fit opinions pleeeez

[elk]

Nope that was the smallest Trek 520....
The REI bike I think is too big, But I like the look of it.

I'm REALLY confused about why a smaller Salsa, Surly or even a smaller Jamis wouldn't work?? The numbers seem good.... This guy was pretty canny about the numbers that would work for me....and they were "smaller than 48/ shorter than 52" and that was it. The Salsa and the Surly both fall into that category....so why would he say they wouldn't fit?

I think trying the Surly again is a good idea....especially now that I'll know how to ride it!!! It was the first road bike I tested...All I remember is liking the ride despite the fact that I wanted the bar to be higher....

I suppose the Kona is a possibility...but I'm not crazy about it...

and hey, I'm a writer...keeping a journal is so NOT doinky!!! And a great idea.

[VeloVT]

The smallest size of this may be too big for you, but see if you can take a look at one of these:
http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/cross/poprad.php

Looks like the 49 has an eff tt of 52.8... Not sure if that would do, but maybe worth a try if there's a shop around that carries them.

This is a cyclocross bike and has more relaxed geometry. It's also steel. I tried the 2006 model and was **this close** to buying it (actually had a deposit down on one but then decided I liked the Bianchi Axis a little better). I also tried the Volpe and the Lemond bike is much nimbler -- not only lighter but also quicker-handling. I know lots of people love the Volpe but it just felt heavy and sluggish to me. The 2006 Propad was about 21 lbs in my size, not bad for steel and probably 5 lbs lighter than the Volpe. It feels very light and the steel is buttery smooth and delicious feeling. Nice, balanced, quick handling too.

Just a suggestion .

Edit: Oy. The 2006 was around $1300 -- the one I was going to buy around Christmas was marked down to $1100 -- looks like the 2007 is quite a bit more expensive at $1600. Though I think they've upgraded some of the components...

Edit #2: Don't be scared off by the picture, they've set it up to look more like an aggressive road bike. The one I tried out was set up with the bars about even with the seat, and I think that is how you will find them set up at the shop. It's a pretty bike as well, the 2006 was a great pumpkin orange color. Frankly much prettier than the bike I ended up with, but sometimes we have to make compromises...