BIKES THAT FIT WOMEN under 5'4"

[mimitabby]

that's great, good to know. I am supposed to test ride one.

[Triskeliongirl]

I wouldn't rule out framesets. As someone mentioned, you can always move the parts from your veloce assuming they are in good shape. Now that someone is helping you define the geometry you need, maybe you could get a good deal like I did on ebay on a frame, and then just move over the parts. We've discussed fit for women endlessly, and you know where I stand on this so I won't repeat myself, but lets address the fender issue. Basically the bikes you are looking at are pure racing bikes, they won't take fenders and won't take even slightly wide tires. If you want a bike that is both light and takes fenders and wider tires (say 28-32 c) why not look at a light steel (i.e. reynolds 853 steel frame) with canti brakes. Veronica's legolos is an idea, as is what I did to my terry isis, but these were both custom designed. Smaller framebuilders tend to do this more than the big chains. Rodriguez does this, Waterford does this, Bilenky has a nice bike called the tourlite that does this (and you could get s/s couplers for travel). Yes, custom is expensive, but if you get the bike you want it will be the last bike you buy. Consider it a health expense. Given that Rodriguez is local for you I would look at them very seriously, but maybe someone locally (craigs list, etc) would have a used rodriguez they are trying to unload. I was very pleased with the custom work bilenky did for me. I think what you are looking for is what is called a sport bike or a light sport/tourer. A real touring bike will be too heavy, but a racing bike will not take real fenders. The new terry madeleine will do what you want, but it is aluminum which while light may not be as harsh or last as long as steel.

[Kathi]

Mimitabby,

Did your fitter indicate that you would be happier with a custom frame or did he think that you can get optimal fit on a stock frame? And, what do you want? A good fit or optimal fit?

Since you like steel you can get a custom steel frame from Serotta for $1800
http://www.serotta.com/pages/cda.html
If you like your components from your old bike you can move them over to the new frame, cost would be in the ball park of a stock frame.

The advantages of buying a custom frame over a stock frame are numerous.
You have a fit designed for you. I can't tell you what a joy it is to ride a bike that fits your body. Your body settles onto the bike so naturally. No adapting itself to the frame. Besides, everyone is different, I no longer believe that women have a shorter torso theory.

I had my custom Serotta built for 650c wheels. There is such a world of difference between it and my stock bikes in the handling. It does not have the short twitchy feeling that the stock bikes have. It corners faster and handles better on the downhills. I didn't notice these differences until I got the Serotta.

My custom frame is my 5th road bike. The first 2 were way too big and I sold them. The 3rd I spent some money trying to make it fit better but gave up and bought my Aegis. Like you, I spent money trying to get a good fit on the Aegis and wasn't happy. By contrast, my Serotta needs no changes because it was designed for me.

Think of it this way, what if something isn't quite right with the fit of your new stock frame, what will you do? A custom frame now means no more seeking the perfect fit.

As far as toe overlap goes, a custom builder will take that into consideration. Serotta told me that I would have slight overlap but I've not noticed it. And, if you want it built for fenders, I'm sure Serotta can do it!

[spokewench]

I've had 4 different 50cm bikes. I'm almost 5'4" but I probably don't have as short a reach as you do Mimi. However with regard to toe overlap - 3 of the 4 bikes do or did not have toe overlap. The Trek 1000, the Bridgestone RB1 and the Giant TCR do not have toe overlap. The Redline Cyclocross bike does have toe overlap (and I have small size 7 feet). The toe overlap problem has never been an issue. It reared its ugly head once when I was sitting at a stop light, not paying attention and I let the wheel fall over and then got my foot in there. No big deal, I just moved the wheel and got my foot out - I was LOL at myself sitting at the stop light - people probably thought I was crazy!

If you don't mind toe overlap, you might look at Redlines - they are steel. I'm not sure if they have places to put racks, but I bet they do or you could have them braised on probably.

[mimitabby]

I wouldn't rule out framesets. As someone mentioned, you can always move the parts from your veloce assuming they are in good shape. Now that someone is helping you define the geometry you need, maybe you could get a good deal like I did on ebay on a frame, and then just move over the parts. We've discussed fit for women endlessly, and you know where I stand on this so I won't repeat myself, but lets address the fender issue. Basically the bikes you are looking at are pure racing bikes, they won't take fenders and won't take even slightly wide tires. If you want a bike that is both light and takes fenders and wider tires (say 28-32 c) why not look at a light steel (i.e. reynolds 853 steel frame) with canti brakes. Veronica's legolos is an idea, as is what I did to my terry isis, but these were both custom designed. Smaller framebuilders tend to do this more than the big chains. Rodriguez does this, Waterford does this, Bilenky has a nice bike called the tourlite that does this (and you could get s/s couplers for travel). Yes, custom is expensive, but if you get the bike you want it will be the last bike you buy. Consider it a health expense. Given that Rodriguez is local for you I would look at them very seriously, but maybe someone locally (craigs list, etc) would have a used rodriguez they are trying to unload. I was very pleased with the custom work bilenky did for me. I think what you are looking for is what is called a sport bike or a light sport/tourer. A real touring bike will be too heavy, but a racing bike will not take real fenders. The new terry madeleine will do what you want, but it is aluminum which while light may not be as harsh or last as long as steel.

I agree I agree. The trouble with framesets is you can't test ride them. You are also right, I want to get THE bike so I don't have to keep messing around. I might have to go custom. But going custom does not necessarily mean I will then have a perfect bike. Custom bikes can be flawed too. and they cost a lot more. My DH is about to get HIS custom bike, so until we get out of the hole for paying for tht, I will not be doing much more than research. Besides, part of me wants to "look and see" what will his bike be like? will it really really fit? will he love it? his reactions to the new bike will certainly color mine.
Thanks for telling me about the Bilenky, They seem to have very long top tubes, so they do not qualify. You are right about Rodriguez and Davidson being local makers, and if i actually do go custom, it may well be with one of them. The chances of finding a bike in my size that they made on sale is kind of slim, but i will start looking.
As to me getting a touring bike, for some reason they have longer top tubes than "race" bikes. so that's why the Marinoni touring bike I was in love with is not going to work for me.
I'm still looking.
Thanks to all of you wise women who are adding to the knowledge base here!