Bad neck...can I still ride?

[Nanci]

They are _so_ popular here. You see whole packs of them on the paved trails, and on organized rides like Centuries and brevets they all stick together, too, I guess because it's hard for a normal-height bike to draft off them. They are _fast_, too, except for climbing.

I'm afraid to try one, because it would probably be like when I tried a full suspension MTB...

Nanci

[wabisabi]

I want to second (or third) the suggestion about the recumbent bike. One of my friends here, a woman, was injured while running (by a car) and rides a single as well as a double with her husband. They are incredibly fast on that thing! If you would like me to put you in touch with her, let me know privately and I'm sure she'd be happy to talk to you about it.

[MomOnBike]

As someone who rides a recumbent, I have to chime in here.

Yes! 'Bents are easier on your neck - - - IF you get a more upright style. Some of the really agressive, really laid-back models have you practically flat on your back with your chin tucked into your chest, just to see. Not neck friendly. Those models have names like low-racers, for instance, and yes, they are fast.

More upright models are the Tour Easy bunch ( http://www.easyracers.com ) and some of the RANS lineup ( http://www.ransbikes.com ). While you are at RANS, check out the Fusion line. I'm seriously tempted by them.

BTW, I think that a Tour Easy still holds the land speed record, it did for the longest time... (ridden by a guy called Fast Freddy, really)

There is a pretty active market in used 'bents, too. This is good if your budget is tight (as a buyer), or if you decide that you don't like the ride after all (as a seller).

Give me a holler if you have any questions.

MomOn('Bent)Bike

[Nanci]

I think the classic series looks the most comfy. How the heck do you stay balanced on the seat of the Fusion? It's very elegant, though.

I wouldn't know where to start- how long a wheelbase, where the pedals are, etc.

I'm going to end up with one of those, pulling a trailer, just wait and see!

Nanci

[MomOnBike]

How the heck do you stay balanced on the seat of the Fusion? It's very elegant, though.

Wish I knew... Actually, the seat is a recumbent seat pan without the back. There is enough there for balance - or so I hear.

As I said, I've been drooling over a Fusion since they came out with the design. There is just something so, yeah, elegant about them. And the Dynamic is supposed to be reasonable for mild single-track. Yup, my stable would be complete. I guess I'm just going to have to start saving some cash here and there...

[bentforlife]

I actually got my RANS Stratus on sell through the Hostel Shoppe. I've upgraded the handle bars and really enjoy it now. The RANS site has a description of how to measure for their bikes and I'm pretty sure the Easy Riders does also.

Recumbents are some of the most comfortable bikes to ride. It does take a bit of relearning on balance and leg muscles but it is worth it.

Take the plunge!! i think you will enjoy it.

Donna

[fixiegrrl]

I too am of wee stature and bike fit is no small matter because, as you've experienced, it may lead to unexpected problems. There are several name brand quality bike makers that have a womens specific design (WSD) for both road and MTB. Check out these pages if you're interested:

www.fujibikes.com
www.specialized.com
www2.trekbikes.com

They have smaller compact frames that should hopefully fit you. I think some of them go down to a size 44cm depending on brand. For example, I'm 5'4" with a 29ish" inseam. For road, I ride a 43cm Fuji Track SE bike that is a really good fit. I had a Trek road 48cm and it just didn't "feel" right. I could ride it with no discomfort but it just wasn't the same. Kinda like a pair of shoes 1/2 size too big. There was no "feeling like one with the bike." If I were to go with gears, I'd probably ride a 44cm or the closest thing to it. For MTB, I have a size 16 Surly 1x1. If you're interested, I would recommend getting a more professional opinion from a reputable dealer. In my experience, some of the mega-bike store chains were not very knowledgable and more concerned with selling me a bike, any bike, so long as it pushed sales and didn't help me get a good fit. Plus, ride a few models and see what suits you best. There are lots of other types of bikes on the market and plenty to choose from.

Good Luck