REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

women's full suspension

2385 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by IttyBittyBetty, Jul 8, 2009

lorinela

Discussion Starter · Jun 24, 2009

I'm in the market for a full suspension and want to stay around $2000. I'm used to riding a light hardtail, so weight is my main concern, but am a decent rider who has been riding for 12+ years, so I want good components. I've narrowed it down to the Kona Lisa 120 Deluxe, Iron Horse MKIII, Trek EX8 WSD. The trails I mostly ride are cross country, with rocky technical sections, with some big climbs. Any feedback is much appreciated! Thanks!

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Swthrtsuzy

· #2 · Jun 25, 2009

Stripes said:
Why are you limiting yourself to a WSD bike?

Right. Your best bet would be to try all the FS bikes in your price range. And I mean all. Not all women are comfortable on WSD bikes, and all frame shapes are different, so you could find yourself on a men's version easily. There are tons of bikes out there, so just hit up a few shops and ride all the FS they have in stock.

As a side note, Iron Horse has gone out of business/bankrupt/whatever so they may not be the best choice. But Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc will all have something in your price range.

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pedalingkiwi

· #3 · Jun 28, 2009

Hi there - this a boy speaking (I just popped in cause I recommended to a female friend who is starting out in mtbiking she look in here for info / ask advice).

Re the IH MKIII - I assume you might be looking at the Elite on Randall Scott Cycles for about $1800 ?? Apparently despite the demise of IH they are warrantying what they sell but it's complicated and they may yet be forced out of selling IH. (go to the IH forum for more info).

But regarding the bike itself - I have the comp version and love it, but it ain't that light - unless you were to put lots of top end, light, expensive parts on it. However for an all round, do-it-all bike that can handle technical trails, and climb / descent with aplomb it's pretty nice. Some reviews have noted that the rear end stiffens up nicely under power - but still remains responsive to the trail surface - and feels like a hardtail under acceleration - the dw-link has very little squat / bob.

There are of course lots of very good bikes out there these days - as Swthrtsuzy says - try as many as you can. And you are gonna love a fully:thumbsup:

ps; I got my female friend onto a Giant Trance X2 - they are nice frames, with great rear suspension (similar to dw-link). Definately worth a look.

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EpicTC

· #4 · Jun 28, 2009

FWIW I just bought a new FS bike.
Since I a big believer in demo'ing any time I buy, I took the time to try many bikes that were in a range of size from 15-17", in both unisex and WSD. I have a long torso and thought that the unisex bikes would fit me better, and came close with the 15.5 Trek Fuel EX8, but when I got on the WSD Trek Fuel EX8 16.5 it fit me extremely well.

Go to a few shops, see what they have in your size and demo demo demo.
When you find the bike that puts the biggest grin on your face, you'll know what to do.

Good luck!

Bikes I demo'd: SantaCruz Julliana, Trek Fuel EX8 and WSD EX8, Specialized Myka, Giant Trance 3, (and a couple 29'ers for kicks)

*the Julliana and Fuel EX8(Not WSD) were 08 models and were marked down considerably. That is something to keep your eye out for.

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SuperKat

· #5 · Jun 28, 2009

I'm loving my Specialized Stumpjumper. The Comp isn't too expensive, just a basic model of a full suspension bike. No "brain".
I highly recommend it.

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lorinela

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 28, 2009

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it. I have demoed the Kona Lisa 120 Deluxe, Marin Quad, Trek Fuel EX8, and Iron Horse MKIII (and looked at many more). The Kona seemed the lightest in weight and I loved the quick, responsive handling plus it powered up hills. So I'm 99% sure I'll buy the Kona. Anyone out there own one that has some feedback? Thanks!

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JoeC

· #7 · Jul 7, 2009

Kona Lisa

lorinela said:
Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it. I have demoed the Kona Lisa 120 Deluxe, Marin Quad, Trek Fuel EX8, and Iron Horse MKIII (and looked at many more). The Kona seemed the lightest in weight and I loved the quick, responsive handling plus it powered up hills. So I'm 99% sure I'll buy the Kona. Anyone out there own one that has some feedback? Thanks!

Below was what I got for my partner a few months ago after having had no idea for a while because of her small body (finally, got an idea from this forum!). She really loves this Kona Lisa 120 (no Lisa 120 Deluxe available here). I cannot give you any concrete feedbacks about it but I think the paint work of Kona bikes is very good, actually. Concerning the weight, I don't think it is a light bike...but very pratically rideable. Overall, even though I really can't ride this Lisa 120, I am the same with my partner...doubtlessly loving it! Joe

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IttyBittyBetty

· #8 · Jul 8, 2009

Specialized Safire

I have a Safire and love it! It is light for a Full suspension bike. I have the FSR Expert model and it weighs in at around 24 pounds. The S-works version would be even lighter, but it's super duper pricey! Anyway, I got my bike used - it was a demo bike - at a very reasonable price.

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