Carbon Frames/Durability

[Kathi]

Obviously I've gone to the right source for information. You ladies made suggestions and given opinions that our many LBS's haven't. I truly appreciate the many responses and I'll remember your advice as I continue to search for the right fit. Thanks for the help.

Have you looked at Aegis for a carbon frame? Aegis frames are handmade in Maine. They are a small company and wonderful to work with.

The Swift is designed for smaller, lighter riders and they are now making the Victory in smaller frames.

I prefer Campy shifters for my small hands and since I have short arms the short reach handlebars make a big difference.

Whatever you do find a good fitter that takes arm length and femur length into account, not just standover or tt length. I didn't know I had short arms and a short femur until I had a Serotta refit done on my Aegis.

If your thinking custom Serotta, Titus and Seven make ti/carbon frames. I believe that IF is into carbon also. Be aware they run in the $4,000 range for the frame and fork.

A friend of mine is around your wife's height and she bought a Serotta Fierte Ti. Not the same feel as carbon but she liked it better than the Trek carbon that she test rode.

Have fun shopping.

Kathi

[Mindyhubby]

Your responses are more than I could have hoped for and much more than I imagined. I thought my research had almost reached the closing stages, and now since you ladies have shown me so many other possibilities, it makes me believe I've just begun. It's a shame I didn't ask these questions before the Thanksgiving holiday, because if I had I would have given thanks for all of you. You ladies are groovy!