WSD Mtn Bikes

[VenusdeVelo]

Hi all, wondering if anyone out there has tried the WSD (women's specific design) mountain bikes by Gary Fisher or Trek. I have a WSD 5200 road bike I absolutely love, it's the first time in 10 years of road riding my bike actually fit me. I ride it and not vice versa. And yes, I have had professional bike fits, loads of them, I just know I am suited for WSD (so let's not debate that point

I am limiting my search to Gary Fisher if I can (the Big Sur or Tassajara) if I can (I am living in Europe right now, so I am limited in terms of brands also). I would consider Trek though, but they are harder to get a hold of. I had a Trek dualie, and I am looking now for a hardtail. My mtn bike riding here will be also limited to more single track, not much in terms of real "mountain" or anything. I tried a hardtail a few times and I just like their efficiency better, and I have no back problems....

Anyone try a Gary Fisher and like it/dislike it? What about a WSD version? I am a roadie at heart, but want to do some fun MTB on the weekends here ...

[Irulan]

personally I don't like GF bikes because I do not think they are the best value for the money, and they have a history drivetrain problems ( you can google Gary Fisher bikers and chain suck)
www.mtbr.com has a bike review section. You have to take the reviews with a grain of salt but you will find a lot of comments there.

formica

[JanT]

Several years ago I was shopping for a hardtail mountain bike, and it came down to a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo e Koo or TREK 6700WSD. The geometries felt about the same to me, and they had similar components and prices. I bought the TREK simply because I'd enjoyed my first TREK mountain bike, and because I wanted to buy it at the LBS two miles from my house, which has provided me great service. Some friends have the HOO KOO's and they have had good luck with them. Can't address the other models. Have fun shopping!

[annie]

Venus,

I, too, have a 5200 Trek WSD which I treasure. I know what you mean concerning fit. I, too, find a WSD bike to be the best fit for me. Anyway, I can't tell you anything about the GF bikes, having never owned one. But I do have a Trek 6500 WSD mtb. (Comparable modell now is the 6700.) Again, the fit is what I want. I feel like I am riding the bike, not like it is taking me for a ride. I tried a coule other bikes, but came back to the 6500 because it felt the best. It's certainly not a high-end bike...............I don't ride off-road enough to justify getting a better one (yet - who knows what the future holds!) but it's comfortable, it fits me, and other than the weight, I love it. I've never had any problems with it. I consider it a great starter bike for going off-road. If I ever got more serious about off-road I would probably want something better, but 'til then, it's enough bike to keep me happy. Just was out on it today, in fact, and I am still smiling.
Good luck with your choice. I hope you are able to find something just right for you!

annie

[Jo-n-NY]

Actually I have a Raliegh Tara. I also do not do much MTB but it is extemely comfortable and easy to handle. I even put smoother tires on it and road the Bike NY 5 Borough Bike a Thon with it because on some of those roads I did not want to use my road bike.

Just another idea for you.

[Barb]

I tried the GF Tassahara and the WSD Tass. I am 5'4 with a short torso and was not really comfortable on the WSD. For me it was the narrow handlebars. I am picking up my Tassahara next week.