First Bike, Short Girl

[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!

[mimitabby]

I ride with a gal that leaves guys in the dust frequently. She's almost 60 years old, she's less than 5 feet tall, and she has 650's.

If you are having trouble keeping up, it's conditioning, not size (check out what Eden is doing here on line. she's another tiny lady with a giant engine)

good luck.

[SillyMia]

I got it!!! I am now a proud owner of a Trek 1.2 WSD (43cm) with 650 wheels. I've been sick but I HAD to take it for a short ride when I picked it up. The difference between a mountain bike and a road bike is AMAZING.

I averaged about 19.5 mph and went only 6 miles because I was really sick.

I didn't realize that you couldn't put both feet into the straps at the same time until I was ready to set off. I was concerned with the scraping when I didn't get my foot in on time, but I got used to it a few stops later.

I also purchased a Trek tire change kit which is strapped on to my bike with a spare 650 tube.

It is very light and a tiny bike, but the fit is great (I think, better than my mtn bike, for sure!). It makes such a huge difference to have a tiny bike (b/c I'm very short).

My hands (between my thumb and index finger) were feeling some pressure in the standard position, but my LBS told me to learn how to gear change and control the bike before I move to a more comfortable position for me.

Thanks for all your help!!!!!

[mimitabby]

SillyMia
we'd love to see a picture of you on your new bike! congrats! I'm glad it worked and I hope you feel better soon.