The search continues....

[shadon]

so I'm looking for the next bike. I'm now convinced that a small frame, and probably a WSD is what I need. I'm 5'3, short torso, short arms. I test rode a 44 cm Specialized Dolce Comp today. It was the nicest ride so far...but it wan't calling my name. I could feel the the fit was right though. I still feel intimidated when I get on a road bike like this

My right clavical hurts tonight, an ongoing problem from some surgery years ago....which concerns me. Anyone know of a steel, WSD? I may have to tackle that with weight training or something.

That's my rambly review! Any suggetions on how to effectively test ride a bike?

[Trek420]

start here

http://www.lunacycles.com/bike.html

and of course the Riv riders will chime in shortly. I love my Mondonico, or consider Torelli. Doesn't Lemond make a steel WSD? Consider straight bars too instead of drops.

[Selkie]

I'm a big fan on Specialized's WSD bikes---I have a Dolce Elite and a Dolce Comp. :-) Sorry the bike didn't "call" to you. Have you checked out Bianchi's Eros Donna? I test rode one but alas, I'm too big for it (they don't make them bigger than 49s, according to my LBS). I loved the campy shifters on the hoods!! Don't know if it's a steel frame though. Terry might sell some bikes w/steel frames (my classic has a steel frame).

About your shoulder, you might still go w/a road bike but get brake levers installed on the flats of your handlebars. That way you can ride more upright, going to your hoods only to shift if you decide you don't like riding more "down" over the handlebars. It took me a little while to adjust from riding a touring bike (my terry classic) to a road bike. Honestly, I was pretty intimidated by it and thought for sure I'd wipe out. Now I find it a much more comfortable position all around and I'm even getting brave enough to go down in the drops :-) By the way, I broke my clavicle in the mid-90s. After I started lifting weights about 8 years ago, all my "post-fracture" woes went away.

[Dirt Girl]

Have you checked out Bianchi's Eros Donna? I test rode one but alas, I'm too big for it...I loved the campy shifters on the hoods!! Don't know if it's a steel frame though.
Yup, my WSD Bianchi Eros Donna is a steel frame. And I do love those campy shifters. NOTHING I tried fit my small hands like these puppies. Mine is a 44 and whispered to me, "This is the one." Shadon, if you can test ride one, give it a try.

I found this article to be helpful for test riding a bike.
http://www.chainreaction.com/avantgo/roadbiketestrides.htm

Good luck on your search. And do hold out for the one that calls to you!

[bikerchick68]

Lemond also makes WSD road bikes and they are steel frames... I had a Buenos Aires and it was a very nice ride... good luck and hope ya find that one that is perfect for you...

[Saxa82]

In my bike search one of the bikes I really liked was a Specialized Sirrus- it has the flat handlebars and a more upright position but it's a fast light feeling bike- comfortable too. I'm small too, and I thought it felt really nice. I didn't buy it cuz I found another bike that was a bit better in the gearing department. But I think you should try one out.

[Jo-n-NY]

I had a Sp. Sirrus that I really liked for a couple of year, but wanted something lighter so in December as my birthday present my husband got me the Sp. Dolce Comp. I just love it. I seem to just fly and the first thought that came to mind was that the bike just fit me like a glove. If I didn't go with a WD bike I would have gotten the Sp. Allez Comp but it was a bit more of a stetch. My husband just got himself one, however and simply loves it also.

I guess if it feels good, you will know it right away. Good luck and hope you find that perfect bike!

~ JoAnn

[shadon]

I do need to try the Bianchi Eros Donna. The Campy shifting gives me pause...it looks like one uses her thumbs as well as fingers to shift? I do have small hands so this might be a good one to try. Gotta find a shop that has a good place to take a decent test ride.

One of you mentioned that weight lifting helped your clavicle. This has occured to me as well so I'm gonna get started with some light weights. Good for bone stength to.

man...I need a less than 40 hour a week job! I want to spend more time on the bike!

Team Estrogen rocks!
Sharon

[shadon]

About your shoulder, you might still go w/a road bike but get brake levers installed on the flats of your handlebars. That way you can ride more upright, going to your hoods only to shift if you decide you don't like riding more "down" over the handlebars. It took me a little while to adjust from riding a touring bike (my terry classic) to a road bike. Honestly, I was pretty intimidated by it and thought for sure I'd wipe out. Now I find it a much more comfortable position all around and I'm even getting brave enough to go down in the drops :-) By the way, I broke my clavicle in the mid-90s. After I started lifting weights about 8 years ago, all my "post-fracture" woes went away.

What kinds of exercises help with the clavical? I'm thinkng some sort "shrug" with light weights. Glad to hear that weights can help!