Specialized mtb's

[southjerseygirl]

I'm a road rider looking to get a hardtail for some easy mountainbiking with my husband and friends. I'm considering the 2009 Specialized Myka HT Expert and Myka HT Pro. Anyone have experience with either of these bikes? Since I'm still learning about mtb components, are the differences in these two models significant enough to warrant the extra cost of the Pro? I plan to test a few in the near future, but any advice beforehand is welcome!

[Irulan]

foremost, do specialized frames fit you well? Have you tried them?

[BikeDutchess]

I just got my first mtb as well, and went with a Specialized Myka HT Sport Disc. The Cannondale I was able to try was the wrong size for me (and I didn't like the colors ). The Specialized was a good fit (just like my Dolce was for my road rides), and I love the LBS where I got it so I know I'll get good service. I don't plan on doing any extreme mountain biking, so I was only looking for an entry-level model but I did want disc brakes.

[For what it's worth, my son thinks the entry-level and the high-end Specialized mtb's are a good value for what you spend, but he thinks the middle range is less so. But that's only his opinion. ]

[pinkbikes]

I have a Kona for my HT and a Spesh for my dually, so no personal knowledge of either bike, but looking at these two there is not a lot between them. At a brief glance they look to have pretty much the same spec for fork, frame and similar levels of componentry other than wheels and brakes.

While some people love their Avid Juicy brakes, but plenty also don't. And the Tektro Auriga Comp have done a good job on the bikes of a few people I know, so I suspect it's more a personal preference on feel or a brand loyalty thing and you could flip a coin either way.

If it were me I probably wouldn't cough up the extra $$ if I was happy enough with the feel of the brakes and if the wheels were of similar weight on both bikes. The cheaper ones are still eyeleted (a must for disk brakes)and a reputable brand.

For my money, if all else is the same, I look for a decent fork (they are the same) the best rear derailleur in the price bracket (both Deore SL) and a minimum standard for wheels and brakes (which they both meet). So much of a muchness really.

FWIW I got the Spesh Fastrak tyres on mine when it came and am not a fan. I find them way too slippery, not good at shedding mud - really only nice if you are riding in hardpacked tight surfaces where you want a progressive slide rather than good bite. I got somewhat sneered at by the bike shop for changing back to a much grippier, versatile and robust (and yes - heavier) Maxxis Ignitor for a more reasuring ride. I don't need the ten tenths of speed on the dirt!

Good luck and i hope you enjoy your choice.

[southjerseygirl]

Thanks for the input! I haven't yet tried any Specialized mountain bikes (I hope to get a tester for the weekend), but I have a Ruby Pro that fits perfectly. I'm focusing on Specialized since that's what my LBS sells and we have a great relationship with them, but I'm not against checking out other brands as well.

Glad to hear there might not be much difference in the brakes since that was a clear difference between the two models. Anyone know anything about this particular fork and/or either set of wheels?

[southjerseygirl]

A friend also suggested the Trek 6700 WSD. Any opinions on this bike?

Also, just because a women's-specific road bike fits me well, does that mean I should only focus on women's mountain bikes? I'm 5'2" with about a 30 inch inseam -- could a men's bike be adjusted easily to fit me? Just trying to keep my options open.

[Aggie_Ama]

If you like the LBS tell them "Don't sell me WSD because I am a woman. I want what fits!" I am 5'2" and like WSD due to a shorter torso, some women do not have a really short torso like me and the standard top tube length is not a big issue. My mountain bike is WSD but I got it off craigslist. It has not been professionally fitted. It works for me though.

[Irulan]

There is lots of good information on what WSD is and is not, for mountain biking, here:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=176458

Mostly, it's a geometry thing, with WSD being for a "typical" female that has longer legs and a shorter torso. For some women, this makes a huge difference, but not all. I have both, WSD and regular ( mens') bikes.

WSD may or may not also include the following: women's saddle, more narrow handle bars, or smaller brake levers. Most of these items can be changed on any bike.

[pinkbikes]

Also, just because a women's-specific road bike fits me well, does that mean I should only focus on women's mountain bikes? I'm 5'2" with about a 30 inch inseam -- could a men's bike be adjusted easily to fit me? Just trying to keep my options open.

Like they say, it probably depends on your dimensions. That being said, I had always riden men's bikes for roadies and it wasn't until I started mountian bike riding that I got a WSD. Turns out I'm who they are made for (tragic short torso for height) but I must say I still happily ride my men's roadie (albeit with a little shorter stem now I know).

IMO because you are so very mobile over a MTB and where your weight is is SO important when you ride one, it is probably even MORE important to have WSD for your MTB than it is for your roadie if you are that WSD sort of proportion. It really helps you to keep your weight in the right places.

I'm 5'3" with about a 30.5" inseam. At 5'2" and 30" inseam it sounds to me like you're pretty much a WSD proportion (lots of leg for height.) So it may be a bit of a fiddle to get a men's bike to be a good fit?

[Caroline]

Does anyone have a photo of a rockhopper @ sz 13.5? I am just curious to see how it looks, i am getting a MTB next month and i am 5'0. I was told the 13.5 MTB looked 'wrong' ... I dont really have a choice.

[Irulan]

who told you that? Some six foot tall guy?

I hate to send you gals somewhere else, but in the women's lounge at MTBR there are many, many short gals who post regularly and can give the beta on many different bike types and frame sizes, whether you want a 29er ( yes, short people CAN ride 29-ers) a regular hardtail or FS, or a downhill bike.

[pinkbikes]

Does anyone have a photo of a rockhopper @ sz 13.5? I am just curious to see how it looks, i am getting a MTB next month and i am 5'0. I was told the 13.5 MTB looked 'wrong' ... I dont really have a choice.

Caroline

I don't have a picture of a 13.5" rockhopper but I do have a picture of a 13" Trek. This is my DD's first ever "grown-up MTB" with 26" wheels. I know it's not quite the same, but picture it with the seat up a bit more...(like it is now a year later).... Looks pretty "normal" to me!

I think people who say small frames look "wrong" probably just haven't seen enough bikes! Tell them to get a life, and you just enjoy your bike to the max in whatever size it comes!