Lost in Hawaii. Short newbie needs advice!

[KnottedYet]

I am eager to move to Northern Cali so we can take our 40-lb aussie fluffball with us on an epic biking journey down the coast.

Now, there's an important piece of information for us to add to your shopping list.

What kind of trailer are you planning to pull the dog in?
Is is compatible with the bikes you are considering?

Steel is definitely a good way to go if you are planning to pull a big dog in a trailer.

(I have a Croozer dog trailer. I'm pretty pleased with it.)

[kauai_gal]

Thanks to all who replied. I may start a new thread with the new questions I have..

Knottedyet: Good point on checking to see if the dog trailers are compatible. This would be much later in the future though.. not likely to do anything like this in Hawaii - and I'm stuck here at least another year. The Croozer one is pretty cute!

[Tiddle]

[QUOTE=kauai_gal;499893]
I am lusting after the Bianchis, and really like the 2010 Volpe. I would save up for and spend the $1100 on the new Volpe if it were the smarter purchase overall (although, what's up with the Bianchi price increases every year)??

I have also considered the Jamis Aurora but it is too big, I think. I need something 42-44cm and with a top tube of around 493mm. People have recommended the Surly LHT, but I've read it is heavy. QUOTE]

+1
I've been trying to decide on a bike based on a similar set of criteria to you Kauai_gal - Steel, light touring and commuting and and I'm 5.1"

I've tried the small Kona Sutra - ok ride and size, but I just don't love the bike. Also tried the LHT in a 42cm and was surprised to find that it didn't really fit very well and I felt cramped in the torso and wrists when in the drops (plus it was sloooow gearing)

So I'm leaning towards the Pacer now too - but can't quite decide on 42cm or the make the leap to 46cm. My inseam in 71.5cm / 28" so I would only just clear the 46cm in shoes.

One draw back to be aware of (which may not bother you) is the Pacer doesn't have rack mount braze-ons for the front. Shouldn't be a problem mounting a rear rack using a seat post clamp. Anyone found a clever way to get a front rack on a Pacer?

[Tiddle]

My surly pacer in 43 cm is built up at about 25 lbs. But she's got big heavy duty wheels (36 spokes with 622x19 rims & 700x28 tires), with 8 speed XTR mountain biking components, cheap road triple crankset, flame stickers, and a back rack on it. A comfy seat & and blinker lights.

Sounds great Catriona - have you posted any pics elsewhere?

[kermit]

It sounds like you have been searching used from craigslist. Check out www.roadbikereview.com classifieds. They are all roadies and there are currently some nice small sized road bikes in the classifieds.

[Cataboo]

Sounds great Catriona - have you posted any pics elsewhere?

tiddle,

I have a front rack that works on the pacer - it just clamps on around the fork instead of screwing to it.

Pictures have been posted various places around TE, but here we go:

[Tiddle]

Thanks - I'll track the other pics down.

Nice red highlights!

[goldfinch]

My inseam is 43cm.

I am watching this thread with interest as I also want to buy a bike and I am only 4'11". I think, though, your inseam (from crotch to floor) must not be 43cm as that would only be a little more than 16 inches. My inseam is 27.5" It is helpful to know for purposes of looking at stand-over height.

Also, I have noticed that for bikes with a slight slope to the top tubes it looks like most manufacturers measure stand-over height from the middle of the tube.

Good luck!