Help shortlisting bike for my wife.

[realwomble]

Tom -
Is this going to be a surprise for her birthday? Are you willing to give her a card with a promise of a new road bike instead of having the bike to hand to her?
--- Denise

It is a surprise, but yes we'll shop for it together. I'd just like to be fairly well informed / have some particular bikes to look at before that point.

Thanks.

[emily_in_nc]

Hi~

Since your wife is 5'3", yes yes yes to womens-specific design (WSD) bikes (I'm 5'2" and can't ride anything else). Check out Trek and Lemond Cycles also for WSD bikes. Good luck!

Emily in NC

[Barb]

Def. look a WSD but don't stop there. I am 5'4, but I have wide shoulders. Most of the WSD handlebars put a cramp in between my shoulders. Try everything. I got a Bianchi Eros Donna (WSD) and swithced out the bars and stem.


Good luck and have fun.

[Jo-n-NY]

Hi there, I have posted my bike in other posts, but I thought given the question I would post it here also since you mentioned the Dolce. I have the Specialized Dolce and it fits me perfectly. I am 5'2 and have small hands and fingers. The Specialized Allez would have been ok also, but the Dolce made the fit just more perfect.

I do agree with the others, that test riding is important. People that might be the same height may have different finger length, arm reach etc. Plus some people like a tighter fit where others like the feeling of stretching out a bit. All personal preference.

Great gift idea and I hope she is surprised!!!

[spazzdog]

Hey Tom! You're gonna be in the running for one of those "great hubby" awards, I can tell.

Just a little something to add to your reseaerch... the April 2005 issue of Bicycling is pretty much dedicated as a buyers guide. It reviews a whole range of bikes. You might want to pick it up at the mag store.

Good luck! And don't forget to get your wife to sign up here on TE.

spazz

[realwomble]

> You're gonna be in the running for one of those "great hubby" awards, I can tell.

Hmm.... not sure this will be enough to compensate for all my other failings

Thanks, I'll pick that up.