brand new and need a bike. suggestions?

[sarahkonamojo]

You will find some limitations in bike choice because of your height and inseam. I like as much standover as possible. MTB's don't have to be as precisely fitted as a road/tri bike because you move around on your bike more. But the better the fit, the happier you will be.
I ride a Specialized on the road, but my MTB brand is not on your list. Can't help you with brand choice for MTB.
Time to test ride.

[Catrin]

Test ride, test ride, test ride That really is going to be your best option if at all possible.

[Bethany1]

My LBS carries Trek and Specialized. I have a WSD Mamba 29er but I'm really tall. You would have to try a 29er to see if you like it. They may be a little big for you though.


My understanding is the WSD works better in the smaller sizes.


My only experience with Trek are the Mamba and the Fuel EX's. Fuel EX's are full suspension and I'm not sure they have a WSD model, but DH's is a 17.5 and I think they run smaller. Trek carries the Lexa which looks really nice online but my LBS doesn't carry one.

Check out stores that carry Treks and Specialized and test them out.

I was on Specialized website and they have some really sweet looking WSD mountain bikes.

Have fun!

[Aggie_Ama]

I am 5'2.5", 28.5 inseam so VERY close to you.

WSD is in theory a shorter top tube to accomodate our shorter torsos. They usually do things like smaller bars, shorter cranks, women's saddle. Here is my answers.

1.) i am drawn to the idea of a womens specific bike, but unsure whether it actually makes a difference. Depends some companies don't do alot of changes, some people who are the picture of WSD (me) don't like them. I rode a Safire (Specialized WSD) and I felt squished, I felt like I was headed to endo everytime. I used to have Gary Fisher WSD and loved it. I personally like Specialized's "unisex design.
2.) I am drawn to the idea of a 29er, but i've heard that for a smaller frame size, it might not be the best idea They have drastically improved their building of small 29ers. Two years ago I would have agreed, now I completely disagree with anyone saying us short riders can't have big wheels. I LOVE my Epic 29er, all 15.5 inches of her. I do like how fast 29ers feel, they make things smoother, anything technical they really make me more confident on. I do not believe your height limits you from trying one.
3.) if it were me, and you could pick either trek or specialized, what would you pick? any specific bikes? I have found Specialized backs their products better, it may be we have an awesome local rep but my husband had a few warranty issues on his new bike and they replaced parts no questions asked. They even warranteed his two year old shoes (technically out of warranty) because they felt the peeling sole was still a warranty issue. Plus I LOVE my Epic 29er but it is a little at the top of your price. I have ridden the Stumpjumper Hardtail and it is really fun. Full suspension will have more parts to maintain but be a more comfortable ride. Hardtail on a 29er if you don't have overly rock or huge roots may be just as comfortable. I have never riden any current Trek models so I can't speak for them.

Standover height was a huge worry for me until I tested (on trail) a couple small 29ers. I was told time and again standover was not a huge factor in mountain biking but I never believed it. I would advocate test riding on a trail if possible to see what you like.

[indysteel]

For some Treks, WSD doesn't make any difference. The geometry is nearly identical to the unisex version of the same bike. They did release a new FS WSD bike for 2011 called "Lush," however, that does have a 27-inch standover. I'm not sure if you're looking at FS bikes though. Specialized, in my experience, offers a wider range of bikes with lower standovers. Whether they're low enough for you, I don't know. I have a 29-inch inseam
and while I know it's not as a big of a deal for some, I like to have at least a little clearance. It was a struggle to find a FS bike that fit the bill and I ultimately went with a Santa Cruz Juliana. The 29ers that might have otherwise worked for me didn't offer what I wanted component wise in the price range I was looking at.

[hooslisa]

these thoughts have been fantastically helpful. thanks!!

i am so excited to get this started.

emailed LBS about seeing what they have in inventory for me to try.

i'll keep you posted.

any other info is appreciated if anyone has it, though.

[Nick]

I also went with the Small Santa Cruz Juliana. I love it. It's a perfect fit for me. I had to special order it sight unseen, but the Juliana was worth the wait.