new bike??

I ran over my own bike in July. I took it to the only BS in town to fix it and they kept it for 6 weeks and didn't do a thing to it. It was an older model cannondale. So, I went and got it and was going to find a bike store in Houston. Hurricane Rita came so I haven't had a chance to take it to a store. Here is the thing, the back wheel is bent and I broke off the rear derailler. I don't know what to do. Just scrap it and buy a new one. Don't really like LBS as if you don't buy from them they don't do a good job servicing you. I don't even know if they know how to size you. I am 5 feet 1 inch so can anybody give me a ball park figure as to the size of the bike I might need if I go with a new bike? My old bike was used and the guy I bought it from didn't know the size.

Tracey

Tracey,

Have you spent some time perusing the Bikes section of this forum? This type of conversation comes up all the time, and I know there are alot of gals that are small poking around out there.

Fer starters, many of the major manufacturers make women's specific bikes, many of which come equipped with smaller handlebars, short reach levers, shorter cranks, etc., etc. For the most part, these bikes can be great for shorter/smaller women (though this is not always the case).

But, if you have the money, get a custom bike! One of SadieKate's proteges ended up getting a Seven because she just couldn't fit on any of the big brand bikes.

Take your time and have fun shopping...at some other bike shop where they are always happy to see you, act interested in helping you, and ask lots of questions (probably not the LBS that you took your Cannondale to...). These types of shops can be, unfortunately, hard to find!

Just for an idea, I am 5'2 1/2 and I just was fitted/measured for/and ordered a 47cm Trek WSD. The right lbs should do lots of measuring and take plenty of time talking about your riding style.

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Here is the thing, the back wheel is bent and I broke off the rear derailler.

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I'm no mechanic. But it sounds like you just need to replace the back wheel and derailer.... with some hassle to get it done.

But... if you want to avoid the hassle and have a GOOD EXCUSE for getting a shiny new bike... then go get one!

I know at my LBS... they said Trek has a "1 year no interest" type of credit card. If you think you can pay off the bike before that year is up... that might be an option if you don't have the cash outright.

I'm definitely not the one to talk, as I unpack yet another ebay road bike... but a rear wheel and derailleur are both pretty easy to replace. If it were me, I would fix up my tried and true steed, and then, as a reward for a job well done, buy a new bike anyway!