Ladybike tested: The Specialized Rumor
The Rumor, the first Specialized female-specific full suss 29-er, is inconspicuous and elegant in appearance. According to the Californians, it will provide “unimaginable trail and adventure fun”…. just for ladies. We decided to look at the Rumor Expert a bit more closely for our female readers and see if the bike lives up to its promises.
The backbone of the 12.35 kg bike is a completely new M5 aluminium frame which has been created to fit the female anatomy. Amongst other features, it highlights an extremely low standover height, allowing the rider more room to maneuver on the bike.
At the front a Fox 32 Float CTD suspension fork with 110mm of travel sets the agenda. Using the blue CTD (Climb, Trail and Descend) on the right fork crown, it can be adjusted to the terrain.
Alongside the Fox Float CTD rear shock, the fork has been optimised for the needs of light riders. The suspension components play a crucial role in both weight distribution and body position on the bike, and according to research by Specialized these are markedly different for male and female riders.
Finding the right rear suspension set-up is made much easier using the AutoSag system developed by Specialized. Just pump up the rear shock to 250 psi and then, whilst sitting on the bike, use the red valve to let air out of the shock. This saves long-winded tuning and in next to no time the sag is set up.
Stiff and light Roval Control Trail 29er wheels ensure a quiet and precise ride. Shifting is taken care of with a mix of SRAM XO and X9 parts, and is smooth and unnoticeable. Specialized has made sure the gear ratios are right for a 29er to tackle the steepest climbs by speccing a crankset with 22- and 33-tooth chainrings. The Specialized Command Post BlackLite dropper post can be set in three positions from the handlebar remote. We found the mid-position was especially hard to find, as the post extends at such high speed.
The Formula T1 S brakes were reliable stoppers, but almost always squealed regardless of wet or dry trails – pretty annoying!
The big, stiff wheels and 29er specific crankset transform every ounce of leg power into forward motion. Steep climbs with rough trails, roots, and steps are a walk in the park, as the bike seems to have limitless traction.
The low overall weight and precise steering make the bike agile. The big 29-inch wheels create a feeling of security in any terrain in spite of the short-travel suspension. The bike seems to float along the trail, perfectly balanced, playful yet sure-footed. You automatically feel in the right position on the Rumor, which creates lots of confidence.
New trails and new experiences are often closer than you think – they just need discovering.
Conclusion:
There’s no more room for 29er sceptics. Developing a special, women-specific full suspension bike with big wheels has definitely paid off. Thanks to the great position, perfectly executed geometry, well-
chosen parts, and of course big wheels, the Specialized Rumor Expert brings smiles going up or down and
delivers the promised trail fun. Good job, boys (and girls)!
Text: Lisa Policzka Pictures: Christoph Bayer