My wife loves her beloved 2007 Santa Cruz Julian and is nearly kicking and screaming at the thought of an up grade to a proper gravel rig (my suggestion). I would like to begin competing/doing some gravel events with her in different states but I do not trust the mechanical worthiness of her SC. She is 5-02 And rides a xs SC. Which of the following should I steer towards:
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\nA) keep the Santa Cruz and upgrade everything..
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\nB) Get a Surly Troll (it looks comfortable for her,,upright position)
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\nC) get a Small Salsa Vaya, Warbirds, Fargo ( I have a to Vaya so I'm partial to Salsa brands
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\nD) suggestions
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\nThx,
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\nRich
The Warbirds are very stable in the gravel due to a relaxed geometry. I saw many Salsa Warbirds for the Dirty Kanza last Saturday. I ride a 2013 original version frame and built the bike to my specifications.
There are a lot of bikes for women available in the market today. I would recommend you to have a look at this women's bicycling blog: Best Bikes For Women to find a suitable one. They publish a wide range of reviews on latest women's bikes and gears.
Norco's new 2018 Search XR are worth checking out - the two smallest sizes are designed around 650b/fatter 26 instead of 700c/fat 650b so the geometry is a little less goofy.
Check out the Women's Specialized Diverge Carbon Comp. I picked one up for my wife and she's in love with the bike, the future shock, 700x38 tires, and of course - the Color!
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