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Today’s DealsFate Expert Carbon 29
A 29″ carbon frame hardtail women’s crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 80mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Groupset | X0, X9 |
| Brakes | Avid Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Specialized Fate is a women-specific cross-country bike praised for its lightweight design, excellent climbing ability, and quick, confidence-inspiring handling. It features a frame optimized for women with a low standover and high-end components, making it race-ready and trail-capable. However, some reviews note the 80mm front suspension may feel inadequate for more aggressive terrain.
Lightweight and fast
Climbs well
Confidence-inspiring ride
Quick but not twitchy handling
High-end components
80mm front suspension feels inadequate
Uncomfortable saddle
Tires not suited for all terrains
The Fate Carbon is one women’s mountain bike where the phrase “pink it and shrink it” does not apply in the slightest
Playful. That's the personality of the Specialized Fate
The Fate is a pure-bred cross-country machine.
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View all reviews

Aug 2013 · Emily Schaldach
Caley Fretz gives the once-over to Rebecca Rusch's Specialized Fate ahead of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB

Jul 2013
As a female rider, the most frustrating part of the 26” vs 29” debate has nothing to do with the pros and cons of wheel size. It’s the part where people rave about the benefits of 29ers, then conclude with some kind of comment about how they’re not suited to smaller riders. Or women. Then …
A racey 29er with a women’s specific geometry and spec.
Size range extends to women below average height.
Fast, light, and minimal customisation necessary.
Fork feels harsh when set up for lower weight riders.
Chipping enamel.

Oct 2012
Specialized S-Works Fate Carbon 29 specialized.com $7,500 The Fate Carbon is one women's mountain bike where the phrase "pink it and shrink it" does not

Feb 2012
My, What Big Wheels You Have, by Jen See, The Fate is new for 2012 from Specialized Women. It’s the first carbon 29er designed specifically for women riders from Specialized. I’ve been riding the Fate since November on the trails around Santa Barbara, California. The bike handles best on smooth, fast trails, and I had the most fun with the Fate on the rolling terrain of our local coastal bluffs.

Oct 2011 · Sue George
My current personal rig is a one-year-old Specialized carbon Stumpjumper 29er hardtail (not a women’s bike) and I was curious to see how the Fate would ride in comparison.

Oct 2011 · Mountain Bike Editor,
New carbon 29er hardtail
| Frame | 2012 Fate HT FACT 8m carbon, FACT IS construction with women's 29"" performance geometry, tubesets, and layup, tapered HT, carbon PF-30 BB, DMD, hollow carbon dropouts, replaceable alloy derailleur hanger BB Standard: PF30, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | RS/Specialized Sid 29 Brain, Brain Fade and rebound adj. alloy tapered crown/steerer, 80mm travel, 15"": 51mm offset, 17""/19"": 46mm offset Travel: 80mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM GXP, outboard bearing, sealed cartridge |
| Headset | 1-1/8 and 1-1/2"" Threadless, Campy style upper with 1-1/2"" lower bearing for tapered integrated HT, cartridge bearings |
| Stem | Specialized XC, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized XC flat, 2014 butted alloy, 660mm wide, 8º back sweep, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Specialized Women's Body Geometry Jett Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm |
| Seatpost | 2014 butted alloy, single bolt, 27.2mm, 15""/17"": 350mm, others: 400mm Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Resin Test Ride Pedals with toe clips, CEN std. |
| Grips | Specialized XC lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X0, 10-speed, mid cage |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | SRAM X7, 10-speed, 34.9 clamp mount, top-pull |
| Crank | Custom SRAM S-1250, 10-speed XC double, PF30 spindle, 15"": 165mm, 17"": 170mm, 19"": 175mm |
| Shifters | SRAM X9, 10-speed, trigger |
| Cassette | SRAM 10-speed, 11-36t |
| Chain | KMC X-10, 10-speed, w/ reusable Missing Link, nickel plates |
| Brakes | Front: Custom Avid X0 World Cup, hydraulic disc w/ Flex Hose, tool-less reach adj. and alloy blade, alloy backed semi-metal pad, Rear: Custom Avid X0 World Cup, hydraulic disc w/ Flex Hose, tool-less reach adj. and alloy blade, alloy backed semi-metal pad Type: Avid Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Custom Avid X0 World Cup, hydraulic, tool-less reach adj. |
| Rims | Roval Control 29, alloy disc, 26mm, 32h |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition 1.8/1.6mm stainless |
| Front Hub | Roval Control 29, alloy disc, OS 28mm end caps, QR, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Roval Control 29, QR, 32h |
| Tires | Front: S-Works Renegade, 120 TPI, 2Bliss Ready aramid bead, dual-compound, 29x1.95"", Rear: S-Works Renegade, 120 TPI, 2Bliss Ready aramid bead, dual-compound, 29x1.95"" |
First added July 9
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 2,521 days