Road Bike Suggestions for Short Female?

[goldfinch]

I am 4'11" and shopped last year for a road bike. Here is my thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=44652

As far as a Mixte, it is hard to find something small enough that is in your price range. The Betty Foy is cool, but the cost is going to be about $2200. Their smallest is 47cm and probably would work. But, they are phasing out that size so if that is the way you want to go you need to do it while they still have that frame. (Can you tell that I have thought about getting this bike?) http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/f-foy.htm

The Soma Buena Vista mixte comes in a 42cm and I have thought about that bike too. It seems like you can get a pretty nice build for about $2000. http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/soma/soma-mixte/

I tried the long haul trucker. Not bad but it felt heavy to me and maybe a bit stretched out.

I have also thought about the Vaya, to use as a bike that will accept larger tires and work on ratty road surfaces that my Madone does not like. My fitter thought that the build for the smallest Vaya was kind of odd. For example, the handlebars are pretty big and wide for a small person. Maybe if you could have it built up to what you want it would work out. I would be interested in other's comments about the Vaya. That bike would fall within your budget if you could get it set up right.

Test rides are nearly impossible.

Another good option is Terry bikes but only aluminum is in your price range. Steel is pricey.

If you get away from steel, the Felt ZW series has a petite size that is very small, with 650 wheels. (Though I think they are dropping the 650 wheels on the 2013 model, IIRC). Or, it may be worth trying the Ruby (carbon) or Dolce (aluminum) even though it has 700 wheels, the 44cm is pretty small.

When I was shopping Trek had the Madone and the Lexa in the tiny 43cm size with 650 wheels. These are no longer available, unless a 2011 is sitting in a shop some place.

The Jamis Endura is an option too, carbon for less than $2000 and it will accept wider wheels than most. http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...urasportf.html