Looking for bike suggestions

I'm starting to look into replacing my trek 4300 with a full suspension, and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what bikes to look at. I'm primarily looking for a lightweight xc design, this will be used on mostly single track with some moderate climbs. I've been riding quite a bit this year, my hubby as a dedicated mtn bike rider is dragging me into his hobby. I admit, I'm having a lot of fun riding. I know the best way to find a bike is by swinging a leg over as many as possible, but I'm having a small problem finding bikes to try. I'm only 5'2 (on a tall day ha-ha) and have a 28" inseam. sigh :o There just aren't that many bikes hanging around for me to try. I figure if I can get some suggestions on bikes with a low standover, then I can focus my search a little tighter.

It's really unfortunate that I'm not aware of any used bike stores on the internet that let you test ride the bikes before buying. I did that when I bought a new saddle for my horse, granted the shipping got a little expensive,but it's better than spending 2k on something that you can't sit on.

So, anyone have any thoughts on bikes for short, old ladies?

Oh yes, also... HI, I'm new here. :)

Titus Racer X - fabulous XC bike and sized for us short people

Do a little search on this forum and you'll find that several of us have one.

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Titus Racer X - fabulous XC bike and sized for us short people

Do a little search on this forum and you'll find that several of us have one.

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Yep, I'm 5-1.5" and ride a Titus Racer-X. Great bike and great fit, also a lot lighter weight than most fullies. They are not cheap, but I got mine used so didn't have to spend quite as much as otherwise, though I did end up replacing some worn parts.

I had never heard of a Titus before, it looks like a fun bike. Thanks for the suggestions, I'm off to do some research.

The top 3 "short person friendly" XC bikes I have found:

Yeti ASR (comes in XXS, and is what I ride)
Titus Racer X (also comes in XXS and I believe can be test ridden from Competitive cyclist for a fee)
Giant (Cypher or the women's version of the Anthem)

Edited to add: I'm 4'11" and all of these fit me well (test ridden them all) with the Giant being the closest call to not fitting but still much better than most, so they should be plenty small for you.

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Originally Posted by emily_in_nc

Yep, I'm 5-1.5" and ride a Titus Racer-X. Great bike and great fit, also a lot lighter weight than most fullies. They are not cheap, but I got mine used so didn't have to spend quite as much as otherwise, though I did end up replacing some worn parts.

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I'm the same height and agree with the Racer X. Such a good fit made me seek a better road bike fit, thus ending up with a Serotta for the road.

Just wanted to mention that my Racer X is an XS, not an XXS. I probably could have ridden either one, but the XS fits me great! :) My cycling inseam is around 28.5".

Me too. 28" inseam, bike shop guy said he would not put me on an XXS.

Thanks all, I posted this similar question on a local mtb board, and someone happens to have a small juliana for sale. I'm taking her for a test ride on Sunday. She doesn't know what she wants to sell it for yet, but at the very least I'll be able to figure out if it fits.

And another plug for the Titus Racer-X (mine is an XXS). The only full-suss bike that would fit - but don't be fooled by the stated stand-over height on their website (unless they have changed it). It's nowhere near as low as they state - I called them up & they said they were quoting the height where the top tube met the seat tube - the part you couldn't stand over if you tried . . .

By the way - I think the Blur might actually have a lower standover than the Juliana??? But it's all pretty marginal. I also considered putting 24" wheels on my Titus (I am about 5'1"), but decided not to in the end. Someone else on this forum has apparently done it very successfully.

Well, the Juliana fits, was a sweet ride, and is the right price, so unfortunately, I won't be able to even try a Titus Racer X. I'm really excited about the Juliana though. I will be scoping out the other ladies bikes at the rides to see if anyone has one. Thanks everyone for your input.

Juliana's are nice bikes! Glad you found a good bike in your size and budget!

Have fun on her!

Juliana's are sweet bikes, I considered one but ultimately got a Gary Fisher Hifi Deluxe because it fit like a glove and my LBS would order a tiny one but not make me buy it. The Juliana was short-me (all 5'2 and 1/4) friendly, have fun!

+2 on the Juliana. Love it.

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Titus Racer X - fabulous XC bike and sized for us short people

Do a little search on this forum and you'll find that several of us have one.

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I agree. I have an XS TRX and I LOVE IT. I have had her three years and I race on her. Great for small people. Not cheap, but worth every, single penny.

Wouldn't we all like a Titus! If it's not in the budget, the Giant Trance is good for shorties and is a very good value.

Well, here's what I ended up with. She's got a year of use on her, but her owner will be moving to Ca soon, so wants to get a downhill bike. Good timing for me!! Of course, my husband already stole my pedals (I'm not good enough to clip in ...yet) and he's eyeing up my brakes. Hands of the brakes Buster!

Hope the picture shows up.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...&id=1185572083
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...8_446690_n.jpg