Specialized's 2011 Safire - First Impressions

I recently had the opportunity to join the women from Specialized for 2 days of riding and learning about their Women Specific line up of bikes. My mighty steed was to be the all new 2011 Specialized Safire trail bike.

Read on to learn about my experience.To give you a little insight about me, I currently ride a 2008 Rocky Mountain Slayer and the 2009 Norco Team DH. My vintage Schwinn cruiser would be very disappointed if I didn't mention it as well. In being a lady who is almost 5'10, I've always shied away from women specific designs. My understanding was that they were made to meet the needs of the smaller, more petite lasses. I was very interested to see how the Safire would rise up to the occasion.

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After a hearty breakfast of bacon and cheese crepes, I made my way to meet up with Rachael and Amy of Specialized. The sun was beaming and I was filled with anticipation and excitement. We made our way to the Specialized trailer and it was there that they released the beauty. Hues of red, black and white, all shiny and ready for me to get dusty. Once we got the Safire dialed in for me, it was time to hit the trails.



We started off with some nice technical climbing on Cut Yer Bars in the Whistler Valley Trails network. As the lactic acid made its way through my muscles, I really started to focus on how the bike handled and rolled over the plethora of roots and rocks. I felt like I had the agility and power of a mountain goat. I was really impressed with how light the Safire was and how it handled on the steeper climbs with rocks and roots. In many situations I thought I'd have to get off and walk, expecting the front tire to lift putting a damper on my momentum. To my amazement, the Safire dug her rubber in and I was able to maneuver the many cruxes on the trail.

As we reached the top of the climb, the undulating trail proceeded through a towering cedar forest. This is where I discovered one of my favorite features of the Safire, the command seat post*. It had three settings that I could easily adjust with my thumb. It made for an efficient and flowy ride as I didn't have to stop to raise or lower my seat.



Another magnificent feature on the Safire is the Brain rear shock. Normally I have to flick my pro-pedal on or off which can be challenging when in motion. The brain is designed to automatically adjust to the terrain. It will be more firm on smooth terrain and softer/more compliant on bumpy terrain for a more fluid ride. The Brain helps keep momentum in the pedal stroke not the suspension. There is no switch to flick so I could keep both hands on the bars. You can adjust the brain to your desired firmness, just as one would tune their compression or rebound on the rear shock. Adjusting the amount of trail input required to activate the rear shock is tune-able via the Brain's adjustment knob.





In my mind, the true test of the Safire would be revealed in the descent. Normally, I'm more confident on a beefier bike for descending, but the down side is that I may suffer a little on the climb. The Safire is light and efficient for ascending, but can it charge the descents? I discovered that it most certainly can. The Safire actually exceeded my expectations with how well it navigated down technical steeps. The geometry of the bike made me feel centered and stable. The S140 travel adjust fork (140mm) and the rear fox shock (120mm travel) were ample travel for advanced trail riding.




There was a short, rocky, steep section on Cut Yer Bars that was slightly intimidating. I recall walking this section last year as I just wasn't confident with it. A new leaf was turned over and the confidence inspiring Safire allowed me to charge down the rock section with ease.



Another positive attribute of this women's specific bike is the curved top tube. This allows for more standover height. This 3 piece top tube and shock carriage enables inline suspension. The ultra low standover height proved to be a benefit on the trail "A River Runs Through It". This trail consisted of many ladders, skinnies and other low lying stunts. Confidence was permeating throughout me and I was keen to challenge the Safire and my skills. There were a few occasions that I came off a stunt and I was forever grateful for the low standover height.







My experience riding the Safire was very positive. I seriously had so much fun on this bike. My face had a cheek to cheek perma smile the entire ride. Light, efficient, sturdy and confidence inspiring are words that I would use to sum up this bike. The Safire has enlightened me and I'm open to trying more women specific designs. The Safire stepped up to the plate and proved to me that it's not just for petite women, but women of all shapes, sizes and skill levels. This is a bike that I can see myself progressing into a strong, skilled rider on. Whether you like to flow on buff single track, slog up fire roads, scale mountain summits or pin it down descents, the 2011 Specialized Safire will empower and allow you to roam. Happy riding ladies!

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2011 Specialized Safire Pro Specs:

Additional information on Women Specific bikes and how they benefit us ladies:

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For more information on the 2011 Specialized Safire and their whole line up of bikes and accessories check out www.specialized.com.

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*The command seat post is not stock on the Safire Pro but has cable routing in place should you decide to install it.