Quote Originally Posted by tzvia View Post
Same issue here but I've got a 28 inch inseam. Went to six shops to try bikes and was disappointed till I tried a Specialized Safire and then ordered the S-Works. Not all-mountain, more a trail bike, but it is a fantastic ride with a short top tube and good standover. I also have a Giant Anthem that fits well.
Tzvia, or anyone else who might have some feedback,
I see you rode the Specialized Safire, but own the Giant Anthem W.

I'm considering both of them right now. The Safire Expert 2010, and the Giant Anthem W1 (2011). They are different, but I'm stuck regarding Specialized's brain technology, and the Talas fork (more options, more travel), and a $1000 discount off of last year's model ($3300 down to $2300). Both fit okay, but the geometry and feel is definitely different. Unfortunately the two bikes are in two different towns (an hour away), so I haven't been able to ride them back to back to really compare.

My gut tells me to go with the Giant, just because it feels faster and more responsive, and everyone says the components on it are awesome. The Safire Expert has a rear X.0 derailleur, though (Giant Anthem 1 is XTR).

Thoughts?