Advice on choosing a new bike

[cosc]

I need-waanah a new bike. What bike do you think might fit my needs? My pocketbook at the moment says around $2000. I don't road race-but like to ride long distances.

First priority is a well fitting steel or carbon road bike.
Second is a stable bike as possible on descents and cross-winds.
A bike suited to at least light touring as I'd like to be able to ride self supported.
I'd like clearance for bigger tire as needed for touring various road surfaces.
I realize I may have to compromise my needs because there is no bike that can do everything.

My bike need to fit a long legged-short torso person.
5" 7 1/2" height
34 inseam w/ bike shoes on.
22 Upper stearnal measurement

My 57 bianchi eros is fit with a very short rise stem, and comfy except when my legs are cramped when I'm in my drops. I suspect stability is compromised when on descents and crosswinds due to my fit.
My eros has a 550 or 21.65" tt.

Thanks for your thoughts. I look forward to your feedback.

[wannaduacentury]

I bet a Kona bike or Cyclo-cross bike might work for you. There are some ladies here that have some and give their 2 cents. I have a Giant road bike and mtn bike which fit my needs fine. The Kona are steel I think and should be able to adapt to different tire sizes and are rugged bikes. I wouldn't mind having one. Good luck with your search. Jennifer

[cosc]

Wannaduacentury, my not so local bike shop suggested I build up a Kona sutra with a frame they had on hand. The modern compact frame and the fact I'd never seen or rode one before made me think twice about that. I did try a 54 Surly cross-check, but the top tube was too long. The 54 surly long hauler I tried for size in a trainer was long in reach too. Not too many production bikes are made for long legs and short torsos. I wish I lived in a mecca of bike shops to test ride, but I do have TE friends to help me narrow down my search.

[roadie gal]

Check out the Jamis bikes. They make some very nice steel bikes for a good price. My SO has one of their road bikes and a mtn bike. I have one of their mtn bikes. We've been very happy with all of them.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I second the Jamis bikes- their touring models would be perfect and within your price range. Also check the Terry women's specific touring model- especially concerning the short torso/longleg issues.

I don't think you are going to find a carbon bike that fits your needs: $2000, wider tire clearance, ability to carry medium loads, being able to be fitted with possible panniers or fenders for touring, etc.
But you can find steel bikes that will do all that for $2000 and probably be more comfortable on longer rides than carbon as well.

[tulip]

I have a Jamis and I really like it. It's my city bike (Coda). I also have a Luna, and I love it. The Luna Orbit might be interesting for you to look at (www.lunacycles.com).

[cosc]

Thanks for your imput, TE biking sisters.
Jamis Aurora might be a possibility. The only in stock Aurora I tried for size seemed to fit better than the Surlys, although still long in reach.

The Terry Isis Sport might be a good fit. It has rear seatstay bosses and eyelets on front and rear for racks. No room for fender, except for clip-ons. Gearing is low for touring. Carbon fork and wheels might not be the best for touring with much weight. Of course most my riding is recreational training and very light touring so a good fit and stable ride would be A+ in my book. I'm anxious to hear some reviews about the 2008 steel terry bikes.

The Luna bikes sound wonderful. If I went custom I couldn't impulse buy, right.
I'd indeed to learn patience waiting to save money and have the bike built.

About 200 miles down the road a bike shop has different sizes of rivendell's Bleriot. Any riders seen these bikes or know anything about them?

Thanks for reading if you've made it this far. I get long- winded thinking on paper.

[elk]

I love that Waterford is making the steel frames for the new Terrys

I have an Aurora and I love it... I wanted a comfortable steel touring bike that I could learn to ride long distances on..as well as get up and down the hills of my neighborhood. I have no complaints

As far as the Bleriot??? I think its what they're using to replace the Ranbouillet for the present...and if I had a chance to try one out...I'd go for it. Being a Rivendell fan.

[KnottedYet]

Same measurements as you, except my superior sternum to superior pubic bone length is about an inch longer.
I have long arms as well as long legs.

Ride: 56 cm Kona Dew, 20 inch Kona Smoke, 53 cm Waterford X-12, 52 cm Surly Cross Check.
(Dew is aluminum, everything else is steel)

Changing stems on the Waterford and Surly let me really fine-tune the fit.

[cosc]

Elk, on a warm day I think I will go test ride the pretty Bleriot, which is many miles away.

The terry bikes $$ quite a bit, but would be worth it if the fit was right.

Knotted, wish I was close and I'd test ride your rigs. My arms and hands are more in the average length. I'm hoping for a bike without oddles of seatpost showing and a short, stubby stem.

I'll be quick to test ride as soon as we get out of the deep freeze and shops get in their new spring bikes. Looking forward to easter!!!!!!!!

[ehirsch83]

I would check out the 2007 specialized Roubaix. They are made for distance riding, more of a comfort road bike- not aggressive like a race bike. The 2008s are all out, so you could probably get a comp or expert right in your price range.