Giant Envie

[42x16ss]

Mrs SS is getting back into riding and triathlon (yay!!!) and is looking for a good multi purpose bike. The Giant Envie looks like a great value package, was wondering if any of the girls here, or significant others, have had a chance to try one extensively?

She's really interested in getting one as this is the only aero frame with women's geometry AFAIK and Cervelo isn't an option - doesn't like the looks or handling (and the Giant comes in pink )

 

[DirtyWorks]

The difference between the price-equivalent men's frame by size are:

XS: 1cm taller head tube.
S: 0.2cm shorter top tube, 0.5cm taller head tube
M: 0.5cm shorter top tube, 1cm taller head tube
...No M/L for women...
L: 2cm(!??) shorter top tube, 0.5cm taller head tube

They are claiming to cater to women and their generally different proportions, yet all but one model differences are measured in single-digit millimeters. They may as well be a Men's bike. My guess is the stem will be maybe 5mm shorter on the "women's" bike.

Unfortunately, this is very typical for the industry. Don't rule out "men's" bicycles or even other categories like "endurance." That huuuge 10mm of wheelbase for "endurance" bikes isn't really what it claims to be.

Now for a dose of reality: If the bike has high Wife Acceptance Factor and fits/feels okay to her, then it's a go!

 

[42x16ss]

Haha! Very true

I did notice that the frame dimensions are rather aggressive for a women's frame. luckily my wife has excellent flexibility, she rides her old BMC with only a 5mm top cap and a 100mm stem at 5'10" and it's not exactly upright.

ATM it seems to be 50/50 on an Envie or Pinarello Paris.

 

[winkybiker]

I'm not sure why she would restrict her considerations to an aero frame. I'd be inclined to encourage her to look more widely.

 

[42x16ss]

She's more into tri than road riding and wants something that can do both - doesn't want to get a TT bike, ridden them before and doesn't like them at all.

Aero frames aren't the only consideration - also looking at a Pinarello Paris and BMC too, just looking at something a little different, that's ok for TT and won't break the bank.