Choice of a bike

ocnsguru

Hello, I want to get new xc hardtail bike for my wife, please help to make a right choice.
We ride on the cross-country terrain, rare but long rises. Daily a trip on 30-50km and someday 70-130km woods/fields
I can't decide on wheels 27,5 or 29?
Her height 1,65m
Geometry on old Jamis Dragon 650 http://prntscr.com/d6vc84 (it is ok or it is possible to be extended a little?)
ETT 565 and stem 70mm

SUPERFLY 6 WOMEN'S 27,5''
ETT 558
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes ... 8603-2016/

vs

Specialized Jett Pro 29''
ETT 552 or 574(M)
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes ... -29/118345

vs

Specialized Epic Hardtail 29''
ETT 565
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes ... ail/115227

supersonic

What is your budget, and what country are you from?

cooldad

Go to the shops and let her sit on them, and test ride if possible. And don't assume a womens spec bike will be better. It may, or may not.

ocnsguru

supersonic wrote:

What is your budget, and what country are you from?

My budget of $1600-$1900
I from Russia.
The most important, to decide on the sizes of wheels for her 27,5 or 29 inches.
I will repeat that her height 1,65m.
As for a standover, by the previous bicycle it was very high = 759mm therefore I don't consider it as important because in the majority of bicycles the standover in her size will be lower or is equal if wheels are 29'' and it will be men's model. Example Specialiszed Epic S 29'' - standover = 760. And Trek Superfly 6 S 27.5'' = 721mm

I have no opportunity to go to shop and to test bicycles there. Only the remote order.
I consider firms as Trek; Specialized; Scott and Merida
Specialized Epic - $1620
Specialized Jett Pro 29 - $1590

And Today has received the prices for Trek:
Superfly 6 - $1680
Superfly 6 WSD - $1680
Superfly 7 - $ 1900

supersonic

You probably know all of the pro/cons of 29ers and 27.5 - the larger wheel improves the ability of the wheel to roll over obstacles and loses less momentum, which can translate into a faster, more comfortable ride. But they are a little heavier, and some find them sluggish to turn. Though a lot depends on the geometry, and even tyre size which can blur the lines.

There are some minor differences in geometry - the Superfly has a slacker head angle, but also a little more fork offset which maintains fork trail (see G2 geometry or 51mm fork offset). This kicks the wheel further forward, which can be useful on smaller 29er frames as your foot can hit the front wheel when turning if the frame is particularly short as found on many WSD (toe overlap). Though it seems that you'd get the 27.5 at her size, but the G2 geometry can still have advantages.

For me the Epic has the better parts of the three. The 30 gold fork is light, but not the best damped, the Rebas are a good improvement here. And I much prefer the Shimano gearing to the GX which I find mushy feeling at the shifter and not quite as good quality. That said, despite the Shimano on the Superfly 7, I don't think it is worth the extra money.

LimitedGarry

The 29er would seem as a more appropriate option for the long trips. But 27,5 will still do the job just fine. I think you can't go terribly wrong with either size.
A bit of my experience - most couples I've seen riding opted for bikes with the same wheel size, even if they were different price range and spec.

The fact you can't get somewhere to test the bike is bananas. Whichever option you take, she'll just get used to what she has, as she won't really have any reference for comparison.

cooldad

This is true.

Just get the pinkest one with glitter and stuff.

ocnsguru

Thanks guys!
I still have a little time for the choice, I think I will make a right choice. Thanks

poah

If your wife is comfortable on the ETT and stem length of the current bike then look for somthing that is the same. Then you can compare stack and reach. You can always reduce stem length to make ETT + stem length similar if the other geos are good.

Pav90

I think a 29er might be more difficult to manouveur although the extra stability across rough services would be a benefit. I think the 27'5 might be the best compromise but best thing to do is go to a shop and let her try them all. Everyone's different!