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I'm getting into cyclocross. I have a mountain bike that is operational so I might ride that one until I can find a suitable replacement.
I'm 4'10 but on top of that, my inseam is 21inches. I need a bike to fit me. What would you suggest? Obviously, I can have a custom frame built but to avoid spending $$$$, I'd like suggestions on bikes "off the rack."
Thanks in advance.
FYI: My road bike is 43cm with 650wheels. It cannot be fitted with knobby tires/wheels. 2008 Trek 2.1 WSD red/white.
I'm a bit bigger than you, and looked quite a bit for a cross bike that would fit me, so unless there's something new I don't know about, I'm pretty certain that the Redline may be the only off the rack purpose built cyclocross bike that will fit you…. REI does carry a kids Diamondback that looks nearly identical, with the exception that it is equipped with road tires rather than knobbies - but it has V-brakes so it could certainly accommodate bigger tires.
I have a 2000-ish Kline. It was $400 when we bought it. My husband road/cyclocroses/MBs/Crits all the time and is on a local team and told me he thinks the bike is in good shape. He also had a Gunnar and loved it.
I like the look of the Pinarello.
I REALLY don't want to spend more than $1500. The Pinarello ($900) is the price I would like to stick to because I'll need shoes and clothes to match the bike, of course.
Is this the Redline bike?
http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/REDLINE...JSGBoCtkLw_wcB
Because it is only $500. Also, I bet my son and I could share it. :D
If you already do some cycling, there is no need for new cycling clothes with cross (lest you become competitive and want a skin suit... me likely to want a custom bike before that, though). There is another option: Isla bikes --- http://www.islabikes.com/us/bike_pages/luath700.html
It already has cantilever brakes, but you may want to upgrade some components.
I'm about your height. I ride the Salsa Vaya for commuting and we plan some short tours in the future. It would do great as a cross bike at least IMHO. All my bikes are 47 cm or less but the Salsa is a 50 cm and fits great. The shop included custom fit with the purchase which really dialed it in. It's affordable, under $2k anyway. Knott has almost the same bike and hers was a little less because they had a sale on the last of the model. Great bike.
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=53071
I'm wondering if stand over height might not be an issue for you with even a 24" wheel bike. I noticed a couple of the previously mentioned bikes have standover heights of around 25 or 26 inches and you indicated that you have a 21" inseam.
Yes, well that would be me, but in this case I think you are probably looking at a bike on 20" wheels.Quote:
Originally Posted by Muirenn
You could certainly give Georgena a call, it's worth a shot. She is very down to earth. However, I don't know of any bikes that she has made on 20" wheels. Not that she couldn't but then you are talking about a custom bike that would most likely be beyond the budget range. I suspect she would suggest you check with Bike Friday or one of the other companies that specialize in 20" wheel bikes.
Someone mentioned Redline and I noticed that they make a cyclocross kids bike on 20" wheels but the standover is 22.24 inches, so that's probably a bit borderline. You might look for a stepthrough or mixte frame bike on 24" wheels, or contact Bike Friday.
I'd certainly test ride a Soma Buena Vista. You can build them up any way you want. No doubt you could ride cross on one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvia
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24182
Perhaps the inseam measurement is incorrect? I looked up the 2008 Trek catalog and the 2.1 WSD has a stand over height a little over 25". That standover would open the possibility of the Redline Conquest 24 or the Kona Jake 24.