Bike Shopping Paralysis

[little k]

I received a fantastic xmas present this year - which was a home-made gift certificate to pick out the road bike of my choice. Unfortunately I get to pick the road bike of my choice and am a little bit overwhelmed with the decision.

Here's the factors to consider:
- I'm quite small (5'0")
- I do want to eventually do a few races/rides - not looking for just a bike for casual rides.
- I don't want to get a bike that I'll be disappointed with the performance after I start riding more (I made that mistake when I bought my kayak and don't want to repeat it ).

I've looked at Specialized and Trek so far, I do want a WSD bike as I find the smaller grips and sizing nice...but I get completely lost when looking at components and materials of the bike.

Any help from recent shoppers (or old-pros) appreciated!

[KSH]

What an awesome gift you got!

My only advice, if you want a bike that will last you many years... is to look for one with Shimano 105 or Ultegra components. Durace would be even better- but it's top of the line that racers generally use.

As far as material... everyone has a preference. I went with carbon, just because it's lighter.

You really just have to ride a few different bikes until you find one that you love.

The moment I got on my Specialized Tarmac Expert I KNEW it was the bike for me.

[lacyliz]

Wow- excellent gift. You didn't say whether or not there is a price limit - I'll assume it should just be a reasonable price for a possible competition level bike. BTW- I totally agree with KSH- 105 or Ultegra. I know what you mean about not outgrowing the bike in 3 months (it happened to me, too - I bought 3 bikes in a year because I outgrew the first 2 too quickly).

Bicyling Magazine just came out with its 2007 Buyers guide - and it lists about 7 WSB as good bets. The last bike I just bought is one of them (though I bought it before this issue came out - boy was I pleased to see it in there)- a Giant TCRw (WSB). It has Shimano 105 components and an Ultegra Compact crankset. It's fast and climbs well. They are listed as Competition Road bikes - but I have to say, it's also pretty comfortable for me. I know Specialized also has several WSBs that are supposed to be good - but I didn't test ride those.

Those are my 2 cents - lots of women out there with experience - I'm sure more will reply, too. Have a fabulous time shopping. Definitely ride several.

[Wahine]

+1 on the Shimano 105, Ultegra or dura ace.

I think that anyone can find the right bike for them at any decently equipped bike store. I agree with checking out the reviews on the bikes. But also check out your local bike shops. Ask around and see what their reputation is like for service. If you have one bike shop with outstanding service, go to them first and then just try all the possible bikes they have. If that doesn't work, move on to the next store.

You can always buy a bike anywhere and get it serviced at any shop you want. But it's nice to buy where you'll be getting your servicing done.

PS - I bought my first tri bike used and out grew it in a year. I went whole hog and bought the best bike I could for me and I'm still riding it. It's 7 years old now. It's totally worth it to pay the money for the right bike when you find it.

[LadyinWhite]

+1 on the Shimano 105, Ultegra or dura ace.

It's totally worth it to pay the money for the right bike when you find it.

I totally agree. I did not do this. My bike, the Trek 1000 wsd is a fine enough bike and fits well but I already know that I will be replacing it sooner rather than later. I've had it in the shop a couple of times during the first 1500 miles because the components keep needing adjusting. The LBS said that a single adjustment should last thousands of miles. If I had to do it over, I'd buy a better bike right at the start.

[Bad JuJu]

My advice is to make sure the bike fits you well. When you find a few that you want to test ride, take your time--a few minutes of spinning around a parking lot does not a test-ride make. You might even want to spring for a professional fitting so you have a better idea of the geometry to look for.

Have fun shopping!

[SouthernBelle]

I agree on buying the best you can. Every time I take my bike, Giant carbon, to my shop, someone says, "Hey, this bike should last you the rest of your life." No comment ever about upgrading.

Of course, I guess this could be a comment about my age

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Little K,
My own advice to you is based on your somewhat short height- I would suggest you look at the women-specific Terry brand bikes...the ones with the slightly smaller front wheel (650 size) with the regular 700 size back wheel. This will enable you to get a small size frame that will fit you beautifully and yet not have "toe clip overlap" where your toes sometimes hit the front wheel when turning because of the substantially shorter (shorter from front to back, not only vertically) frame size you will need to be on. Terry builds excellent bikes and has a great reputation. If you get one that fits right and is right for your riding uses, you will not likely "outgrow" it performance-wise. I would recommend them as a place to consider ESPECIALLY for any woman who is shorter than average.
Terry's website:
http://www.terrybicycles.com/cycling_savvy/index.html

Other than that, I agree with the others on the Shimano 105, Ultegra or dura ace components (parts) suggestions.

[jbsrubyE]

I have also been looking for a great bike for small girls. I am taller then you but I only have a 27" inseam. As I inquired about this bike or that bike a consistant reply from multiple sources has been that the bike of which I was inquiring was good because of this or that "but" have I tried the Ruby Comp? Well, I rode one all morning and all I can say is don't buy a bike until you have tried the Specialized Ruby Comp or Expert. I have never felt as in control and comfortable on a bike. I kinda think the advertising hype of the company is true. The bike comes in a 44 cm! The stand over is great for us small girls or short legged girls.

[Triskeliongirl]

Little K,
My own advice to you is based on your somewhat short height- I would suggest you look at the women-specific Terry brand bikes...the ones with the slightly smaller front wheel (650 size) with the regular 700 size back wheel.

Your advice is great, but a small correction. The smaller framed terrys have a 24" front wheel and 700c rear wheel, the intermediate and larger ones have two 650 c wheels. 650s are very similar in size to 26", 700c are very similar to 27". The advantage of 24" is you can shorten the top tubes to 48cm without toe clip overlap or handling problems. Also, you can get high performance tires in 24" in a wider range of sizes than 650, I have used 23c to 32c whereas 650s go to 28c max.