Cyclocross bike for 5 foot 4 inch man?

[KnottedYet]

Surly has a 42cm and a 46 cm Cross Check.

Kona's cyclocross frames have slanting top tubes, but the smallest is a 49cm. www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/JAKE/index.html

There is a Surly Cross Check and Long Haul Trucker owner's forum at www.surlyville.net Someone there might be able to tell you how they like the fit of the smaller frames from a functional standpoint.

[mimitabby]

That Bianchi Volpe is fine and the price is right!

[VeloVT]

I'd also suggest looking at the Bianchi Axis. Mine is 52 cm and a great fit for me (I'm 5'6", with a long torso). Here it is:



This year's model comes in a 44 and a 49; there's a geometry chart on the website here:
http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_axis.html

(Looks like the replaced the super-tiny triple on my model with a compact double; a good move imo).

It's a really fun bike, stiff & snappy, quick handling, comfy relaxed geometry, and at around 21 lbs including fat tires, not too much heavier than my roadbike.

One thing to be aware of with cross bikes -- the BB is often higher than with road bikes (someone more knowledgeable than I may be able to tell you why this is, but it's a result of slightly different rear-triangle angles), which can affect TT clearance, so depending on the particular model you may size down from your road bike size.

Make sure you pay as much attention to the TT length/reach as to the clearance, it's more important to overall fit.

[gadgetadam]

Thanks everyone. There were some great replies. I'll check them all out.
-GadgetAdam

[Eden]

I know Redline goes down to a 44 with their cross bikes - one thing to remember is that the bottom bracket is higher on a cross bike so the stand over on a comperable sized road bike will be a less, since they are measuring the length of the seat tube only. If you are really stuck and the smallest sizes don't fit Kona and Redline both make a 24" wheel version for kids that has a 39cm seat tube. I'm thinking you're probably much too tall for that, but its something to consider if all other options seem closed.....

[Kalidurga]

I'm 5'3" and I love my 49cm Specialized TriCross. I bought the TriCross in order to do the same sort of riding you described, but I've ended up branching out with it to do more road riding and a litte mtb. It's terrifically versatile. I tweaked the fit a bit as far as the stem/bars, but the frame size has been just fine. Sorry I can't post a link to info about it, but I'm at work and snuck on-line for a few minutes

[RoseC]

I got a Bianchi Volpe about a month ago - my first road bike. Coming from mountain bikes, the cross bikes just seemed a bit friendlier, plus I liked the idea of being able to take it on dirt trails if I wanted, with just a tire change.

I'll hit 400 miles today, and so far, I love it!

[SalsaMTB]

I don't have any suggestions, but just wanted to give a word of caution...

Many times as you get smaller and smaller in frame size, toe overlap can become a problem. Be sure to check for toe overlap while test riding. Not sure what size feet you have, but if you need a smaller bike and have big feet, if could be a problem.