Does anyone sell womens specific frames only?

[skunk]

Nope, not true. Last I checked, WSD has to do with fit not performance.

How are you determining size and fit of the bike? WSD is not for all wimmen-types.

Ooh, boy, have I just opened a can of worms.

Doesn't a mens frame have a longer top tube than it's equivalent womens frame? Which would mean she's lower and more stretched out? I had her fitted on a Specialized Dolce with a 51 top tube and it's been a struggle to even find a mens frame/bike with a 51 top tube.

[SadieKate]

Longer top tube doesn't mean lower. It just means longer. Unless I've missed it, this is the first time you've mentioned her size which, I agree, can limit your choices. You'll need to actually look at geometry, the drawings, to really get an idea of headtube length and necessary rise of the stem to get the saddle/bar drop.

There's lots of bikes out there with 51cm top tubes but maybe not low end AL and carbon as a frame-only. Which begs the question why that material?

It's sounding like she's new to cycling? You want her to be comfortable, have fun and fall in love with cycling? Sorry, I'm just reading between the lines here.

Have you considered something like a Gunnar Sport?
http://www.gunnarbikes.com/sport.php

That would be a fabulous first bike with a Campy build. At least one of our TE members has a Roadie and I've heard her (and others) comment on the comfort over and over.

[skunk]

Longer top tube doesn't mean more stretched out. It just means longer. Unless I've missed it, this is the first time you've mentioned her size which, I agree, can limit your choices. You'll need to actually look at geometry, the drawings, to really get an idea of headtube length and necessary rise of the stem to get the saddle/bar drop.

There's lots of bikes out there with 51cm top tubes but maybe not low end AL and carbon as a frame-only. Which begs the question why that material?

It's sounding like she's new to cycling? You want her to be comfortable, have fun and fall in love with cycling? Sorry, I'm just reading between the lines here.

Have you considered something like a Gunnar Sport?
http://www.gunnarbikes.com/sport.php

That would be a fabulous first bike with a Campy build. At least one of our TE members has a Roadie and I've heard her (and others) comment on the comfort over and over.

Doesn't longer make you more stretched out since your arms are going to be further away from your butt (if all other measurements stay the same)?

I myself prefer Al,Ti or Carbon. I'm not a big fan of steel, and it's not easy to come across cheap Ti bikes with womens geometry so thats why I'm looking for Al or Carbon.

[SadieKate]

Sorry about that. I edited my post to say what I meant. Longer doesn't mean lower.*

And steel can be just as wonderful as the other materials and in your price range provide a lot more options. What kind of ride does she like?

*PS - if you don't quote the entire thread directly above your response, those of us who type too fast and don't proofread won't have our mistakes documented for perpetuity.

[skunk]

Sorry about that. I edited my post to say what I meant. Longer doesn't mean lower.*

And steel can be just as wonderful as the other materials and in your price range provide a lot more options. What kind of ride does she like?

*PS - if you don't quote the entire thread directly above your response, those of us who type too fast and don't proofread won't have our mistakes documented for perpetuity.

I found a 50 cm 2005 Specialized S-Works E5 frame thats on ebay right now for $100 that has 52.5 cm top tube. I'm not sure about the geometry though since it's a race bike.

I don't know what type of riding she likes since she hasn't ridden a bike in a long long time. I'd assume that she prefers a relaxed ride with minimal traffic and no climbs.

[SadieKate]

"kind of ride" - as in the type of ride the frame material can provide.

Many of the manufacturers will keep old frame spec info on their websites.

1.5 cm is a lot of difference in reach. You'll need to take into account stem length, the reach of the bar and the length of the hoods.

[skunk]

"kind of ride" - as in the type of ride the frame material can provide.

Many of the manufacturers will keep old frame spec info on their websites.

1.5 cm is a lot of difference in reach. You'll need to take into account stem length, the reach of the bar and the length of the hoods.

At this point I think she'd want something that was comfortable. The Specialized she tried has a 51.8 top tube and a 12.5 head tube. The E5 has a 52.5 top tube and a 10 head tube. I should be able to match that by getting a shorter stem with a big rise or using spacers. I'll be getting her shallow drop, reach bars with campy shifters.