First Bike, Short Girl

[boy in a kilt]

You may want to try 26 inch wheels rather than 650's.

There isn't a whole lot of difference between the 650's and the 26's. However, 26 inch tires seem to be a bit easier to come by.

We spec'd 26's on my wife's bike and it's made the bike more comfortable for her.

Here are the differences you'll feel going from a road to mountain bike:

1) The road bike will be lighter and will have tighter frame geometry. This means it'll be faster and feel more responsive.

2) The tires will be a little more flat prone.


Other than that, you will be much happier spending the extra scratch on a bike that fits you properly.

[Torrilin]

The biggest factor in going fast is your engine. Women tend to be a bit better at endurance. We also tend to develop muscle in our legs a bit more easily than in the upper body. These are all good things on a bike . A bike that fits well will make it easier for you to take advantage of the good points.

It's easier for the manufacturer to design a small bike with smaller tires. 26" wheels are more common, so if you can find a road bike with those sorts of wheels, grab it. Otherwise, wheel size isn't really a factor for most cyclists. People have raced successfully on all kinds of wheels. Unless you're racing at a high level, it's not worth worrying about what's the perfect wheel size.

[Kathi]

Don't worry about 650's, I've been riding them for 12 years and I have no problems getting wheels, tires, tubes etc. Last year I had a custom frame built for 650's and had handbuilt wheels (custom) made for it. No issues with getting the rims. I use a 23c width tire which is pretty common.

Performance often puts tubes and tires on sale.

My biggest issue is when my SO starts to climb I run into him because he doesn't accelerate as fast as I do due to weight and wheel size.

I run 85 psi in mine, recommended by the tire manufacturer for my weight and they give me a nice smooth ride.

I get no more flats than anyone else gets or what I get on my mtn bike. As long as I stay away from the goat heads around here I'm pretty flat free!

I do carry 2 tubes with me because other riders don't have tubes I can borrow.

[SillyMia]

Awesome! This is ALL very helpful. Now I can't wait for my LBS to call me and let me know how long it will be for Trek to make the 43. I'll make sure to carry my own tubes and ask about the 26s.

[GLC1968]

Ditto what Kathi said!

I also ride 650's on my road bike. I've never had an issue finding tires as long as I'm happy with 23c. I have found that finding wider tires are usually a bit more of a challenge, but for a road bike, 23c's are usually fine anyway.

I have no difficulty keeping up with the smaller tires. Like everyone else said - when the fit it right, it makes all the difference.

I've only had 1 flat (in 3000 miles) and it was last weekend on a century. It happened as I pulled into a rest stop (nice timing, huh?) and the bike shop SAG guys at that stop actually had a spare 650 tube for me! (So I still had a backup for the rest of the ride).

I know nothing about the Trek bikes - but congrats on what ever you decide to purchase!

[Triskeliongirl]

Be advissed that while 26" wheels, tires, etc. are more generally available, high quality racing width tires are more readily available in 650c. So, if you are buying this as a go fast back, go with 650s. DebW on this board had a custom bike made, that was designed to work with either 650c or 26" wheels, and then she had two wheelsets made, a go fast 650c and a touring 26". Also, please undestand that smaller wheels are not slower. Your speed is dictated by how hard a gear you can push effeciently, so while you may need to be in a different gear to get the same gear ratio with a smaller wheel, as long as you select appropriate gearing you will not be slower. Its the opposite, you'll be slower on an ill fitting bite because you'll be uncomfortable and perhaps not in an effeceint position. Small wheels are appropriate and safe on small bikes (now that doesn't mean some gals here don't prefer 700c even on a small bike, but they accept toe clip overlap and often want to be able to use neutral racing support vehicles that only carry 700c wheels, but if you are looking for a 'starter bike' these things should not be big concerns for you.) I sometimes ride with a gal that rides a trek1000 and I have the impression that if it fits you its a great starter bike. Know less about the 1.2 but have heard gals here say they love it. Treks are generally solid bikes and 'good values' even at the lower end of the range.

[bicyclulz]

Hey SillyMia!

I too am height-deficient (5'1" to be exact....although i am always compensating with 4 " heels....)! I was recently on a 50 cm on my fuji and went down to the 47 cm which fits me great....only prob is that I still need a shorter stem...which I heard once you get that straightened out it might fit you better!

So when you get your trek, check that reach and consider a stem that is 90 cm or less (I am getting an 80 cm stem which according to the nice lady at Performance will make my life --- and shoulders ---a little less painful!). But listen to all the other well-learned and seasoned ladies here on TE....I just started this whole cycling thing myself, so i am always looking for great tips and advice!

Happy riding!