Specialized Ariel Sport reviews?

Does anyone have any feedback on the Specialized Ariel Sport? I test rode one today and am considering it....

I am looking for a bike to use on paved greenways and packed gravel rail/trail paths. I don't plan to do any serious mountain biking, but want something that could handle riding over the occassional bumpy off road path.

I found a few TE threads on the Ariel, but just wanted to see if there were more recent reviews.

I also test rode a Trek DS (men's version) which was too stretched out for me. I don't think the women't version (Nekko) comes in a size large enough for me. I am 5'11 and test rode a L in the Specialized and it fit well.

Thanks for any input!

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Originally Posted by Penny4

Does anyone have any feedback on the Specialized Ariel Sport? I test rode one today and am considering it....

I am looking for a bike to use on paved greenways and packed gravel rail/trail paths. I don't plan to do any serious mountain biking, but want something that could handle riding over the occassional bumpy off road path.

I found a few TE threads on the Ariel, but just wanted to see if there were more recent reviews.

I also test rode a Trek DS (men's version) which was too stretched out for me. I don't think the women't version (Nekko) comes in a size large enough for me. I am 5'11 and test rode a L in the Specialized and it fit well.

Thanks for any input!

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I have a small 2011 Ariel Sport hybrid that I am about to sell because I just bought a mountain bike. Let me know if you are in Rowland Heights, CA.

As to the bike, it's great for packed trails, but NOT good at all for gravel, sand, mud. The bike literally just stops completely in gravel, sand, mud. It's a hybrid, so it's not great at road nor at mountain biking. But it's cheap. The bike can do both packed trail and road and commute. Heavier than high quality mountain bikes. I had to upgrade my front derailleur with a chain catcher because it kept derailing. But now with my upgraded derailleur, my Ariel Sport tackles hills just fine. Very sturdy and well made.

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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

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Originally Posted by TigerMom

I have a small 2011 Ariel Sport hybrid that I am about to sell because I just bought a mountain bike. Let me know if you are in Rowland Heights, CA.

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Thanks for the feedback. No, I'm not in CA, and I need a Large :)
I won't be doing any biking in sand or mud, but may gravel on occassion. What do you mean by it just stopping? I did read your old thread about the derailler problem. Wonder if that has been fixed on the '13 model.

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Originally Posted by Penny4

Thanks for the feedback. No, I'm not in CA, and I need a Large :)
I won't be doing any biking in sand or mud, but may gravel on occassion. What do you mean by it just stopping? I did read your old thread about the derailler problem. Wonder if that has been fixed on the '13 model.

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I mean that literally. I am pedalling my bike and when I hit gravel, the bike does not move. If I keep pedalling as hard as I can, the bike will just keel over.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TigerMom

I mean that literally. I am pedalling my bike and when I hit gravel, the bike does not move. If I keep pedalling as hard as I can, the bike will just keel over.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

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The image of that in my head brought up a cartoon. Thanks for the smile, sorry that the bike does that though.