Road Bike Suggestions for Short Female?

[MyRightFoot]

I'm new to this (terrific) forum and to biking as well. In my 30's I rode 50 miles a week on my mountain bike but it's been 15 years since I've been on a bicycle. Now, with a running injury and an avid biking husband, it's time to get a bike. One of the biggest problems I have in finding a bike is my size. I'm 4'11" with an inseam of 69.5cm. Thru the help of the great info on this forum and a lot of feedback from my husband, I've narrowed down what I think I'm looking for (in no particular order):

- a road bike for riding mostly on pavement, possibly the occasional crushed limestone trail, for recreation -I don't foresee using it for commuting much or doing bike touring with panniers, etc.
- steel frame not aluminum
- would love for it to be made in USA, but that puts the price several thousand more than I have. So then manufactured in Taiwan is ok, definitely against manufactured in mainland China (I'm against slave labor and poor environmental policies in the making of my bike)
- 650 wheels (seems with my height, I shouldn't have the typical 700 that people a foot taller than me have)
- shifters and brakes that a small hand can reach (love the feel of Italian made Campagnolo but seems everything is Shimano or Sram unless it's custom.)
- preferred budget around $1500 or less

I've been contemplating a mixte - love the architectural lines of those frames, but wonder if a more typical road bike with a sloping top tube might be more suitable if I don't plan to use the bike to commute, run errands, etc. Seems most of the pics I see of mixtes are town bikes with baskets and cargo. I did the Competitive Cyclist Fit Calculator to get my basic measurements to compare against manufacturer specs which gets me really confused! I'd love to test ride bikes, but nobody carries my size in stock, it's all special order. For my size, they are mostly low end aluminum or mountain bikes. I've gone into a couple LBSs to check out bikes, but either they only have one bike in my size, or they try to convince me that whatever their smallest bike is on the floor is ok for me :confused:

Some bikes I'm contemplating are the Salsa Vaya (http://salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya_3/) and the Surly Long Haul Trucker (http://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker).

If I had the money and the time, I'd get a bike like the Sweatpea Little Black Dress (http://www.sweetpeabicycles.com/lust/little-black-dress/) or A-Line (http://www.sweetpeabicycles.com/lust/the-a-line/), Gunnar Roadie (http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/roadie/) or Sport (http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/sport/), or something from a local artisan bike builder.

Can any of you provide some suggestions or advice for this newbie?

[goldfinch]

I am 4'11" and shopped last year for a road bike. Here is my thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=44652

As far as a Mixte, it is hard to find something small enough that is in your price range. The Betty Foy is cool, but the cost is going to be about $2200. Their smallest is 47cm and probably would work. But, they are phasing out that size so if that is the way you want to go you need to do it while they still have that frame. (Can you tell that I have thought about getting this bike?) http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/f-foy.htm

The Soma Buena Vista mixte comes in a 42cm and I have thought about that bike too. It seems like you can get a pretty nice build for about $2000. http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/soma/soma-mixte/

I tried the long haul trucker. Not bad but it felt heavy to me and maybe a bit stretched out.

I have also thought about the Vaya, to use as a bike that will accept larger tires and work on ratty road surfaces that my Madone does not like. My fitter thought that the build for the smallest Vaya was kind of odd. For example, the handlebars are pretty big and wide for a small person. Maybe if you could have it built up to what you want it would work out. I would be interested in other's comments about the Vaya. That bike would fall within your budget if you could get it set up right.

Test rides are nearly impossible.

Another good option is Terry bikes but only aluminum is in your price range. Steel is pricey.

If you get away from steel, the Felt ZW series has a petite size that is very small, with 650 wheels. (Though I think they are dropping the 650 wheels on the 2013 model, IIRC). Or, it may be worth trying the Ruby (carbon) or Dolce (aluminum) even though it has 700 wheels, the 44cm is pretty small.

When I was shopping Trek had the Madone and the Lexa in the tiny 43cm size with 650 wheels. These are no longer available, unless a 2011 is sitting in a shop some place.

The Jamis Endura is an option too, carbon for less than $2000 and it will accept wider wheels than most. http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/xenith/12_xenithendurasportf.html

[indysteel]

It might be a long shot, but there was another TE member hoping to sell a steel Terry Susan B. Mixte in a xtra small size. Here's (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=47493&highlight=terry) the thread. If you go to her profile, she has some pictures of it. It's a pretty bike.

[MyRightFoot]

Thanks Goldfinch!
Great feedback and your thread was really helpful to read. It looks like you've looked into the same bikes I have.

I did see how many of the models are phasing out the smaller sizes :(

I'm thinking you are right about the LHT being heavy -many others are saying the same.

Great point about the Vaya's handlebar spread. Yes, perhaps a different set would help.

I think my height, my budget, and parameters of steel and not manufactured in mainland China are making things tough, but I'm stubborn!

[MyRightFoot]

Indysteel -thanks, it looks tempting, but I'm looking for more of a road bike.
I haven't ruled out a used bike though. The hard part is not being able to test ride them if they are located far away.

[indysteel]

I hate to tell you this, but the chances of you being able to find biked your size to test ride are slim. Few shops stock them that small. You might have to order and buy sight unseen.

There's another TEer selling an xs Bianchi Eros Donna. Steel road bike. It's the bike I have and love. You'll have to do a search. I'm on my iPhone at the moment or I'd look for you.

[MyRightFoot]

I agree -fat chance I'll be able to test ride a bike my size :(

I PMed the seller on that Bianchi earlier this week but still haven't heard back.

[indysteel]

I agree -fat chance I'll be able to test ride a bike my size :(

I PMed the seller on that Bianchi earlier this week but still haven't heard back.

I hope she responds. It's not my favorite color for that bike, but the frame itself is nice. The bike rides really well. I've updated mine over time, but there's nothing wrong with the stock parts.

[MyRightFoot]

Actually it's the color that's making me look elsewhere. I'm just getting a bit antsy since getting my running injury -I have a need for another cardio outdoor workout.

[Sylvia]

If you don't mind used, you might try craigslist and see if there are any bikes on your list that are in your area. Maybe even a used Terry. At least if its in your area you could probably give it a test ride. I have a Terry mixte that I bought used and I'm really enjoying it.

[pinsonp2]

Here's the Detroit CL listing for that Bianchi http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/bik/3142926639.html.

P2

[MyRightFoot]

Thanks Sylvia -yes, I've been scoping out CL -also Terry has a nice section on their site for used bikes, but I haven't seen anything that's right for me yet.

Pinonp2 -thanks -I think I'm nixing that Bianchi. It can't accept very wide tires and I'd like the flexibility.

I'm stopping in my LBS tonight -they don't have the Vaya in my size (of course) but we're going to see what can be swapped out and such. I'm going to try different components to see how my hands fit them, the handlebar widths, etc.

Getting a bike to fit is as difficult as finding a bra! :)

[Sylvia]

I can think of one other option that hasn't been mentioned. That would be a Bike Friday. The bikes are steel and made in the US. However, because they are built to be packed in a suitcase for traveling, they have 20" wheels. The smaller wheel size can help allow the bikes to fit a larger range of sizes. Numerous people on this forum have a Bike Friday including myself. They are great bikes. They also make some of them with a cassette that goes down to a 9t cog which allows for higher gears more comparable to bikes with full size wheels. You might check if there are any dealers in your area or if some pop up on craigslist.

[Sky King]

Have you considered custom. I know, but a good bike can be a forever bike. Yipsan would be a perfect choice, he understands those of on the shorter side :)http://www.yipsanbicycles.com/

[indysteel]

I saw some Yipsan bikes in person a few years ago and met him and his wife. Nice people; beautiful bikes.

[Trek420]

.... I've narrowed down what I think I'm looking for (in no particular order):

- a road bike for riding mostly on pavement, possibly the occasional crushed limestone trail, for recreation -I don't foresee using it for commuting much or doing bike touring with panniers, etc.
- steel frame not aluminum
- would love for it to be made in USA, but that puts the price several thousand more than I have. So then manufactured in Taiwan is ok, definitely against manufactured in mainland China (I'm against slave labor and poor environmental policies in the making of my bike)
- 650 wheels (seems with my height, I shouldn't have the typical 700 that people a foot taller than me have)
- shifters and brakes that a small hand can reach (love the feel of Italian made Campagnolo but seems everything is Shimano or Sram unless it's custom.)
- preferred budget around $1500 or less

That really is an LHT. I'm 4'11, rode one and loved it. If you wanted it lighter it could be built with lighter wheels.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17451

[Catrin]

That really is an LHT. I'm 4'11, rode one and loved it. If you wanted it lighter it could be built with lighter wheels.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17451

I concur, and the smaller sizes come with 26 inch wheels automatically, though I think now that option is available on the larger sizes. This is a heavy bike - but as Trek mentioned lighter wheels would make a significant difference in the weight of the bike. I had one of these and loved it, it is a very nice bike!

[Trek420]

I've read or learned, perhaps here on TE that only about 1/5th of the weight of the bike is the frame. So you could make this bike as light as you wish.

But it's a stable, steady, comfortable, affordable, versatile, upgrade worthy, rock steady bike. :cool:

[goldfinch]

I've read or learned, perhaps here on TE that only about 1/5th of the weight of the bike is the frame. So you could make this bike as light as you wish.

But it's a stable, steady, comfortable, affordable, versatile, upgrade worthy, rock steady bike. :cool:

Besides wheels, what else would one do to lighten up a LHT?

[Catrin]

Besides wheels, what else would one do to lighten up a LHT?

I really think that is the only way - unless you decided do something with the drive train itself. Of course there is a lot I don't know ;)

[emily_in_nc]

According to the measurements she posted, the OP is not tall enough for the smallest (42cm frame) LHT as the standover is 702.1 mm, assuming she measured her inseam accurately. A bike with a sloping top tube might work better.

Or, as someone suggested, a Bike Friday! Mine, a Pocket Crusoe, takes fenders, wider tires, and is a great touring and around-town bike. It can be stripped of racks and fenders and skinnier tires put on for club rides as well. I had it made with drop bars, so it's very versatile. Not in her budget, though, unless she could find a used one that would fit.

Being petite is tough -- even at 5'2", it's not easy to find bikes to test ride that actually come close to fitting!

[goldfinch]

According to the measurements she posted, the OP is not tall enough for the smallest (42cm frame) LHT as the standover is 702.1 mm, assuming she measured her inseam accurately. A bike with a sloping top tube might work better.



I found that it is difficult to measure the inseam accurately. When I measured I got a slightly shorter measure than the OP. I did ride a LHT and was able to stand over the top tube, but with little to spare. Maybe the shoes were enough to make a difference. :) It is worth her trying one out if she can track one down.

[MyRightFoot]

Thanks for all the input!
I went to several LBSs to test out fit on various models (what they had available in my size). I looked at the Surly LHT, Soma Buena Vista and Salsa Vaya but the geometry seemed too big for me. These were my steel frame options outside of custom.

So, I did a bit of research on aluminum and found many opinions saying that for someone of my weight (95lbs), aluminum is fine, so I looked into some. I test rode a 44cm Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Dama Sora (http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/road/dama-bianca/via-nirone-7-dama-sora/) and a Terry Symmetry (http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bicycles/Ready-To-Ride-Fitness/Symmetry-Drop-Bar). I discovered that I definitely felt more comfortable on the 650 wheels of the Terry, the Bianchi just seemed like my center of gravity was off. So I've established 650 wheels as a "must have."

I'm 95% leaning toward the Terry Symmetry because the 44 x 50 size seems to fit me, from the handlebar width, to the top tube, to the standover (with shoes I have at least an inch), and the components are good and fit my small hands. I also admire Georgena Terry's philosophy and like to support female pursuits. I wish I could afford her custom steel made in the USA bikes, but for a newbie rider, I think getting a Terry Ready-to-ride bike is the next best thing for now.

[MyRightFoot]

I'm going for the more understated cream color.

I did look into the Felts, but they make their bikes in mainland China.

I think I'm placing my order . . . I think!

[goldfinch]

Just an aside, Felt has many bikes (http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2012/Fit-Woman/ZW-Series/ZW75-650.aspx) in your price-range available in 650 wheels. In fact, I think all of their women's bikes are available in both 650 and 700.

I heard that they were dropping the 650 wheels on the 2013s but the information could be wrong.

[goldfinch]

I'm going for the more understated cream color.

I did look into the Felts, but they make their bikes in mainland China.

I think I'm placing my order . . . I think!

The Terry is beautiful!

(Good reason not to buy the Felt, it is tough not to get things made in China. I just heard a This American Life program about someone who went to China and got in to visit one of the major factory complexes. It was a horrifying story. And it is our companys' fault for letting them have terrible working conditions.)

[Sylvia]

I don't know in what part of the country you live, but there is a Terry Trixie mixte on craigslist right now. The same bike appears to be listed in the Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Delaware craigslist. If you are still considering a steel mixte, and you live in that area, I'd check this bike out.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3176864443.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3184096364.html

http://delaware.craigslist.org/bik/3179016542.html

[ridebikeme]

One word.... Cannondale and a good portion of the 2012's are on sale!!:D

[MyRightFoot]

Thanks, those Terry Trixies look interesting, but too far for me to check out. Seems strange that the Craigslist ads are obviously for the same bike, but the prices are drastically different! -?

The Cannondales don't come in a small enough geometry for me.

I've decided I love the Terry Symmetry and will order it today!

[Sylvia]

Cool!! Enjoy the new bike!! :)

[indysteel]

Congrats on your new bike! How fun!

[emily_in_nc]

Love the color scheme, and Terry is a GREAT company. I have some regrets about selling a great 2001 Terry Isis (steel, made in USA) I used to own!

Hope you love your new Symmetry!

[MyRightFoot]

Update- I decided not to get the Terry after I discovered the new ready to ride bikes are now made in China (only her custom are made in the USA). The 2012 Terry frames are made in China and assembled in Taiwan, the 2013 Terrys will be made and assembled in China. With China's abusive labor and environmental track record, my conscience tells me I need to seek a bike that has better karma.

[Catrin]

It is my understanding that Terry no longer owns the company, though I could be mistaken.

If you are looking at custom, you might want to check into Gunnar. Made in Wisconsin, this is the more affordable line from Waterford bikes. I think of Gunnars to be the "ala carte" version :) Regardless I am very happy with mine and I had a great experience having it built. There was a point when I even got to speak directly to the woman designing my frame (I've a full custom, for various reasons none of their stock sizes worked for me). They DO have a wide range of stock sizes as well. Waterford is large enough they have their own custom steel tubing manufactured for them.

Gunnar Bikes (http://gunnarbikes.com/site/)

[Owlie]

I think that unless you go custom (or with one of the small companies), you'll be hard-pressed to get a new, off-the-shelf bike made in the US. Cannondale did until a couple years ago, when they were bought by some large company and manufacturing shifted to Taiwan (I think).

[Artista]

Update- I decided not to get the Terry after I discovered the new ready to ride bikes are now made in China (only her custom are made in the USA). The 2012 Terry frames are made in China and assembled in Taiwan, the 2013 Terrys will be made and assembled in China. With China's abusive labor and environmental track record, my conscience tells me I need to seek a bike that has better karma.
Maybe you should call Terry to talk with them about their bike production. It's possible that they've chosen a more equitable manufacturing facility in China.

Georgena sold Terry to another woman a few years ago. Georgena still does the semi-custom bike designs and I think that she has some input into the overall direction that the company takes. I believe that Georgena is not involved in the day-to-day operations, though.

Terry is still a great company.

[MyRightFoot]

Thanks all for the input. I was originally hoping to stay around $1500, but now plan to wait on the bike to save up for possibly custom, US made. In the meantime, I plan to keep my eyes on the used bike options.

Here's a partial list of where bikes are made, with the caveat that this is the info I could gather for current bicycles (many of the locations have changed especially in this decade), but the accuracy can only be confirmed thru the honesty of the companies. You will find many of them have deceptive or elliptical explanations on their websites.

Made in USA:
Gunnar/Waterford.
Sweetpea
Georgena Terry Custom (built by Waterford)
Hampsten
Rodriguez
DeSalvo
Strong
Moots
Lynskey
Ira Ryan
Kirk
Davidson
Steelman
Seven
Co-Motion
Independent Fabrication
Kish
Vanilla

along with components & parts from...
Chris King
Paul
Enve forks
LH Thomson
White Industries

Made in Italy:
DeRosa
Pegoretti
Formigli
Ciocc
Pelizzoli
Torelli
Mondonico
along with gruppo from Campagnolo

Made in UK
Pashley
Brompton

Made in Taiwan
Bianchi
Surly
Salsa
Soma
along with gruppo from Sram and Shimano (also made in Japan and Malaysia)

Made in China
Terry
Felt
Breezer
Kona (assembled in Taiwan)
Specialized
Huffy
Schwinn
Fuji
Mongoose
Motobecane
Mercier
Windsor

[Kathi]

Serotta, made in New York.

[laura*]

Some additional details:

Made in USA:
Georgena Terry Custom (steel frames by Waterford) (titanium by Lynskey)

Made in Taiwan
gruppo from Sram and Shimano (also made in Japan and Malaysia) (SRAM chains from Portugal)

Made in China
Motobecane (except some in Taiwan, notably titanium frames)

[Trek420]

One word.... Cannondale and a good portion of the 2012's are on sale!!:D

But that's 11 words ;) :p