First Bike, Short Girl

[SillyMia]

After my mountain bike got stolen, I convinced my husband to let me upgrade to a road bike (I've NEVER been on one). I'm really excited because I LOVED riding my bike everywhere and last year I did my first Triathlon and felt really inferior with people passing me on my $100 bike.

Anyway, my budget was $500, but I convinced him to let me get the Trek 1.2 WSD.

I got measured/body scanned and I'm going to need the 43 which comes with 650 tires. One disadvantage I've always had was working harder to keep up because my bikes have always been smaller than standard. I'm 5'1.5" with a very small torso, 28" inseam. LBS is calling tomorrow to see when the 2008 43s are coming in. So, since I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to bicycles I have the following questions:

1. Will I be at a disadvantage with the smaller tires/smaller bike?
2. Is the Trek 1.2 WSD (2007 was the Trek 1000) a decent starter bike?
3. Is the transition from mountain bike to road bike difficult?

Thanks for your help, I already got a wealth of information lurking around here!

[KnottedYet]

Smaller tires/smaller bike: believe me, when a bike fits you, you fly! The advantages of a bike that fits you FAR outweigh the disadvanges (which some folks debate) of smaller wheels.

Enjoy!

[boy in a kilt]

You may want to try 26 inch wheels rather than 650's.

There isn't a whole lot of difference between the 650's and the 26's. However, 26 inch tires seem to be a bit easier to come by.

We spec'd 26's on my wife's bike and it's made the bike more comfortable for her.

Here are the differences you'll feel going from a road to mountain bike:

1) The road bike will be lighter and will have tighter frame geometry. This means it'll be faster and feel more responsive.

2) The tires will be a little more flat prone.


Other than that, you will be much happier spending the extra scratch on a bike that fits you properly.

[Torrilin]

The biggest factor in going fast is your engine. Women tend to be a bit better at endurance. We also tend to develop muscle in our legs a bit more easily than in the upper body. These are all good things on a bike . A bike that fits well will make it easier for you to take advantage of the good points.

It's easier for the manufacturer to design a small bike with smaller tires. 26" wheels are more common, so if you can find a road bike with those sorts of wheels, grab it. Otherwise, wheel size isn't really a factor for most cyclists. People have raced successfully on all kinds of wheels. Unless you're racing at a high level, it's not worth worrying about what's the perfect wheel size.

[Kathi]

Don't worry about 650's, I've been riding them for 12 years and I have no problems getting wheels, tires, tubes etc. Last year I had a custom frame built for 650's and had handbuilt wheels (custom) made for it. No issues with getting the rims. I use a 23c width tire which is pretty common.

Performance often puts tubes and tires on sale.

My biggest issue is when my SO starts to climb I run into him because he doesn't accelerate as fast as I do due to weight and wheel size.

I run 85 psi in mine, recommended by the tire manufacturer for my weight and they give me a nice smooth ride.

I get no more flats than anyone else gets or what I get on my mtn bike. As long as I stay away from the goat heads around here I'm pretty flat free!

I do carry 2 tubes with me because other riders don't have tubes I can borrow.

[SillyMia]

Awesome! This is ALL very helpful. Now I can't wait for my LBS to call me and let me know how long it will be for Trek to make the 43. I'll make sure to carry my own tubes and ask about the 26s.

[Zen]

After my mountain bike got stolen, I convinced my husband to let me upgrade to a road bike

The only person I have to get permission from is me
Which explains how I ended up with five bikes in one year