Anyone ride smallest frames and 650 wheels?

[GLC1968]

I ride a 19" (48cm) Terry Isis with 650cc wheels. Prior to that, I had a 49cm Fugi Roubaix with 700cc wheels and then a 44cm Specialized Dolce Comp also with 700 cc wheels.

Personally, I like the 650's. I like how they look on the smaller frame (the bike looks more in proportion) and I like how they ride. While I'm sure it has a lot to do with bike fit, frame material and general geometry, my Isis just rides better. It's way more responsive and quicker off the line than my other two bikes were. Because of my small profile, I'm also a bullet in descents (when I don't scare myself into breaking!)...even more so than my heavier husband.

I have no issues finding either tires or tubes (or wheels). I even got a flat during an MS150 a few years back and the SAG had a spare tube for me. 650's are popular enough these days that finding performance oriented gear is easy. It would probabaly be harder to find wider tires or touring type wheels in that size, but since mine is my 'go fast' road bike, it's not an issue for me.

My commuter has two different sized wheels. Now THAT is a pain. Two 650's? No biggie.

[amartha]

I tried and Terry once -- 19". I could not clear the standover; the bike was too short; the bike felt and handled like a toy!

My 19" mixte was too long. It handles sluggishly, but descends hills like a bullet. Forget about climbing, it's too heavy. The brakes were too slow and too big for my hands.

I sold a 46 cm Raleigh years ago -- I did not fully clear the top tube. It was modified to fit better, but a size 13 stem was excessive and made the bike handling "squirrelly." I also have big foot for my size and that bike had too much toe overlap -- probably because the cranks were long 175 mm's for climbing leverage.

I have a custom-built titanium and steel bike that did everything well except climb. It had low gears to get up steep hills, but the climbing took a long time. This is my spare event bike. I can use a 170 mm crank on this bike and I do not touch the front wheel.

I have a 46 cm Raleigh now, and Raleigh no longer offers this size frame -- however the same size is available in Diamondbacks and other makes that buy frames from the same factory in Taiwan. The 700 wheels have a good bit of toe-overlap. Sometimes the bike feels too short. I put a rack and panniers on it, but it does not balance that steadily for a heavier load. This bike cannot handle a longer crank.

I have a 48 cm compact Specialized Ruby that fits well when the stem is sized up 1 cm. The bike has toe-overlap (Specialized tries to minimized front wheel touching but my feet are just 1.5 cm too long!) which precludes cranks longer than 165 mm.

All small bikes compromise. the only tires available for 650 road wheels are 23 mm wide, whereas 700 mm road wheels will take 20 mm, 23 mm, 25 mm and even 28 mm tires. Wider 700 mm wheels handle 25 mm, 28 mm, 32 mm and 38 mm tires.

Choose your compromise or go to a custom builder like Harry Havnoonian or Steve Bilenky who have good reps for making small bikes that perform well.

[Triskeliongirl]

FYI; the terry tellus is great 650c tire available in 28mm widths:

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2147

[CyborgQueen]

Littlebit -

How has it been going? Did you ever get the Pro Fit?

I did today - I'm 5 feet. The guy was commenting on how long my femur was. My inseam length is 70cm. My torso and arm is the same size.

After he did all the mathematics and plugging in the computer. He found the Jamis Venura Elite (with 700c wheels) will fit perfectly. There may be a small clearance issues, but it not such a big deal (at least that's what he says).

I asked him about the Felt because that will fit me as well, but then he explained that the ST angle is too much, and I would end up being more uncomfortable bending my body more than I should (short top tube).

There are bikes out there, but like everyone says, it all has to do with your dimensions and how you will bend over.

I can't wait to order my bike! :-)

[buddha_bellies]

So have you decided on a bike yet?

I have the Ruby (44cm) and I'm 5'1" with 70cm (27.5") inseam. My LBS switched my stem to a shorter one. Everything is working beautifully. I love my Ruby. I don't have the toe overlapping issue but I wear size 5.5 shoes too. Don't know if others have any problems with that.

I also went to a physio therapist who is also a professional bike fitter for tri athletes. He sack up my shoes and till my seat nose down a bit. He suggested that I get a 165mm crank which I've yet to do but that's something to think about.

Have you test ride a 44cm Ruby?

I test rode the Trek 47cm last year. I found it I was stretching way too far and wasn't very comfortable after awhile.

[Running Mommy]

I didn't read all the replies, but did you find a bike that fits you properly?
Please tell me that your old Giant was AT LEAST an XS, not a small. If it was a small then I am 99% sure the LBS that sold it to you because they are either A) Morons B) had no clue c) needed to get rid of the small... Or all three.
I don't even need your measurements to tell you a size small is WAY to big for someone who is 5'.

I am 5'1" and the 47cm Felt I ordered for myself was WAY to big. But I am short in every way. Arms, legs, torso.

Depending on the bike I ride between a 44 and a 46. And I have 650 wheels and love them! I don't know why people are so anti 650. There are still a decent selection of 650 tires out there. And being on the small side I like the feeling of riding a bit closer to the ground. My flat bar roadie is a 700c bike and I always feel like I'm riding in a jacked up 4x 4 pickup.

[littlebit]

Just got my New Serotta. The fit is perfect! All I can about the ride is WOW!