Recomendations for a bike

Sham

hi!
i'm about 5'5" now.. i ride a 50cm road bike...around 16" for mountain.
i don't need a womens specific bike...i have a longer torso for my height so, i'd rather have a cool paint job...
i DO plan on going off road. hopefully a lot! i've been feeling very daring lately...but not darig enough to seriosly condsider verts.
i've looked at some gary fisher bikes--Marlin, advance, tassagra, Mullet and some rather unimpressive treks. i like the Marlin or Mullet the most, the colors and features.
i've also looked at the Kona bikes. online. and i love 'em. but i'd have to go a little more out of my way to get one...which is fine. lana'i, hahanna, and shred, those are the ones that are apealing to me.
has anybody got one of these bikes? what niche are they best for? every opinions and bit of advice is appreciated!

BRScott

My favorite LBS is run by a husband/wife duo. I asked the lady which bikes she had because she is about the same height as my wife - 5'7-5/8. She said she used a men's Tassajara (bigger resale market because of a larger market for mens bikes). She said they Genesisters geometry only goes up to, I think, 17 inch bikes, which means you'd be fine at 5'5 for one if you went that route. The fact that she, having her pick of many bikes, went with the Tassajara (and I know she rides a bit ownig a store that closes when they decide its a nice day for riding the local trails) settled me on what brand and model to get my wife. We'll be hitting most of the trails around the state.

As for the Marlin, I had a friend who was "inspired" by my old roommate's and my daily riding on the trails near school and trying to get our friends to come with us. She bought a Marlin and really liked it, but I think after a few months it just became a decoration at her house. She had a men's model, and it seemed to hold up well while used.

I hope that helps.

-Brian

eric1971

I have had a good experience with my Fisher ('03 Big Sur). Love the Genesis Geometry.