Anyone have experience with Specialized's Stumpjumper M4 women-specific model? The fiance and I are considering it for her, and can get it for around $780 locally (2003) model.

Any thoughts? The 13.5" frame seems to be a good fit for her.

The bike (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5795&JServSessionIdroot=kqjzys5dcj.j27006)

Thanks in advance,

-Que?

I ride a hardtail stumpjumper. But, it's not a WSD model. I think it's a 15 1/2" frame. When I was shopping for this bike long ago, I tried a smaller model stumpjumper, and smallish bikes from other manufacturers. One of my parking lot tests was to ride really really slow and try to make sharp turns, as if I might be on a tight switchback. I noticed on one bike that my foot would hit the front tire. Extremely annoying. Made me question the geometry since my feet are not that big! I have no experience with the WSD bikes, but I'd suggest she might want to watch for this problem. I don't know if it means the bike is simply too small or there's something really wrong with the bike design. Sorry I'm not more helpful.

She experienced the same thing in her parking lot test. We're gonna go back and check again with her clipless pedal shoes and cleats to make sure it's not gonna be problematic.

I'd guess it's more of a problem with the short wheelbase of the little frame.

Thanks for the input,

-Que?