Women’s Mountain Bikes Upgrade for the Wife

SF Trailboy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
So my wife who has been riding a 26” hardtail on and off for 6 years has recently been riding more and after hiring bikes at Rotorua recently has decided it’s time for an upgrade.

I am looking for advice on a short travel 120-130mm dual suspension in 650b. She is only 158cm - so short.

At this stage I have narrowed it down to 3.

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-fs-aluminum/fluid-fs-2-womens/

https://www.liv-cycling.com/au/pique-2

https://www.canyon.com/en-au/mtb/neuron/2019/neuron-wmn-al-7-0.html

Any thoughts on these would be appreciated or if the is another option I’ve missed around the 3k mark please let me know.

Probably leaning to the Canyon but the Maestro on the Liv has upsides.
 

Minlak

custom titis
My wife has a Liv Lust 2 and loves it. And you can always get a deal somewhere on one. The Giant used to always represent great value for money. However that Canyon to me has a better spec list and a cheaper list price. If I was buying one right now for my missus it would be the Canyon.
 

creaky

XMAS Plumper
That canyon looks hot, so long as you are comfortable with choosing a size from the geo chart. Have you asked the missus ? Emotional attachment is important in choosing a bike, which we sometimes like to forget.
 

SF Trailboy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Yes I have spoken to her at which point she ruled out 3 bikes based on colour.

The canyon is new and a front runner for me, but I still like to touch and feel before buying and wouldn’t mind her having at least a car park ride.

An LBS also allows them a little set up for her...
 

creaky

XMAS Plumper
You can set it up for her, I’m sure.
I still like the canyon. What colours does she like ? Maybe a set of preferred colour grips, some tassels ?
 

Minlak

custom titis
If she wants to touch and feel and wants it before Easter then go the Giant. You will also find them discounted at some stores as they all compete with each other. I got he missus a lust 2 a few years ago for 2k down from $2699 by ringing around and getting a shop that wanted to sell.
 

dancaseyimages

Mountain bike pornographer
That canyon looks hot, so long as you are comfortable with choosing a size from the geo chart. Have you asked the missus ? Emotional attachment is important in choosing a bike, which we sometimes like to forget.
Canyon do returns to their Melbourne warehouse to, just in case you get the wrong size or the bike doesnt suit you. I was on the phone with them earlier last month to confirm the return process if its not the right size.

Also jump on facebook or turn up to a social ride and see if your missus can ride someones bike. I have done that with a commencal.
 

r.ayres1

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Did your wife try one of the Canyons in N/Z? I ride small/mediums (29er though) and am pretty fussy with geometry. Those seat tube lengths seem way too long (at 440mm) for their small sizes. My 2016 Smuggler 29er in a medium has a 419mm S/Tube - their smalls are 393mm (I would have went for a small but wanted the longer top tube (my Hardtail is a medium Surly Krampus, and also has a set tube length of 419mm). I actually wish my seat tubes were 20mm shorter. I love being able to get that seat right out of the way on the techy downs (I think we all do). Have you compared the geometry of her current bike? For me personally I would not buy a bike with a S/tube that long without a decent test ride on it. BTW I am only 7cm taller than your girl. Cheers - Rick
 

SF Trailboy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Did your wife try one of the Canyons in N/Z? I ride small/mediums (29er though) and am pretty fussy with geometry. Those seat tube lengths seem way too long (at 440mm) for their small sizes. My 2016 Smuggler 29er in a medium has a 419mm S/Tube - their smalls are 393mm (I would have went for a small but wanted the longer top tube (my Hardtail is a medium Surly Krampus, and also has a set tube length of 419mm). I actually wish my seat tubes were 20mm shorter. I love being able to get that seat right out of the way on the techy downs (I think we all do). Have you compared the geometry of her current bike? For me personally I would not buy a bike with a S/tube that long without a decent test ride on it. BTW I am only 7cm taller than your girl. Cheers - Rick
Thanks heaps Rick. Really appreciate your perspective.

No the bikes we rode were giants.

And I have just plugged the numbers in on Canyons site and it’s tells me due to he inseam being 72.5cm she is to short for the XS. In order for it to fit she would need hav a 74cm inseam. I can obviously get around this by removing the dropper and going with a standard seat post but it sure is food for thought.
 

r.ayres1

Likes Bikes and Dirt
My pleasure SF; that is a wad of cash you are thinking of spending. Take your time - do your research - ask all the questions. Plenty of helpful people around here.. :)
 

SF Trailboy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Well after all is said and done with standover height the only thing that fits is the liv.

Time to start hunting for an old model cheap...
 

SF Trailboy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
So a bit of an update and kudos to a shop over an hour away.

Went into Giant at Wollongong (was there doing other stuff) was pleasantly surprised with the level of stock in bikes, spares and accessories to start with. Then low and behold a sales Lady who happens to be a Liv ambassador talks to my wife sets her up on 3 different bikes. Is honest about the fit of a 40% off bike instead of pushing it to move it.

She has then arranged a demo of the best fitting (Liv intrigue) provided a quote. Given us the bike to take home for the best part of two weeks and then offered to pick it up from us at our local trail because she was coming for a ride up here about that time.

Suffice to say a very awesome experience.

The intrigue fits well is carbon and is also about 1k over the intended budget (yes that includes a discount on a 2019 bike that hasn’t yet landed...

Test riding properly tomorrow at Welby and then Saturday at Wingello.
 

r.ayres1

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Nice one SF, hopefully the test ride is a sweet one. Maybe a pic or two while out on the trails? :) Cheers
 

SF Trailboy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Ok test ride back and she is what I call 80% in love with it so not enough in my books... Standover was a little high and she struggled to remove that from her mind. Turns out Giant measure standover at lowest point. Trek specialized and canyon are all closer to where you actually standover.

Booked into see a trek dealer today and they (Trek Australia) only have the $6k trek fuel ex 9.8 wsc Carbon in stock in the country sold out of the 15.5 in the aluminium.... See how the fit is but that is waaaaay over budget.

Next up is specialized numbers on the St 27.5 look ok - so the colour thing might have to be ditched -then I have asked summit about the build of a 27.5 Django as they have a frame on special and last resort is a spectral but I am worried its heavy and too much bike.

My god I feel for short people particularly women when it comes to finding the right bike - I'm exhausted
 
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DMan

shawly the least hangeriest guy on rotorburn
Ok test ride back and she is what I call 80% in love with it so not enough in my books... Standover was a little high and she struggled to remove that from her mind. Turns out Giant measure standover at lowest point. Trek specialized and canyon are all closer to where you actually standover.

Booked into see a trek dealer today and they (Trek Australia) only have the $6k trek fuel ex 9.8 wsc Carbon in stock in the country sold out of the 15.5 in the aluminium.... See how the fit is but that is waaaaay over budget.

Next up is specialized numbers on the St 27.5 look ok - so the colour thing might have to be ditched -then I have asked summit about the build of a 27.5 Django as they have a frame on special and last resort is a spectral but I am worried its heavy and too much bike.

My god I feel for short people particularly women when it comes to finding the right bike - I'm exhausted
Scott Spark RC900 team. My wife loves her. Cross country but enough Enduro that she can handle most things on it.... Not cheap, but she rides the ass off it so who cares.
 

SF Trailboy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Ok so still not sorted - 29er ended up to big to control in her words. Norco standover to high - Santa Cruz / Juliana / lusty have no plans to bring in the furtardo in aluminium and is probably over budget. I have checked every bike in the world it seems and it’s doing my head in!

we are back at canyon but are now on the spectral - the numbers do seem a bit weird she is basically an XS in all brands we’ve tried and the canyon website recommends XS for her measurements but the small is closer to all the other bikes in XS that we have tried.

Anyone with a spectral comment on sizing and the other thing is it too much bike for general XC single track and trail riding
https://www.canyon.com/en-au/mtb/spectral/2019/spectral-wmn-al-5-0.html
 
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