Man buying a ladies mountain bike? (I know, hear me out)

MTB-Rich

Yes, a man buying a ladies mountain bike. I basically have the opportunity to go and look at a Merida Mission Juliet 1000-D that has been reduced from the RRP of 2500GBP to 800 GBP.

Specs are here: http://www.merida-bikes.com/fr_ch/bike/ ... iet+1000-D

Fork: Fox 120 RLC
Shock: X-Fusion LRS lockout
Drive train: Shimano XT
brakes: Magura Julie 180
Rims: DT X445 disc

Now, I have no insecurity about buying a ladies bike, im just interested as to any major differences in geometry which could cause issues in everyday life.

I am 177.5cm, 69KG, legs average for my height (will measure this eve when im back from work), and arms/reach also average for my height. Would there be any potential issues that you guys can think of?

The spec just seems too awesome to miss out on regardless of whether its aimed at women or not, and I have the chance to try out 18" and 20" models this weekend.

Cheers,

Rich.

Giraffoto

There shouldn't be major differences in geometry, because the real differences between men and women in arm/leg/trunk proportions aren't major and even overlap a fair bit. The assumption that is used for gender-specific bikes is that women are, for a given height, shorter in the arm and leg department. It shouldn't be anything you can't overrule with a change of stem and/or seatpost.

And it doesn't look all that girly, either. I doubt anyone but an expert on the Merida range will think, "there goes a bloke on his wife's bike"

hsiaolc

I can't tell that is a womens bike. Looks more like a mens bike.

Usually womens bike are more colourful.

MTB-Rich

Thanks for the comments guys, thats kind of what I thought.

Any comment on overall spec for the money? I was going to head to Decathlon in Germany (I live in Switzerland) to snag a Rockrider 8.1 until I saw this.

.blitz

MTB-Rich wrote:

Would there be any potential issues that you guys can think of?

Pink decals
Says 'Juliet' on the top tube
Ladies saddle
Looks like a very short top tube in the picture

The Rookie

Giraffoto wrote:

women are, for a given height, shorter in the arm and leg department.quote]
Women have longer legs in proportion to height, arm length is similar to the same heaight man but hands tend to be smaller, shorter legs - your nuts!

I'd buy that and reframe it!

Simon

hsiaolc

.blitz wrote:

MTB-Rich wrote:

Would there be any potential issues that you guys can think of?

Pink decals
Says 'Juliet' on the top tube
Ladies saddle
Looks like a very short top tube in the picture

I didn't see any pink decals!!! Hmm need to look closer but it only means on first glance no one really picked it up unless looked at closely.

Nothing wront with Juliet. :P

Can't tell it is ladies Saddle.

Anyway I don't think those are as obvious as the other women bikes.

I think if I see a bike like that the thing that will catch me the most is the Name of the bike Marida.

.blitz

hsiaolc

LMAO

hsiaolc

Let me stress again looking at the picture really quickly I didn't see the pink decals. Only when pointed out then they stand out and I think you can get away with it because just small strips of it. But of course in real life it will be a bit more noticible then the picture.

If it is a killer deal then I wouldn't let the pink strip put you off.

Slamdunkin

Only difference between the men's and ladies frames are that the top tube is a bit shorter.

MTB-Rich

.blitz wrote:

MTB-Rich wrote:

Would there be any potential issues that you guys can think of?

Pink decals
Says 'Juliet' on the top tube
Ladies saddle
Looks like a very short top tube in the picture

Doh, I as looking on a 7" tablet and missed the pink decals and "Juliet" written on it. Guess that is a little too girly for m tastes. Still tempted to just buy it and spray it black though!

The Beginner wrote:

Giraffoto wrote:

women are, for a given height, shorter in the arm and leg department.quote]
I'd buy that and reframe it!

Simon

Hmm, interesting... problem is though how much I could sell the Juliet frame for (if at all), and what cost-effective yet decent frame I could replace it with!

miss notax

Ummmm, remove the offending pink decals??

I'm sure you could even replace with generic blokey ones off Fleabay if it bothered you!

MTB-Rich

miss notax wrote:

Ummmm, remove the offending pink decals??

I'm sure you could even replace with generic blokey ones off Fleabay if it bothered you!

Hmm, you think it will be that easy to remove them, just a case of peel off? I could delicately paint over the JULIET bit too ill wager.

Just doing some more research into the component costs and the Fox 120 RLC seems to be £650+ alone online https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=fox+1 ... d=0CEwQrQQ

Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain components also add up to a couple of hundred and some I imagine, Maguras are probably £100, X-Fusion rear shock at least £100 (and easily replaceable later with a Fox/MonarchI imagine) as well as all the other bits like DT Swiss wheelset.

Just seems like too much of a deal to pass up, regardless of lady bits.

.blitz

MTB-Rich wrote:

Hmm, you think it will be that easy to remove them, just a case of peel off? I could delicately paint over the JULIET bit too ill wager.

The decals will be under a coat of laquer they won't peel off. You could paint over the Juliet logo until it reads 'James' or 'Jeremy' or 'Jeyboy'

Still think the top tube looks way too short

If you must have it keep the bits and flog the frame

miss notax

Yeah, ok, fair point!!!

Put that one down to a blond / senior moment

DodgeT

Leave it as is and just stick a wig on under your helmet. There's another thread about mtb women being butch looking, so hopefully, no one will bat an eyelid, just remember to shave

MTB-Rich

Well, a local bike shop still has an 18" model that they have reserved for me, so im going to go and see it this week. if it fits then I will buy, its that simple, and the pink bits/Juliet logo will be painted over in a jiffy. I really hope it fits me geometry-wise, still cant get over how much it is for your money.

Quick question: are rear shocks easily replaceable? The bike has an X-Fusion shock which are average if unspectacular performers, and later I may want to replace it for a Monarch or Fox later.

Worst comes to worst ill buy it and resell it for 50% more and buy a Canyon nerve XC 6.0.

Mental Mickey

As long as you change the saddle and buy a pink helmet, I don't see a problem.

MTB-Rich

Its mine, its MMIIINNNEEEEEE.

Fits like a glove and at the price and spec you'd have to be a madman to pass it up. 800gbp for a Full Suss with Fox 120 RLC, full Shimano XT drivetrain, Magura Julies, DT Swiss wheels... amazing really.

Pics to follow shortly when I get it home and break the camera out!

DodgeT

Is that a lace glove

Get some carbon fibre style tape for the rear stays, few other well placed stickers and nobody will be any the wiser.

Oh, please don't wear your heels for the pictures

MTB-Rich

Here are the pics guys, in all their g(l)ory! https://picasaweb.google.com/116719003470169489969/NewBikeApril2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHeg5rDufSqgAE :twisted:

IMO with a seat change, and as another poster said, bits of tape covering the lady bits (ooerr), no-one should be any the wiser.

Fact is I got a bike that blows the price out of the water in terms of spec. Over the chuffing moon.

Twelly

It does seem like a good buy even if it is drizzled in vaginal juices..

Did it come with a complimentary mulitpack of Tampax?

Seriously though.. how does it feel for fit? Top tube not too short? Saddle not too...'lady shaped'? If its comfortable, you have done well

MTB-Rich

TwellySmat wrote:

It does seem like a good buy even if it is drizzled in vaginal juices..

Did it come with a complimentary mulitpack of Tampax?

Seriously though.. how does it feel for fit? Top tube not too short? Saddle not too...'lady shaped'? If its comfortable, you have done well

Don't mock at being drizzled in vaginal juices, the seller had to forcefully remove my face form the seat. Ahem.

In all seriousness it feels very comfy for me, I was really happy riding it. Just bought a Charge Spoon in black to replace the stock seat.

Any recommendations on alternative grips to replace the stock ones? I need something a bit wider for and more comfortable for my hands when commuting to work and doing tough treks and downhill? I was looking at:

Specialized Contour Lock Grip Narrow http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... RRWidgetID

Seems like a good choice and easy to add bars later too.

Twelly

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=47547

I have bought 2 sets of those recently, for me and the mrs, very comfortable, look good and cheap. Wider than standard as well.
You can get them in different colours too, maybe they will do pink locking rings to match your gorgeous new bike!

Twelly

Just don't get white grips... they will be yellow grips within days.

MTB-Rich

TwellySmat wrote:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=47547

I have bought 2 sets of those recently, for me and the mrs, very comfortable, look good and cheap. Wider than standard as well.
You can get them in different colours too, maybe they will do pink locking rings to match your gorgeous new bike!

Heh thanks man.

Do you think the same grip you linked but with bar ends would also be a nice option, the BG Contour Targa Grip/Bar End? I do suffer from RSI a little so need something ergonomic, and ive always loved bar ends for help when changing position. Do you think this model is suitable for all-round MTB'ing? http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBC ... spid=64418

The Rookie

For goodness sake loose the wheel reflectors, makes it look a real pansy bike!

Seriously it's a darned good buy, intrigued by the rear suspension with the shock laid longside the seat stay, Merida aren't in the habit of making duffers though so I guess it works!

mountaingoatimnot

The Beginner wrote:

Seriously it's a darned good buy, intrigued by the rear suspension with the shock laid longside the seat stay, Merida aren't in the habit of making duffers though so I guess it works!

The components are worth the price and more - great buy, and those feminine flashes can be easily hidden with sponsor logos or some CF (or similar) effect film.

Not sure how the rear shock would stand up to heavy wet claggy mud, but time will tell - unusual design for sure

MTB-Rich

The Beginner wrote:

For goodness sake loose the wheel reflectors, makes it look a real pansy bike!

Seriously it's a darned good buy, intrigued by the rear suspension with the shock laid longside the seat stay, Merida aren't in the habit of making duffers though so I guess it works!

mountaingoatimnot wrote:

The Beginner wrote:

Seriously it's a darned good buy, intrigued by the rear suspension with the shock laid longside the seat stay, Merida aren't in the habit of making duffers though so I guess it works!

The components are worth the price and more - great buy, and those feminine flashes can be easily hidden with sponsor logos or some CF (or similar) effect film.

Not sure how the rear shock would stand up to heavy wet claggy mud, but time will tell - unusual design for sure

Hmm thank you my good man, youve just given me an idea for a new thread, "help me make my ladies bike looks like amans", as Ive never done this before so would be happy for some inspiration on how to do it in a tasteful way that wouldn't ruin the clean look of the bike!

mountaingoatimnot

You can buy rolls of thin vinyl pinstriping from Halfords, but i'm sure you could find sponsor logos to cover most of it.