are usually shorter effective top tube b/c most ladies have longer legs and shorter torsos. (Wahoo!)

If it's used, well, best situation is to buy from someone you know so you know if it's been abused or not.

Maybe ride some bikes find aframe you like and find a good deal on a frame. And build it by posting WTB's ads here on STR. Folks been building some killer bikes on the cheap here these days!

__________________
I know the saying goes "Measure twice and cut once", but I prefer my method of "casually estimate once, cut once, and regret forever". -teamdicky

northshore

The previous issue of MBA Mag had a great article about trail bikes in certain price ranges. Haro, KHS, *cough*Iron Horse*cough*, Marin, and Santa Cruz had bikes in the 1000-1500 range with some decent components.

__________________
Hawaiian Island Creations
Ride it: dw-link.com/reasons
http://kencolada.blogspot.com

Pato

Nathalie,

WSD are built around the premise that women have long legs and a short torso ratio as compared to men. If this is you (I haven't really paid attention enough to remember if this fits your description), then a WSD may be a good idea. If it isn't, don't be pressured into getting one by the salesperson or feel that you need one.

$1300 won't get you much in terms of a new FS, but you may find something if you really look around and can find an 06/07 somewhere. I'll hopefully have my Ibis built up by the middle of April and you can try it out. I know it's out of your price range, but at least it's another bike you can test out on the trail. We still need to get you a proper "fitted" test ride on my Foes sometime.

Try The Path. Looks like they are having an STR special on their 08 Iron Horse bikes.

The "Dino Brown special"

Duc

__________________
"To take yourself too seriously is foolish. To take what I say seriously is just plain stupid!" - Wise Vietnamese man

cbharping

I am just under 5'4" and I fall into the category of women with a shorter torso and longer legs. To date, I have never owned a WSD. I never needed to, I've always found bikes to fit me(with a lot of research and by test riding a number of different bikes/brands). I tried a Santa Cruz Juliana a year or so ago and found the top tube was too short for me! So you never know.

Like the others have said, try everything. You may find a WSD more comfortable, you may not. Many bikes have a shorter top tube, so you have several options out there to try along with the WSD.

__________________
My MTB Blog
My Harp Blog
The Path Bike Shop in Tustin

CeeDubb

Do you think you'd fit on Guero's Santa Cruz?

It's a medium. How tall are you?

And Carla has a point. Ladies have been ripping it up for years...long before there were Women Specific Designs...

__________________

allison

Agreed on what Pato said. WSD is good for some (as mentioned by others). Like Wrecker, I've got a long torso and short legs, so men's bikes usually fit fine. However, I also have been putting build's together instead of buying pre-built lately.

For your price point, you probably won't get the greatest components on a full suspension. The bike will be heavier all around.

__________________
My Blog
The Path
Crank Brothers

un-kola

If $1300 is your pricepoint my $.02 says buy the best upgradable frame you can get then when parts wear out you can easily upgrade.Again my $.02 worth.- Lloyd

__________________
Damn,gunna need a lot of stitches for this one.

Permagrin

I'm 5'3" and I do have longer legs and shorter torso but the bike I'm riding now "feels" right even though I've never been measured.

Pato - I thought I rode the Foes at Turnbull? The one I did ride felt really comfortable and I'm ok with a previous years model.

__________________
"One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning."
- James Russell Lowell

Pato

Yes, but you rode it as it was set up for me. The seat was a bit too high for you and I probably have about 40+ lbs. on you with all my gear. Not only that, you were riding it with my clipless pedals while wearing regular shoes. Not very comfy or safe. I want you to take it for a real ride up AND down different types of trails not just smooth fire roads.

Once I build up my Ibis I take both of them out to the trail and set them up for you. Then you can do a side by side comparison. If I recall correctly, Ur2klos had also offered to let you try out his bike. If we can arrange a day for him to bring out his bike that would be almost perfect. Demo three different bikes and suspension designs all in one day.

__________________
"To take yourself too seriously is foolish. To take what I say seriously is just plain stupid!" - Wise Vietnamese man

Bryguy17

i will say if you're looking at trek fuel exs, consider the 08 model. I love mine. as far as which sizing to go, just go try them all out and see what you like best

ericfoltz

You might try the LH Performance. I seem to remember them having Iron Horse Azures and MkIIIs (not sure which builds) on clearance at right around the price you're looking at. Good bikes with good reviews.

__________________
Portfolio: http://www.ericfoltz.com
Race & Event pics: http://www.ericfoltz.photoreflect.com

guero

i like ceedub's idea. you are welcome to come check it out anytime. i would suggest borrowing a shorter stem, maybe a 50mm or a 70mm, mine has a 100mm on it.

__________________
for a good time, click ---> Adrenaline Bikes

gennydv

I've been building up my own bikes for a number of years and have to say that my '06 Giant Trance (16") WSD is the best riding/handling bike I've owned. For the price point ($2200) it was a good mix of components and the WSD frame is 1/2 lb lighter than the men's frame.

The bike I had before the Trance was my Intense Tracer (SM) but for my height (5'6") I had to make a lot of adjustments to get it to fit me. You're welcome to try them both out (PM me), both are in great mechanical shape (I do my own work) and the Intense Tracer is for sale. ($1K)

dudevf1

Be careful with the Trek Fuel, check out the suspension under braking and make sure you are happy with it.

Permagrin

How quickly we forget. Now I remember the shoe thing. And I did try Jeff's b