With the increasing awareness of 29″ers amongst the average trail biker, it was only a matter of time before a woman’s specific design would show up. Specialized has made the move for 2011 to bring such a 29″er to fruition. Twenty Nine Inches has just taken delivery of a pre-production Myka 29″er to test and review, so we’ll be getting a closer look at this bike in the coming weeks. Although the bike is not yet in final spec form, we wanted to see if the Myka geometry and positioning would work for trail riding women.
What’s that you say? How can Grannygear or Guitar Ted test a woman’s specific design? Well, never fear, we have found some women willing to throw a leg over this rig and give us their feedback on whether a 29″er, and more specifically, the Myka, is a worthy bicycle for women and their off road pursuits. We’ll also be asking Specialized some questions about how the design is different and why they felt it was time to make the move to a woman’s specific 29″er.
Stay tuned for more on the Specialized Myka 29″er coming up soon!
Note: This bike was provided to Twenty Nine Inches at no charge for review. We are not being paid or bribed for this review. We will strive to give our hones opinions throughout. Also please note that this example of the Myka 29 is not a final production bike. Details on the spec and look are not finalized as of this writing.












Nice looking bike – maybe I have finally found a way to get my gal riding!
Can we at least confirm the frame material?
@Lee T
M4 aluminum. Just in from Specialized:
“FRAME: Fully butted, smooth-welded M4 alloy 29er frame with women’s recreational XC geometry delivers a confident and lightweight ride. Ultra low stand over height for confidence and control (690mm size 15”), Ultra low stack height for optimized fit and handling through integrated headset, 80mm travel fork, flat handlebar and low head tube heights.”
grannygear
@GG
Thanks – sounds like the perfect first 29er. With a decent mid-level component set it might get to $1200-$1500, maybe? Can’t wait to see some more pics to show her.
The big thing will be for the shorter women. Standover and Handlebar rise are the 2 main issues for women under 5″3′. If they can get this right and women buy in they could really dominate this market.
My wife is 5′ 4 3/4″ and fits the 17″ quite well. More pics and story to come soon.
grannygear
@Lee T
Specs will be listed soon here (we just got them), but it is a decent build and the suggested retail is $1100.00 – $1150.00…in that range.
I weighed the 17″ model at just under 28 lbs with flat pedals and a WB cage. The spec on this preproduction model varies with brakes, etc, but I do not think it will make much difference…still has the Tora fork, etc.
In any case, there is plenty of room to lighten the bike up over time if that seemed important. My wife says “It sure rolls fast”. Good enough!
grannygear
I’m interested in the sizing of this. My wife could use a new MTB… a 15 could be just the ticket.
OK, you got my interest. And hopefully my daughters too. I can’t wait to see this bike. My daughter has been eyeing up my Rumblefish and keeps asking me if she can fit on a 29er. I was hesitant, but my daughter is taller than your wife, so this is looking pretty good. Maybe a Christmas Present.
@all…
Stay tuned. More info, pics, and video coming up.
grannygear
Will be watching this one with great interest!