3 spec lists - Trek 6000 WSD, Specialized Rockhopper, or Trek 4500 Special Edition?

[Chicago rider]

I'm a little surprised both the Specialized and Treks fit. Granted, I just briefly looked at their respective geometries, but the TT of the Specialized looks to be a bit longer than the comparably sized Treks. When you did your test ride, did you move around the bike like you might expect to on the trail?

I did move around the seat on it's rails more so for the 4500 and Rockhopper (this one I moved seat all the way to front) so to reach the handlebars more comfortably. I tried the 14.5 size Trek 6000, the 13" Trek 4500, and the 13" Rockhopper. It seemed to me that the 6000 had a shorter top tube which makes sense from what I read about this WSD model.

I guess with the fits, I paid more attention to the stand over clearance. I made the mistake of buying a 16" Trek 4500 a few years back and was always scared to death when on technical trails fearing I wouldn't have enough room to step off w/a lean. My old Trek 4500 is now going to my taller partner as it actually fits her. I really hope she starts to dig mountain biking as much as she loves city and path riding.

[indysteel]

I did move around the seat on it's rails more so for the 4500 and Rockhopper (this one I moved seat all the way to front) so to reach the handlebars more comfortably. I tried the 14.5 size Trek 6000, the 13" Trek 4500, and the 13" Rockhopper. It seemed to me that the 6000 had a shorter top tube which makes sense from what I read about this WSD model.

I guess with the fits, I paid more attention to the stand over clearance. I made the mistake of buying a 16" Trek 4500 a few years back and was always scared to death when on technical trails fearing I wouldn't have enough room to step off w/a lean. My old Trek 4500 is now going to my taller partner as it actually fits her. I really hope she starts to dig mountain biking as much as she loves city and path riding.

I'm not sure you understoof my question. I was wondering if, during your test ride, did you get out of the saddle and move around the bike like you will expect do on the trail. You don't spend as much time sitting on the saddle like you do on a road bike.

But that said, you made a few interesting statements that bear on fit. I do not recommend moving a saddle forward or back to get the right reach. Rather, a saddle should be placed to accommodate your knees as they relate to the pedals. Use a stem or different bars to change reach. I would suggest comparing the geometries of these three bikes in the sized you tried. Trek WSDs are not typically all that different from their unisex counterparts. Also, you might look at Specialized Myka's line if you're on the short side.

[Chicago rider]

I'm not sure you understoof my question. I was wondering if, during your test ride, did you get out of the saddle and move around the bike like you will expect do on the trail. You don't spend as much time sitting on the saddle like you do on a road bike.

But that said, you made a few interesting statements that bear on fit. I do not recommend moving a saddle forward or back to get the right reach. Rather, a saddle should be placed to accommodate your knees as they relate to the pedals. Use a stem or different bars to change reach. I would suggest comparing the geometries of these three bikes in the sized you tried. Trek WSDs are not typically all that different from their unisex counterparts. Also, you might look at Specialized Myka's line if you're on the short side.

Thanks for the tips indysteel! I went back to the store and tried different positions and made sure the seat was centered on the rails per your suggestion. The Specialized was no longer in my comfy reach. The Myka seemed a bit cramped for me and I just didn't like the "girliness" look of it. Probably because of the curvature of one of the frame bars. The 4500 and 6000 were the best fits but I felt a tiny bit cramped on the 13" 4500. I decided to go with the 6000 even though I had a bit less stand over room than the 4500. I took her for a test ride this evening and she rides like a dream. So happy! Now to get her on the trails this weekend. I worry a bit about only having an inch of stand over room but I have 7 days to return it for money back or an exchange.