Which bike do you ride & why?

[lilred]

:)I'm really curious to know how many of you ride women specific frames.
What do you ride and why did you choose it? Are you still happy with your choice? Is it a women's specific frame?
Just curious.

[TrekJeni]

I ride a WSD Trek 6700 for mtbing. My cross bike is a Fuji Cross Pro (not women's specific) and my road bike is a lowly little Trek 1000 (also not a WSD).

Although I am only 5'4", I've got decently long legs and fit mens bikes okay. I like the fit of all of my bikes. The boyfriend (who's family owns a local bike shop) says, "They work".

My advice is to ride everything, take notes, narrow down your list, and ride some more.

I didn't help did I? :D:D:D:D:D

Jeni

[mimitabby]

I ride a custom bike. I guess it's WSD because I'm longer in the leg and shorter in the torso and I'm less than 5'4"
My bike was made by guys who live in my town. I like that very much. There are things I don't like about my bike, but they are minor; and today when i was sailing down the road at 19mph (tailwind :D:D:D ) there wasn't a bike in the world I'd rather have!

[bike4ever]

I'm currently on a Salsa Ala Carte - nice regular steel frame. I've regularly been on men's frames due to my body geometry.

[Irulan]

I have four mountain bikes. Only one is wsd frame, and that is only because it was the right bike at the right price at the right time at the right shop. I did not "intentionally" go looking for wsd.

[crazycanuck]

I just ride a Scott Scale 40..

[KnottedYet]

I have four bikes (Waterford X12, Surly Crosscheck, Giant RS940, Kona Smoke).

None are WSD.

All are steel. And I love them all.

[NbyNW]

Kinda wordy, but I hope it answers your questions --

I would probably consider a WSD bike if I were shopping for something new, as I get the impression that they seem to be designed for short torso/long legs. Not that my legs are particularly long (I'm 5'1"), but I think my torso is short based on how clothes fit, or don't. What I struggle with is that some of the LBS' that I've been to that carry WSD bikes . . . often don't have them in a size that is small enough for me to test ride!

I think my MTB pre-dates the concept of WSD . . . at any rate, I don't recall the term being tossed around when I bought it in 1998. It was the only thing that fit me in my budget at the time. It's a GT Rebound, size 12.5". I'm still happy with it . . . but to be honest I haven't had a chance to take it off road in 5 years (I blame grad school and injury), so recently it has become my neighborhood/utility bike. The knobby tires are going back on this summer, though. This is the cheapest, heaviest, ugliest bike I own but it holds the most sentimental value. The longer I have it the more I love it.

For years I thought my MTB was the tiniest bike ever, but then I met my road bike, which is a Rodriguez Rainier, size "S1" which is their smallest standard size (I measure it at 43cm) but I can't say for sure if it's WSD. I'm told that the frame design is based on measurement data they've collected from years of building custom bikes for petite riders who are mostly women. Love it. It does all the work for me on hills. Chose it b/c Rodriguez has excellent customer service and they make bikes for small riders, and they're 10 minutes away from me. And a good chunk of it was paid for by an insurance claim.

My folding bike that I commute on is a Dahon SpeedPro TT. Dahons are one-size-fits-most. It fits me just fine, it's peppy, I love the color, and it stays safely under my desk while I work. And I wanted to support my friend's company, because I think it's going in a really good direction.

[BluePeace2]

I ride a Radon Mid season, we got it because it fitted, was in my price range and had what I wanted on it. I found the breaks that I wanted and was going to have those breaks! I looked at a women's specific but it cost more and had lower components on it oh and they had run out of my size :) so mens bike it is :)
M road bike was hand made for the girl who had it before me so I guess you could say it's women's specific :)

[Eden]

I have an '05 Specialized Ruby Pro. It is a WSD and in general there are no unisex bikes that are made to fit a 5' nothing like me. Not only am I short, I am the stereotypical longer legged, short torso build, so WSD does fit me better.

I went with the Ruby as it was the only high end stock bike I could get that year that would actually fit me properly.... I had been racing for a year and was looking for an upgrade from my relatively heavy aluminium Fuji. I think since then a few more companies have brought out a small high end model. I am very happy with my bike and I don't regret it at all.

[7rider]

My mtb is a '03 Klein Palomino. It's not WSD, but I generally can't fit WSD frames. I did swap out the stem for something a little shorter and with a bit more rise. For the all of about a half dozen times I use it a year, it seems to work fine. It's a better bike than I am a rider.
My commuter and road bike are also not WSD. My road bike is custom, so it is specific to me.

[Aggie_Ama]

My mountain bike is a Scott Contessa 30 (WSD) because it was a steal on Craigslist ($200 minimal wear). Seems to fit pretty well and is teaching me mountain biking, very happy with this choice.

My road bike is a Cannondale WSD because it fit me well (longish legs, short short torso). I know I made the right decision on this one, it fits like a glove.

My commuter is a KHS Flite Road bike (men's) because it was cheap and fit good enough. I wish this one fit me a little better but it is a commuter so it works.

[ima_bleeder]

I ride a 29" HT (Niner e.m.d.) mountain bike, and a Specialized Tri-Cross 'cross bike.

Neither of my bikes is WSD, although I'd consider it in a future bike. I'm 5'4" and have the smallest possible stem on the mountain bike. And I ride a stretched out position (more XC racing than DH/Freeride). So maybe my legs are longer than I think they are.

I'm restricted by budget, but when it's possible I'm interested in picking up a FS mountain bike, and possibly a road bike. And when I finally have the cash I might still end up with a "regular" men's frame for my next bike, but I think it's a good idea to test ride as many bikes as possible before committing, and that will include the WSD options.

[SadieKate]

I have three mountain bikes - Titus Racer X, Marin Mt Vision and a Litespeed Unicoi - each for a difference use. None are women specific, but none are stock bikes. Even at 5'3", I've found that finetuning things like bar width and suspension settings gets you what you need for performance. Choosing components like brake levers for reach adjustment is critical. But none of these things are "woman" specific. There are lots of men who have the same issues.

Fit on a mtb is not the micromillimeter measurement demand that a road bike can require. I like all my bikes for what I do with them.

[Crankin]

I have a mid level FS Norco mountain bike. It's a size small (15"). I think I could have bought the extra small, but it's fine for the little bit of mountain biking I do. I'm 5' 1", with short legs, a petite sized torso, and average hands for short arms. I had 2 wsd road bikes and now I have a Kuota that is essentially too big for me. Don't ask. I told the shop owner I had stupid written all over my face. I have had the brakes shimmed and a shorter stem put on, but I still don't feel comfortable descending in the drops. He said he would take the frame back and work with me, but after 2 years of riding it, I guess I am used to it. And, I am embarrassed that I bought it.

[GLC1968]

I'm 5'4" with very short legs. I have a very old Specialized Rockhopper MTB. It's not WSD and it fits me fine for what I use it for (casual all-terrain rides).

Both of my road bikes are WSD - but they have to be to get the right dimensions without going custom.

[wolfak]

#1
'03 Diamondback Wildwood Deluxe - chose because it fitted well, had nicer feel and look compared to the base model. I've pimped it out sufficiently into a commuter with rack, grocery bags, fenders, all the works.

#2
'07 Trek 1600 WSD Roadie - chose because it fit the best of any of the road bikes I had tested. Also, I really, REALLY liked the color, the light weight, and the feel. However, I sometimes have questions/concerns. I'm 5'8" and a men's frame size may have suited me as well. It has a Bontrager Fit women's seat, and I do like it for the reason I have it - exercise, longer rides with DH. I'm having some shoulder issues from riding on it (I've got some extra flab to love, er, lose) and am considering a different stem and/or handlebars. One of my LBS clerks had cautioned that WSD bikes were geared toward smaller gals and the smaller width handlebars might be too narrow for me. I'm considering an adjustable stem that I have seen on some touring bikes.

If I could do it over again...
I might have more strongly considered selling the DB and buying a cyclo-cross or touring styled cycle that could serve my needs for commuting and weekend recreation.

[Trek420]

Commuter: 12 year old GT Outpost trail. Pictures somewhere here on a powdercoat thread. Why? Cause it fits and is a hoot to ride.

Mixte: '70's Motobecane converted to a freewheel. Why? Because it makes people smile just to see it.

Road: custom Mondonico Futura Legero, why? Because it fits me like a pair of jeans, I'm 5' nuthin' so went custom. And it's beeyooteeful and rides as good as it looks. I'll never look at another bike. :cool:

Also have a '80's lugged steel Giant RS940 which is being built up as one of Knott's bikes. I have to take her word for it that it's great since I can't even get a leg over the top tube ;)

[Zen]

I'll never look at another bike. :cool:


Oh, c'mon now. Who do you think you're kidding? :D ;)

[MtnBikerChk]

Fit on a mtb is not the micromillimeter measurement demand that a road bike can require. I like all my bikes for what I do with them.

RIGHTO!

I had a fit session before I bought my last MTB. He gave me the best dimensions and then I went out and bought the bike I wanted. We made it fit and I think I do alright ;)

Titus Motolite.

[Trek420]

Oh, c'mon now. Who do you think you're kidding? :D ;)

OK, caught me. Sure, I'm married to the Mondonico, but I'm not dead yet. :p :cool: :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

OK, caught me. Sure, I'm married to the Mondonico, but I'm not dead yet. :p :cool: :rolleyes:

This is the woman who recently sent me a PM distinctly stating that we need an Xtracycle!!!!

Oh, and what was that about a tandem? Hmm? Speak up, we can't heeeeeear you! :D

[ikkin]

just pulled the trigger on a titus motolite mtn frame. bought it because of the juliana fiasco and to have a great all-around bike.

also have a cannondale r1000 that i need to get on more often. bought that 'cause of an awesome fit at an awesome price.

[Jen-Jen]

I ride a WSD Trek 5.0 pilot and I love it. I found out that my lower half of my body is almost the same length as my torso. I also have a leg that is an inch and half shorter than my other. Compact design with WSD components works wonders with me for road bike, but I own another Trek 5000 mountain bike. I was afraid of it not being WSD, but in the smaller size it was wonderful, fit me well. I have no problems with pain, which is a problem for me if the bike doesn't fit quite right. I'm a Trek girl.

Hubby is still looking for the life time warranty on me.

[Sandrider]

I have an 8-year-old Kona Nunuu hardtail, 16 inches. I bought it because it was what I could get at the time and it has served me well for over 1,000 miles. However, I am not sure it is the right size for me because I have toe overlap. Despite the probably wrong size, the bike handles well in sand, mud, rocks, deep narrow ruts etc. I would love to check out a women's specific bike if I had the opportunity. I am trying to learn about other bikes through reading this forum!

Linda

[dirtygirl1]

#1. MTB: Norco Faze 1 (Full Suspension) - not WSD and I love the way it fits. The make a size XS and it's perfect for me out of the box (I am 5ft 4 and a petite woman). I love this bike because it is so flexible. I use it to race 24 hour enduros - it is great for climbing but also rocks on the dh sections.

#2 MTB: Norco XTC 1 (hard tail) - not WSD and i love the wat it fits. Great for short track or speedy short rides.

#3 DH Bike: Norco Sasquach - again, not WSD but again, i love the fit.

#4 Road: Giant TCR1 - not wsd but the fit is right.

#5: Commuter: Norco OCR3

I guess you can say that I like the way the Norco fits ... they make an XS and this makes me happy :-)

Best bet is to get fitted properly on the bike you decide you like - most bikes can be adjusted to fit you if they are close. The other more spendy option is to get a custom frame built.

[Crankin]

Ah, another mistake. I knew I should have bought the Norco x small.
But, my road bike issue is being rectified. I tried out another Kuota frame, that was only produced for a short time. I could stand over it! So, the first week in Sept. we will be switching out my components to this frame, along with a different bar and brifters. I am happy that the shop is doing this for me for free. He does not want me complaining around town. He knows I lead rides/have contact with a lot of riders and could really poison his business if he doesn't make me happy.

[jayno67]

I've had alot of bikes, none women specific. All fit nice with the right stem length, and seat post (ie layback or zero setback) but I am prolly average build 5'6" with longish legs so WSD not really needed IMO.

Current bikes -

Niner MCR 29er size medium, 90mm stem zero set back post, was gonna go for a small frame, this being a 29er I still had this brain blockage that you have to be a big girl to ride one, not so Med is the go. Geometry on this bike is totally DIALLED.

Jamis Dakar XC pro dually - 17" wonderful fit - this bike feels tiny now I ride a Niner

Jamis Dragon 17" - perfect fit - lovely bike now feels like a pram compared to Niner

Kona Explosive from the ninetys single speed to run the dog and ride down the shops

[stephanie1129]

I ride a Santa Cruz Blur XC, which is not women specific, but I bought it because it fit me better than any non-custom full suspension that I have tried. (Santa Cruz's women specific bike, the Juliana, has the same effective top tube, but had a higher stand over.) I am only 5'0" and my inseam is barely 27". I put a slightly shorter stem on it than what it came with, and it fits like a dream.

I have a beater hardtail mountain bike that I use as my spare, or to ride to school, or let friends borrow. It's an XS (13in) Novara Piedra, which is women specific. The geometry is different from the blur, more upright, but I don't think that's due to the fact it's women specific because the men's version, Novara Aspen, has the same kind of geometry. I think Novara just didn't do a great job with the XS frames. Fine for riding around town or a back-up bike, and I can't complain about the price.

[bike4ever]

So now I get to change. I was on a Salsa Ala Carte (look here soon to be for sale). I am now on a Gary Fisher Paragon. This is their high end 29er hardtail. I am absolutely loving it. Oh, and I'm 5'4", and the bike fits perfect.

[fastdogs]

got a photo of the paragon? Did you go from full suspension to hardtail- do you like it better? Not trying to hijack- I have a trek 7200 hybrid and a gary fisher wahoo and a downtube FS9 folding bike. I am just interested in hardtail 29er vs full suspension 29er.
I'm heavy, and old, and not too crazy about getting bounced around so much any more.
vickie

[bike4ever]

My Salsa was a hard tail and so is the Paragon. I went from 26" wheels to 29" wheels. I wasn't ready to jump to the full suspension yet.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I ride a Trek Fuel EX 9.0 that I won in the Project One design contest :p
I'm 5'2" on a men's small which is a little tall but they don't do the carbon frame any smaller. I love it.
I can't do WSD- too short in the cockpit. I just got fitted for a road bike and need a 50cm men's frame, so wsd isn't for everyone, even us short gals.