Sizing...

[Drtgirl]

Hi, I've read a couple of the previous posts with regards to sizing, but I guess I still need some more help. I am torn between a 48 cm Redline Conquest and a 49cm Kona JTS. The Redline has a shorter top tube than the Kona, but taller stand over height. Is it true that SO height is more important? How much can I shorten that TT length with the stem and bars? I am 5'4 with a 30" inseam. My road bike is a 50cm Trek OCLV and I think the TT is a bit long when reaching for the brakes. The difference between the 2 'cross bikes is probably .5 inches or less.

I am really excited about cross but the process of finding a bike is putting a damper on things. I cannot find any shops in the area that carry smaller bikes so I have to buy one without trying it. (scary!).

Thanks for your help ladies.

[VeloVT]

I would really want to do everything in my power to try to ride the bikes -- it can be quite difficult to abstractly determine which fit (and which ride, they will be different) you like better. Not that this will substitute, but have you been able to test each bike in a size too large for you, just so you have a sense of the weight, frame feel and handling characteristics?

How do the TT lengths of each of the cross bikes compare with the TT of your road bike, since you know how that fits? How do the SO heights compare with your road bike?

And, others may disagree, but I would say the TT length is more important than standover height. And half an inch makes a difference .

Good luck !

I'm sure others will have more advice and likely experience with the specific bikes you've mentioned. I once test rode a Redline Conquest Sport, which is the lowest end of the Conquest line, targeted more at touring than cyclocross (lbs had a ridiculous clearance price on it) and I found it very heavy and sluggish and, curiously for an aluminum bike, dead-feeling/not snappy. But I believe that model is much cheaper than the standard Conquest and, though I don't know the specs of either, probably made of a lesser grade alu (I think it had a steel fork, not carbon, too). In any case, though, you'll want to try and ride the bikes before you buy them, because there are all sorts of differences, fit and otherwise, that don't show up on paper and that you'll never guess from sitting on a bike in the store.

[TexanCzexican]

I am really excited about cross but the process of finding a bike is putting a damper on things. I cannot find any shops in the area that carry smaller bikes so I have to buy one without trying it. (scary!).

Are you absolutely sure that you have to buy the bike before ordering?? I'm a shortie (5 feet) and when I went to the 2 bike shops in my town I was told they would have to order one in. I had to put a "good faith" deposit down ($50) to show I was serious about wanting a bike, and they ordered 2 different types of bikes in for me, in 2 different sizes (total 4 bikes ordered for me). I sat in my OCR and knew it was the one for me, they kept one of the remaining 3 and traded two with a shop in Houston.

Most (good) bike shops realize that fit is priority in bike shopping, so I'd beware any stores that make you buy it without trying it!

[KnottedYet]

My 2 (3 if you count Robinson Wheelworks) favorite LBS's wouldn't dream of making someone buy a bike before trying it just because the shop doesn't have their size in stock.

My LBS would order the size, and if I didn't want it they'd just sell it to someone else.

I've heard some people say their shop wanted a deposit (which would go toward whatever bike they eventually purchase) before ordering sizes.

The sizes you are looking at really aren't all that unusual, can you talk your LBS into ordering without making you purchase sight-unseen?

Where are you? There might be a TE'er near you who can recommend an LBS with reasonable ordering policies.

[Drtgirl]

I find most shops around here so unfriendly/unhelpful for various reasons. This strikes me as odd because I live in Seattle and it's a very bike friendly town.

The responses I have gotten range from "20% non-refundable deposits" to "find road bikes with similar geometry and go off that". Most say they don't carry a lot of cross bikes (esp. small ones) and would have a hard time selling it if I chose not to follow through on the purchase. However,one shop is going to build both a 44 and 49 Bianchi for me and there is a 49 Specialized Tri Cross that I'm going to check out later today. So I am very happy about that!

[VeloVT]

Hmmmm... I think there are lots of women from the Seattle area on TE, someone might be able to help.

Which Bianchi are you trying out? I have an Axis and I love it ! I'm 5'6" (long torso for my size) and I went with the 52. It's a good fit for me. The 49 might work for you.

Hope you start having better luck!