LBS and womens bikes

[breeze]

So... I'm still undecided. The LBS wasn't exactly as helpful as I thought/hoped they would be, and they didn't have the bike that I really wanted to try (Symmetry 44X50 with 650c wheels) built up. I rode two different versions of the 46 Symmetry (flat bar and drop handlebars) and the 44 Terry Tailwind. There was some confusion in the shop because the bikes are labeled S, XS, etc on the seat tube (and not numbered) so the sales dude assumed that S was the size that I needed. After I rode it, I made him go and get the chart, because it didn't feel correct to me-- lo and behold, S is the 46, XS is the 44, and XXS is the 42.

The 46 is definitely too much of a reach for me, though I found the flat bar to be more comfortable than the drop handlebars. This makes me wonder if part of the problem is that I'm just not used to the more aggressive riding position. I had a lot of forearm discomfort/pain within about 15 minutes on the 46 Symmetry drop bars; some discomfort on the 44 Tailwind with drop handlebars, much less on the 46 flat bar. I wondered if I was locking my elbows with the 46 due to stretching, but did feel discomfort with the 44, possibly because I'm not used to putting my weight on my arms much at all when I'm riding.

I was having some trouble with reaching the brake levers in a comfortable way. I have small hands and my stopping distance was really increased while riding on the hoods because I was finding it so hard to push the levers. I know that it is possible to add shims to the Shimanos, but is that the only solution for this? Are there brakes that are known to be smaller that I should be thinking about, or ways to adjust the levers that would bring things even closer? Looking at the front of the brakes, I think my fingers are hitting the top part, right below the pivot point, which may be making it more difficult. Also, only my index and middle finger are even able to graze the lever when my hands are on the hoods.


So, I'm thinking about a few things right now:

1) This shop was kind of unhelpful in getting the bike adjusted or any kind of fit dialed in. The guys on the floor were young, and I had to point out the various bikes and sizes to them. I didn't get a chance to try the exact bike that I was interested in buying (in the correct size). On the other hand, I had zero issues with standover, and much less stretched out feeling on the 650c wheels and shorter effective top tubes on the Terry bikes, even with the too-big 46. I haven't ruled out the Terry Symmetry, but it wasn't the "Cinderella slipper" of a bike that I'd hoped.

2) I want to go back and try the Specialized Dolce again, but try to find a smaller model if possible. I also liked the secondary brake levers, though I had the same reach issues with the main levers and my small hands.

3) I'm motivated to try to find a Felt dealer with a petite bike (thanks for the suggestion, Muirenn! We're on the same page!) and looked around on Saturday. I called three dealers while I was in Columbus, with no luck-- the general comment was "We don't sell them because they don't sell." I'll be calling around locally tomorrow morning to see if there's anything nearby.



The spouse has been helpful during this process, though I think he was hoping that I'd find the perfect bike yesterday. He's getting slightly sick of holding my helmet, license, and keys while I question the shop guys, but I think its because he just wants to spend Saturdays riding together instead of testing new bikes. (He's getting a new bike, too, but his process has been vastly different and easier, as he's 5'10 with long arms.)

[Koronin]

Emily, You're welcome.

breeze, good luck. I hope you can find a Felt dealer that has a bike you can try. I love my Felt. I also know through experience (hubby's actually) that all bikes do not work for all people. He first bought a Canondale and that was just totally the wrong geometry for him. He also bought a Felt F 5 and it's so much better for him. So keep looking until you find the right bike for you.

[MGM]

I was having some trouble with reaching the brake levers in a comfortable way. I have small hands and my stopping distance was really increased while riding on the hoods because I was finding it so hard to push the levers. I know that it is possible to add shims to the Shimanos, but is that the only solution for this? Are there brakes that are known to be smaller that I should be thinking about, or ways to adjust the levers that would bring things even closer? Looking at the front of the brakes, I think my fingers are hitting the top part, right below the pivot point, which may be making it more difficult. Also, only my index and middle finger are even able to graze the lever when my hands are on the hoods.

Hmm, I had this issue also, even though I'm taller than you at 5'6". However my very long legs placed me on a 54cm bike, and many shifters and levers were hard to fully engage. I found the Ultegra equipped bikes more comfortable on my hands, as was Apex. And yes, the LBS can shim.

Felt does make very good, comfortable bikes at very competitive prices. Specialized is higher priced, but rides really nice. IMO.

[Anyabeth]

I read through this with interest because even though I am taller and was a much easier fit for my LBS I has some similar experiences. The shop guys seemed much less knowledgable about the WSD bikes (which I guess since they don't ride them . . .) and really wanted to put me on a men's bike. I didn't object but kept having problems because though I am 5'7" my hands are tiny and the reach for my hands was tough.

Gear and clothing selection for women was also less than half of that for men. There was only one pair of shorts in my size and they were $150. This is especially frustrating to me since I am a new rider and don't really know how things fit. Since they don't seem to have female employees there wasn't anyone I could really ask.

It is interesting because I feel like I had a pretty decent experience overall and they were certainly trying to be welcoming towards women riders. But a few small things would go a long way to make them more friendly.

This shop did admit that they sell a lot of special order bikes in the smaller sizes. But they still didn't want to stock much under a 48. I should give them credit because they do carry women's sizes in mountain bikes and small cyclecross.

[Owlie]

I read through this with interest because even though I am taller and was a much easier fit for my LBS I has some similar experiences. The shop guys seemed much less knowledgable about the WSD bikes (which I guess since they don't ride them . . .) and really wanted to put me on a men's bike. I didn't object but kept having problems because though I am 5'7" my hands are tiny and the reach for my hands was tough.

Gear and clothing selection for women was also less than half of that for men. There was only one pair of shorts in my size and they were $150. This is especially frustrating to me since I am a new rider and don't really know how things fit. Since they don't seem to have female employees there wasn't anyone I could really ask.

It is interesting because I feel like I had a pretty decent experience overall and they were certainly trying to be welcoming towards women riders. But a few small things would go a long way to make them more friendly.

This shop did admit that they sell a lot of special order bikes in the smaller sizes. But they still didn't want to stock much under a 48. I should give them credit because they do carry women's sizes in mountain bikes and small cyclecross.

I just started working for a large chain bike shop. A woman and her husband came in looking for entry-level road bikes. He was 6'2", she was 5'1". We had nothing in road bikes for her, because we don't seem to have a 44cm on the floor, and maybe one that would fit him. It sucks from both sides : You can't get what you need (I've been there too), and they can't help you get what you need , which is disappointing. Sadly, if you don't fit within a certain range of sizes and proportions, bike shopping sucks.

[zoom-zoom]

Sadly, if you don't fit within a certain range of sizes and proportions, bike shopping sucks.

I'm not even all that outside of "average," but I live in a region that is heavily Dutch (the tallest ethnic group on the planet), so my 5'3.5" puts me solidly in the "short" category. As a result I have a hard time finding bikes to test ride, especially since our LBS of choice is a small shop. I have come to depend upon our LBS friend to determine in advance whether a bike will be a good fit for me--and so far he's done a pretty good job. My CX bike is actually the only one that was actually on the shop floor in advance. For months he was "suggesting" that bike to me. And it's the best fitting bike of any I've ridden.

I'm now in the market for a 29er and have it narrowed down to 2 bikes. I'm pretty much going to make the final decision based upon what Mike recommends, most likely. We've ridden hundreds (thousands?) of miles together, so he has a pretty good idea what will work for me--probably better than I could figure out on my own, since I'm still a noob.

[breeze]

Bringing this back to say thanks to everyone for the advice! I've narrowed it down to two Felts-- the ZW75 and a 2010 ZW5. Both are on year-end sale. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on the ZW5, which has been discounted a lot.

Something else I'm thinking: would it be weird for me to try to bargain with the LBS if we buy two bikes there? DH has been thinking about a Jamis...

[macski]

I'm now in the market for a 29er and have it narrowed down to 2 bikes.

Which ones are on your short list, zoom-zoom?

[zoom-zoom]

Which ones are on your short list, zoom-zoom?

It was the Cannondale Tango SL and the Salsa El Mariachi 3. I ended up going with the Salsa and am VERY happy. I've only managed 2 short rides, since I've been battling chronic back issues that flared-up bad just in time for the arrival of my bike. And now this week the weather is going all to Hell. But so far I think our LBS has once again steered me towards a really great fitting bike, sight unseen.

[Custardcup1]

Try a Felt, I don't think you will be sorry. I researched every bike out there for myself, 4'10" with a 25 inseam. Nothing and i mean nothing fit me except the Felt. I absolutely love it and now realize how big my Trek 7.2 Hybrid was, not the right size at all!! The Felt is so light and pretty and flies down the hills. I couldn't be happier.