Women's specific mountain bikes often come with less high-quality specifications. Not so with Specialized: women often want to ride the same bikes as men, which is why the Rhyme differs only slightly from the men's model "Stumpjumper". The top model therefore also comes with a frame made of FACT-9M carbon and an aluminium rear triangle. Visually, the only differences are in the paint finish.

Almost the same specification, the equipment differs in the choice of handlebar, which is 720 millimetres wide instead of 750 millimetres, and the women's-specific saddle. For an intimate "trail relationship", however, the inner values are the most important: the geometry with the 420 millimeter short chainstays and the 67 degree flat steering angle is the same as the Stumpjumper. This ensures agile handling with a very smooth front end. The remaining dimensions are also the same, while the frame size ends at medium.

While women over 1.80 meters tall will find it difficult to buy a Rhyme, this only affects a few. In addition, tall female bikers are likely to be better served with a Stumpjumper in size Large, or even a Twentyniner model. As from a certain height, this naturally results in more body weight and the Mens-Rx-Tune seems to make more sense.
The inner values also relate to the Rhyme's shock absorber. This has been adapted to the needs of female trail bikers in close cooperation with Specialized's suspension suppliers. The Womens-Rx-Tune includes a compression characteristic optimized for the lower rider weight, thanks to which the full suspension travel can be used.

As with the Stumpjumper, the Rhyme is also fully equipped with the SWAT systems, including the new storage compartment in the down tube. The tube, tools and pump or CO2 cartridge can be stowed in a special neoprene protective cover. Thanks to the cover, there should be no noise when riding.
The internal, continuous cable routing is therefore also the same, which is laminated into the frame as a fixed component so that the cables run in a defined and protected manner

The FSR Comp Carbon 650B is expected to be the first Rhyme model to hit specialist retailers in mid-June 2015 at a price of CHF 4,399.

The aluminum version "FSR Comp 650B" will follow at the beginning of July for CHF 3,299.

The top model "Rhyme FSR Expert Carbon 650B" will be available at the end of July. This goes for 6,599 francs "over the counter". All three models are available in sizes XS, S and M.

www.specialized.com