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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    1,046

    Bike option for short women

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    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.


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    I'm the only one allowed to whine
    Posts
    10,557
    Wow! What a beauty!
    "If Americans want to live the American Dream, they should go to Denmark." - Richard Wilkinson

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Mrs. KnottedYet
    Posts
    9,152
    Ooooooh, puhrty!
    Fancy Schmancy Custom Road bike ~ Mondonico Futura Legero
    Found on side of the road bike ~ Motobecane Mixte
    Gravel bike ~ Salsa Vaya
    Favorite bike ~ Soma Buena Vista mixte
    Folder ~ Brompton
    N+1 ~ My seat on the Rover recumbent tandem
    https://www.instagram.com/pugsley_adventuredog/

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    8,548
    nice bike! I'm glad to know about it. And (gasp, it's Italian!!!)
    Mimi Team TE BIANCHISTA
    for six tanks of gas you could have bought a bike.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    1,046
    Quote Originally Posted by mimitabby View Post
    (gasp, it's Italian!!!)
    Ha ha! Of course, Mimi!

    My Campy purist friends were all aghast when they saw the Shimano parts. Not to worry, I said, all will be righteous by this weekend!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    1,650
    Wow, beautiful bike.

    I think my measurements are very close to yours -- it's nice to know there are options if I ever want to go faster . . . right now I think my bike wants to go faster than I do!

    Keep us posted!

 

 

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