Road Bike Suggestions for Short Female?

[Trek420]

.... I've narrowed down what I think I'm looking for (in no particular order):

- a road bike for riding mostly on pavement, possibly the occasional crushed limestone trail, for recreation -I don't foresee using it for commuting much or doing bike touring with panniers, etc.
- steel frame not aluminum
- would love for it to be made in USA, but that puts the price several thousand more than I have. So then manufactured in Taiwan is ok, definitely against manufactured in mainland China (I'm against slave labor and poor environmental policies in the making of my bike)
- 650 wheels (seems with my height, I shouldn't have the typical 700 that people a foot taller than me have)
- shifters and brakes that a small hand can reach (love the feel of Italian made Campagnolo but seems everything is Shimano or Sram unless it's custom.)
- preferred budget around $1500 or less

That really is an LHT. I'm 4'11, rode one and loved it. If you wanted it lighter it could be built with lighter wheels.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17451

[Catrin]

That really is an LHT. I'm 4'11, rode one and loved it. If you wanted it lighter it could be built with lighter wheels.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17451

I concur, and the smaller sizes come with 26 inch wheels automatically, though I think now that option is available on the larger sizes. This is a heavy bike - but as Trek mentioned lighter wheels would make a significant difference in the weight of the bike. I had one of these and loved it, it is a very nice bike!

[Trek420]

I've read or learned, perhaps here on TE that only about 1/5th of the weight of the bike is the frame. So you could make this bike as light as you wish.

But it's a stable, steady, comfortable, affordable, versatile, upgrade worthy, rock steady bike.

[goldfinch]

I've read or learned, perhaps here on TE that only about 1/5th of the weight of the bike is the frame. So you could make this bike as light as you wish.

But it's a stable, steady, comfortable, affordable, versatile, upgrade worthy, rock steady bike.

Besides wheels, what else would one do to lighten up a LHT?

[Catrin]

Besides wheels, what else would one do to lighten up a LHT?

I really think that is the only way - unless you decided do something with the drive train itself. Of course there is a lot I don't know

[emily_in_nc]

According to the measurements she posted, the OP is not tall enough for the smallest (42cm frame) LHT as the standover is 702.1 mm, assuming she measured her inseam accurately. A bike with a sloping top tube might work better.

Or, as someone suggested, a Bike Friday! Mine, a Pocket Crusoe, takes fenders, wider tires, and is a great touring and around-town bike. It can be stripped of racks and fenders and skinnier tires put on for club rides as well. I had it made with drop bars, so it's very versatile. Not in her budget, though, unless she could find a used one that would fit.

Being petite is tough -- even at 5'2", it's not easy to find bikes to test ride that actually come close to fitting!

[goldfinch]

According to the measurements she posted, the OP is not tall enough for the smallest (42cm frame) LHT as the standover is 702.1 mm, assuming she measured her inseam accurately. A bike with a sloping top tube might work better.

I found that it is difficult to measure the inseam accurately. When I measured I got a slightly shorter measure than the OP. I did ride a LHT and was able to stand over the top tube, but with little to spare. Maybe the shoes were enough to make a difference. It is worth her trying one out if she can track one down.

[MyRightFoot]

Thanks for all the input!
I went to several LBSs to test out fit on various models (what they had available in my size). I looked at the Surly LHT, Soma Buena Vista and Salsa Vaya but the geometry seemed too big for me. These were my steel frame options outside of custom.

So, I did a bit of research on aluminum and found many opinions saying that for someone of my weight (95lbs), aluminum is fine, so I looked into some. I test rode a 44cm Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Dama Sora and a Terry Symmetry. I discovered that I definitely felt more comfortable on the 650 wheels of the Terry, the Bianchi just seemed like my center of gravity was off. So I've established 650 wheels as a "must have."

I'm 95% leaning toward the Terry Symmetry because the 44 x 50 size seems to fit me, from the handlebar width, to the top tube, to the standover (with shoes I have at least an inch), and the components are good and fit my small hands. I also admire Georgena Terry's philosophy and like to support female pursuits. I wish I could afford her custom steel made in the USA bikes, but for a newbie rider, I think getting a Terry Ready-to-ride bike is the next best thing for now.

[MyRightFoot]

I'm going for the more understated cream color.

I did look into the Felts, but they make their bikes in mainland China.

I think I'm placing my order . . . I think!

[goldfinch]

Just an aside, Felt has many bikes in your price-range available in 650 wheels. In fact, I think all of their women's bikes are available in both 650 and 700.

I heard that they were dropping the 650 wheels on the 2013s but the information could be wrong.

[goldfinch]

I'm going for the more understated cream color.

I did look into the Felts, but they make their bikes in mainland China.

I think I'm placing my order . . . I think!

The Terry is beautiful!

(Good reason not to buy the Felt, it is tough not to get things made in China. I just heard a This American Life program about someone who went to China and got in to visit one of the major factory complexes. It was a horrifying story. And it is our companys' fault for letting them have terrible working conditions.)

[Sylvia]

I don't know in what part of the country you live, but there is a Terry Trixie mixte on craigslist right now. The same bike appears to be listed in the Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Delaware craigslist. If you are still considering a steel mixte, and you live in that area, I'd check this bike out.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3176864443.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3184096364.html

http://delaware.craigslist.org/bik/3179016542.html

[ridebikeme]

One word.... Cannondale and a good portion of the 2012's are on sale!!

[MyRightFoot]

Thanks, those Terry Trixies look interesting, but too far for me to check out. Seems strange that the Craigslist ads are obviously for the same bike, but the prices are drastically different! -?

The Cannondales don't come in a small enough geometry for me.

I've decided I love the Terry Symmetry and will order it today!

[Sylvia]

Cool!! Enjoy the new bike!!