The expanding lineup of women’s specific bikes at Specialized is testament to growth in demand, but there are few brands out there that offer women’s bikes and product on such a complete level as the crew from California.
For 2016 we will see an entirely new women’s trail bike, with 150mm of generous travel on 650b wheels – the Specialized Rhyme, which will come in both regular and 6Fattie (3-inch tyres) versions.
While Specialized have been a leader in women’s bikes for a long time, a longer-travel bike was noticeably absent from the range. More aggressive riders were served well by the Rumor Evo (which we tested here) but if you wanted a little more travel, or didn’t want a 29er, you were out of luck. The Rhyme solves both of those issues, with a 650B wheel and 150mm travel.
Front to back – from the size specific components to the Women’s specific suspension tuned rear shock, the Rhyme is dialled.
Highlights of the new Rhyme:
– 150mm travel front and back.
– 650b wheels.
– SWAT Door technology on carbon models, internal storage inside the downtube.
– Exclusive Women’s Rx Trail Tune FOX rear shock. For lighter riding styles, the rear shock will use its full travel more often.
– Narrower handlebars than men’s models.
– Size specific components, smaller size Rhymes will use shorter crank arms, stem length, and travel in the adjustable seatposts.
– Women’s specific Specialized Myth saddle.
For more details on the frame construction head over to our in-depth review of the 2016 Stumpjumper from Rotorua, up on Flow now.
Stay tuned for more, as we plan a proper test on one of these, very soon! The Rhyme will be available July/August, in three spec levels with regular and 6Fattie version in each. At each equivalent spec level, the 6Fattie variant will set you back an extra $500.
- Rhyme Comp 650 / 6Fattie: $3999 / $4499
- Rhyme Comp Carbon 650 / 6Fattie : $5499 / $5999
- Rhyme Expert Carbon 650 / 6Fattie: $7999 / $8499