Help! Carbon bike choices for me?

[Kathi]

I'm the same size as you and I enjoyed my Aegis Swift. However, because of my short arms the head tube wasn't long enough. Aegis has a model called the Victory that might work better.

To get optimal fit I gave up on stock frames and bought a custom frame. I'm much happier because it solved some of the fit issues I have and the ride and handling of the bike is so much better.

Unfortunately, small, custom, carbon frames are tough to find and I'm not sure how custom they really are.

650c wheels are often not available in the trendy wheels that people ride. However, a 650c wheel is 25% stiffer than a 700c wheel of the same build. In most cases those trendy wheels are overbuilt for a small rider. The best thing you can do to get a good set of wheels is to find a good wheelbuilder to build a set of wheels appropriate for your weight.

On my custom frame I chose 650c's. I was told that the company probably wouldn't have put 700c on such a short tt, 48 cm.

[roadie gal]

Have you looked at Jamis? A 5'1 1/2" friend of mine rides one. It fits her very well. They go down to 48". The Xenith is their carbon bike.

[wavedancer]

I am 5'1", 28-inch inseam, riding a Ruby Expert with full Ultegra...Love, love, love it! I was riding a Cannondale WSD with 650c wheels before that and noticed a distinct difference in my ability to stay with the pack on our club rides when I upgraded to the Ruby. Don't know if it was the change in wheel size or just the overall geometry and 1-pound weight loss of the bike that made the difference, but I feel like it was a match made in heaven