Bike option for short women
Just a heads up for short women out there. I'm 5-1 w/27 inseam and have had trouble finding a crit bike that fits me. Most women's smaller bikes are set up as tourers, and my 44cm Specialized Ruby S-Works is primarily a climber. I love the bike, but have trouble getting truly aero in it.
After doing my homework and/or test riding a lot of bikes (Giant, Orbea, Felt, Trek, Cervelo, Look, Cannondale, Bianchi, Scott etc.) I found only one other bike manufacturer that offered a bike:
1.) with race geometry
2.) in my size
3.) with max 70 standover/50 TT
4.) with 700 wheels and
5.) priced under $4000
6.) that's not pink
...The 2008 Pinarello FP5 (42.5cm)
Comparisons:
Bike.............44cm Ruby.......42.5 FP5
Gruppo........... Record............Dura Ace
Top Tube...........49.6................50.0
Seat Angle........76.0°...............74.5°
HT Angle.......... 70.5°..............70.0°
HT Length..........105.................115
Standover......... 68.9................70.0
Weight.............14.3 lb............16.0 lb.
The bike is smooth and responsive, with almost no toe overlap. While this is not a WSD, many of the measurements will suit women looking for a small bike with more aggressive geometry. The only downsides are the lack of component options (I'm planning to rebuild it with Campy) and the mediocre wheelset, which has already been replaced.
NOTE: Pinarello is not the most efficient nor expedient company to work with. Expect to wait months for delivery, and don't get your heart set on any particular color. They make a nice bike, but they're not exactly customer-friendly.
http://www.businesscycles.com/graphi..._fp5-naked.jpg
