Which bike do you ride & why?

[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.

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.

Oh, c'mon now. Who do you think you're kidding?

[Trek420]

Oh, c'mon now. Who do you think you're kidding?

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

[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.