Hard-core female riders have a newfound clout that didn't exist ten years ago. Specialized claims that women's mountain bikes are the fastest growing segment of their business (and we would venture that Trek, Fisher, Cannondale and Giant all would agree based on their ever-expanding line of women's bikes and products). Proof that Specialized is serious about serious female mountain bikers is the 2008 Safire Expert.
Test quote: "The Safire front wheel is clamped by a nine-millimeter quick release that adds to the already impressive cornering performance of the Fox fork. We found ourselves moving forward on Stumpjumpers for cornering to get enough weight on the front tire. The Safire rider doesn't need to do this because her weight is already more forward (due to the short top tube). The low bottom bracket keeps the center of gravity low, accentuating all the other features that make this Safire rail the corners.
Stoked:
The best traits of a Stumpjumper
Great attention to detail
All the latest technology
Bummed:
Weight comparable to a men's bike
Bottom Line: The Specialized Safire Expert cradles its rider and delivers the kind of suspension that optimizes pedaling and cornering performance. The bike's climbing ability is hampered by its weight and its downhilling skill suffers from the decision to shorten the top tube.
The Safire Expert is a strong statement from Specialized that they are serious about women riders. It does present a dilemma. The female rider who is over five feet, five inches tall will feel more at home on the standard Specialized Stumpjumper and a smaller rider is going to have to contend with this bike's weight.
(Specs below photo)
SPECIALIZED SAFIRE EXPERT
Price...$3700
Country of origin...Taiwan
Weight...26.9 pounds
Hotline...www.specialized.com
Full test: October 2008 MBA
Frame tested...17"