bike suggestions? [Archive] - North Shore Mountain Biking Forums

Straya

06-01-2008, 12:02 PM

Transition Syren.

My sister just got one from Matt J @ North Shore Bike Shop and loves it. She is going to be racing a bit of DH on hers so its got a slightly burly build but have a talk to Matt, he will spec it out for your exact needs.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l174/dcrofty/BrionysSyren015.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l174/dcrofty/BrionysSyren008.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l174/dcrofty/BrionysSyren003.jpg

insulinjunkie

06-01-2008, 12:03 PM

is that your bike on the left on the last picture?

just kidding, I'd suggest the syren as well, or maybe a reign.

Sparkplug

06-01-2008, 12:51 PM

Good suggestions so far. Also, add Bullit, SX Trail and Demo 7 to the list. All of them are smallish, have good standover and can be tweaked on their builds to be pedalled well (well enough for someone like me who doesn't yearn to climb but will, when necessary), yet are burly enough to take all the Shore and Whistler one wants!

big ben

06-01-2008, 02:19 PM

I bet a Heckler would work out real nice.

sheffy

06-01-2008, 05:40 PM

My wife is 5-3....130lbs and rides a small 2008 demo 7.....lots of standover clearance!!!

JdanS

06-01-2008, 06:11 PM

Hey Thanks for all the suggestions!

Now we have a bunch to go out and try. The Demo 7 looks like a big bike though... how much does the small one weigh built up?

sheffy

06-01-2008, 09:07 PM

Hey Thanks for all the suggestions!

Now we have a bunch to go out and try. The Demo 7 looks like a big bike though... how much does the small one weigh built up?

around 42 lbs

Hey Man

06-02-2008, 09:36 AM

My wife has a new Reign 1, she is 5'5" and 130ish and she loves it, great bike for the price, She has ridden my Nomad and likes it too, Reign has better standover though. Both would be great rides.

JdanS

06-02-2008, 08:37 PM

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Belinda likes the look of the Syren.

Stray, Do you know how much your sister's bike weighs?

It looks great, we will have to go and check it out at the bike shop.

Do you know if anyone else on NSMB is riding one? I would like to hear some first hand pro's and con's.

Cheers,
JdanS

JdanS

06-03-2008, 09:59 AM

Looks like the Syren is not all mountain enough for what Bee wants to ride so we are still looking.....

cyclist.ca

06-03-2008, 10:00 AM

What about Specialized SX trail? Did you check those out yet?

JdanS

06-03-2008, 11:49 AM

Checking now.... thanks!

racingsessions

06-03-2008, 02:02 PM

how about a trek remedy or fuel ex wsd?
reign x0 is a goo one too

Fluid

06-03-2008, 03:14 PM

I recently got a 2008 Giant Reign X1 and it has been great for what I need. Plus, amazing value for money!

The standover is really good and it has a low centre of gravity.
6" in the front and 6.7" in the rear.

My bike before this was a "light freeride" bike ('02 Fluid) around 41 lbs. and the Reign X1 is about 36-37 lbs. and every bit as capable. I just did the Rat Race on my Reign X1 this weekend and it handled great for that!

When I was making my decision, I test rode a 2007 Reign X0 for a week on all the different kinds of trails I could get to. It weighed 33 lbs. and pedaled a bit better than my Reign X1 so your wife may like that better if she's into pedaling?

truvativ21

06-03-2008, 06:35 PM

How about a Norco six?

danielb

06-03-2008, 06:44 PM

How about a Norco six?
My wife has a Norco Six Three and she loves it, she is 5'10".

lets ride

06-03-2008, 06:46 PM

I have to agree with the reign x0 as a great choice. I recently got a scott ransom 30 and like it just as much. Both bikes peddle up well and return to the bottom fast and smooth.

sheffy

06-03-2008, 11:19 PM

IMO....Norcos are clunky and not near as smooth as a Specialized bikes....and yes we have owned both so its from experience

reanne

06-04-2008, 03:12 PM

I am 5'2 and have had a small Banshee Wildcard built up, it's 34lbs with Saint cranks and stuff. I haven't had it on the trails yet because of a large vet bill (glad my dog is okay but sure wish I had my new bike!) but it's a rad bike, and my LBS said it will be a pretty efficient pedaler, and it's definitely a lighter freeride bike! :)

I find the Norcos clunky as well, and almost every bike is too big for me; with that extra inch of height it might be easier for your wife.

mudpuppy

06-04-2008, 03:16 PM

Transition Covert...if the Syren is a little big...it climbs like a goat and can if it can deal with my fat ass then your wife will be more than fine on it...hah. I love this bike so far....

Straya

06-05-2008, 12:31 AM

I know you are probably thinking of something else but just for anyone else who is reading this.....

Stray, Do you know how much your sister's bike weighs?
36.52 Pounds on the NSBS scale
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l174/dcrofty/BrionysSyren013.jpg

DARTHYOGA

06-05-2008, 04:01 PM

I went with a friend to buy a new bike the other day. It was cool to see all the skookum new bikes and watch her get all excited at the prospect of being able to ride whenever she felt like it. I remember when we picked up my first bike and how I wanted to stop anywhere just to sit on it the whole way home. As we all do with our new bike she gently pulled it in and out of the shed to show anybody who can around, left her new shin pads on and used any excuse to bring her helmet out. It was fun to watch and it was the first time I really notice what a bag of shit my bike looks like now compared to when I first got it. Its scratched, dented has mismatched parts and has dirt where no toothbrush or hose can get too.
For every dent the bike has I have a dent and a story. That one there is the first time I tried to do the woodwork on Corkscrew and fell left onto the rocks, the other one is the time I endoed on pipeline (over a rock, a small one!) Each dent and scratch is a badge of honor, a testament to the fact that I did that stunt. I went over that rockface, I had the guts to do it, fail, then get right back on my bike.
We protect our new bikes, groan at the first sign of age or wear but really we should celebrate it. Its the stretch marks of the birth of new skills, the wrinkles of knowledge of the trails and the grey hairs of experience on the bike.

big ben

06-05-2008, 05:13 PM

That was deep.

cyclist.ca

06-05-2008, 05:15 PM

That was deep.

Yeah and good stuff. I like it. :)

boardchk

06-08-2008, 10:13 PM

Hack On Wheels

06-09-2008, 01:33 AM

I tried an SX trail and a Norco six one...bought the six one (although loved both)...I don't find the Norco clunky at all...have ridden it uphill (sfu), down (N Shore, Woodlot, Whis) and love it...I'm 5'2" 135lbs..both are GREAT bikes

2008 Six One? Nice bike! It is good to hear that even at 5'2" (no offense intended) you can find a bike that fits well. Do they offer an XS size, or is small good? It seems that a lot of frames only go down to about 15" (seattube length) at the smallest/shortest...

boardchk

06-09-2008, 09:31 AM

lol...no offense taken! It is very hard for a small girl to find a small bike that's small enough!
I had a small Kona Coiler deelux before this (my first full susp...started with a hardtail before that and a bmx before that!!...no problems with size on bmx's lol) and it was a good bike and I could handle it but the Norco feels smaller...and it is a small, not XS.

The small SX trail felt good too though..their geometry is almost the same though....I also like the fact that I can dial everything to how I want it without multiple allen keys....shock (fox 5 dhx air), forks(Marzocchi 66 ATA)...even brakes (Hayes stroker trail). I did a lot of research (and saving) before I bought her, I had also considered a reign, switch and G spot but I am very glad with my bike....is it possible to actually LOVE an inanimate object?? :love:

Sparkplug

06-09-2008, 10:07 AM

From a fellow 5'2" gal, I empathize with you... Not many bikes are made for those of us with short-leg syndrome!! So far I've had luck with the Norco Fluid (the beefed up version that was the predecessor to the Six), a SC Bullit, a Giant DH Team and a Turner DHR. I also tested a Giant Reign and found that it would be a good option too. Once you get used to not being able to put a foot down, more bikes become options, like a SX Trail, Demo7 and Demo8 etc.

Sparkplug

06-09-2008, 10:10 AM

2008 Six One? Nice bike! It is good to hear that even at 5'2" (no offense intended) you can find a bike that fits well. Do they offer an XS size, or is small good? It seems that a lot of frames only go down to about 15" (seattube length) at the smallest/shortest...

My experience with XS bikes is that the toptube is too short with no increased standover clearance from the Smalls. I guess it all depends on whether the 5'2" is more in the legs or more in the upper body.

Hack On Wheels

06-09-2008, 12:23 PM

lol...no offense taken! It is very hard for a small girl to find a small bike that's small enough!

I can imagine, good to hear that you were still able to find a bike that sounds to be perfect for you!

.... Once you get used to not being able to put a foot down, more bikes become options, like a SX Trail, Demo7 and Demo8 etc.

Yikes, I can't imagine ever being comfortable with not being able to put a foot down...

My experience with XS bikes is that the toptube is too short with no increased standover clearance from the Smalls. I guess it all depends on whether the 5'2" is more in the legs or more in the upper body.

I hadn't even thought of that, though it would make sense on many full suspension bikes as they can only go so low before being limited by the suspension layout. Good point!

Fluid

06-09-2008, 01:02 PM

What exactly do you guys mean by "being able to put a foot down"?

bansheeair

06-09-2008, 02:32 PM

What exactly do you guys mean by "being able to put a foot down"?

Watch Denise next time you ride with her. Both feet can't touchthe ground when she stops her bike. Only one at a time. Its not too bad with the seat down but raise it an inch and its a bit tricky on both bikes.

Lady Gravity

06-09-2008, 03:04 PM

Watch Denise next time you ride with her. Both feet can't touchthe ground when she stops her bike. Only one at a time. Its not too bad with the seat down but raise it an inch and its a bit tricky on both bikes.

same here, i can only touch both feet to the ground when the suspension is compressed. if i have the seat raised at all (even 2") for climbing and i fall off and have to get back on the bike it's tricky - and i'm 5'5"

Fluid

06-09-2008, 03:54 PM

That's what I thought you meant.

I haven't been able to put my feet on the ground while sitting, or just coming to a stop, on my last bike (of 5 years) or my new bike* and it's never been an issue for me. I guess it's whatever you're used to. I don't feel at a disadvantage not being able to put both my feet down when I need to stop suddenly. It's never caused me problems before. And I stop suddenly a lot! :P

EDIT: Because the whole putting a foot down was not an issue on my last bike, when it came time to cut the seat post on my new bike, I deliberately left it a bit longer. I have never been comfortable with my seat slammed completely down when going downhill anyway so this way it's nicer for those odd times when I have to pedal up here and there on some trails if I have to sit down for any reason.

Sparkplug

06-09-2008, 04:10 PM

Lady Gravity

06-09-2008, 04:12 PM

I'm not talking about putting two feet down!! - just one without the toptube jamming into me! With a 27" inseam, one learns to adapt!

i'm trying to perfect the "west coast dismount" :P

boardchk

06-09-2008, 09:02 PM

the top tube on the Norco slopes downward so I can stand with both feet on the ground no worries in front of the seat - not while on the seat- same with the specialized - I couldn't do that with my kona at all...

JdanS

06-10-2008, 02:07 PM

Hey, thanks for all the great feedback and suggestions!

We have a lot of bikes to check out.

One other frame we saw that looked pretty good was the Knolly Endorphin. Does anyone have any experience with this frame?

Thanks again... the journey continues.....

SammyJ

06-10-2008, 02:36 PM

I'm not a girl, but my wife is and she has been looking for a bike too. She has demoed the syren and a number of others. Syren is her pick for sure, based on standover (she is 5'-4" with a long torso) and on the fact that the bike is 'freeride' burly without being toooooo heavy.

The endorphin is, imho a different class of bike when compared with the syren. It is WAY more expensive and also less burly. Looks more all mountainish to me. I love the other knolly bikes (would prolly buy a free radical if one ever got produced, lol) but honestly, the endorphin's little stubby tube for the front derailleur turns me off. Looks like an afterthought. That's just me tho.

JdanS

06-10-2008, 04:50 PM

Belinda is looking for a more "all mountainish" bike, she like the Syren but didn't like the build weight.

I think the knolly bikes are pretty well thought out so I doubt the front d tube is an afterthought. They probably did it that way so they could get all the other benefits of the geometry and still have a front d.

But to each their own

mudhoney

06-10-2008, 05:40 PM

I've got a Knolly V-tach (in XS, I'm 5'2" with short legs, sorry don't know inseam). Hubby has an endorphin in small, but I haven't taken it out myself. While the small would be too big for me if I were buying it for myself, I know I'd be fine riding it on most trails.

I also think the Endorphin can handle quite a bit, as I've seen hubby take it beyond the "normal" classification of "all-mountain". He's got a relatively beefy build on it, but certainly could be built up lighter. If something lighter than the Syren is what you're looking for, the Endorphin could definitely be an option for you.

Good luck in the search!

CraigH

06-15-2008, 11:38 PM

One other frame we saw that looked pretty good was the Knolly Endorphin. Does anyone have any experience with this frame?

Kendo is another guy that rides one, check with him.

Smoke

07-01-2008, 08:24 PM

A little clarification on the Knolly usage limits:

V-Tach (that's Barb. She's 5'1")

http://www.bushpilotbiking.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20070927/normal_September-03_6.jpg

Delerium

http://www.bushpilotbiking.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20070701/normal_June-30_16.jpg

I don't have an Edorphin, but I wouuld guess that it wouuld be something along the lines of:

http://www.bushpilotbiking.com/gallery/albums/wpw-20080701/normal_June-25_10.jpg

DARTHYOGA

07-02-2008, 10:59 AM

Nice pics!

SammyJ

07-02-2008, 11:10 AM

Wowza.

I guess the endorphin can take it, hey?

Smoke, that 2nd pic is gnar. Holy chit.

Luvz2Ridez

07-10-2008, 12:41 AM

I really think you should take another look at the Syren. It's a wonderful all around bike! I have 5 female friends all riding one and they all love it! They use it at the Shore and Whistler and regular trail riding and it can handle anything. One friend of mine was able to get her build down to 28 lbs, is that light enough?
Check out these threads:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=396896
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=324051&highlight=siren
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=396909&highlight=Syren