More test rides, and a steel option.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I know, I know! I'm concerned about the fit. The Dolce fits so well. How do you test ride something that's not yet built? What happens if the geometry is just not right? The guy in the store seemed so willing to help, and I would love to work with him and have him build something just right.

I have to get through these midnight shifts, then I'll get off the computer and back into the store

[indysteel]

Ah, your inseam complicates things, as you probably already know. I didn't realize that was an issue, too. I assume the Pacer comes in some smaller sizes. Perhaps that's the option to consider, then.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Ah, your inseam complicates things, as you probably already know. I didn't realize that was an issue, too. I assume the Pacer comes in some smaller sizes. Perhaps that's the option to consider, then.

I didn't realize it would be an issue, either. I thought I would just need a smaller size. But, yup, I noticed the top tubes on the steel bikes don't seem to slope much.

[Biciclista]

the Surly long haul does come with 26" tires and 42cm; that ought to work for someone 5 feet tall.

[goldfinch]

I am just short of 4'11" and rode a Salsa Vaya a few days ago in their smallest size. It seemed pretty comfortable, except for the fact that the handbars were hugely wide. I could standover the top bar without a problem.

And the new red color is striking.

[eofelis]

I rode a Surly Pacer for a few years, the smallest, 42cm size. I used it for long road rides, often on rough roads. It's not light and fast but it's extremely comfortable and stable. Great little frame. I only moved on from it when I found a steel Gunnar Sport frame in my size on ebay. I tried a carbon fork on the Pacer, but I liked the steel fork it came with better. I now have that Surly Pacer steel fork on the Gunnar.

The Gunnar is a real luxo sport touring bike. Dreamy ride. I did a 110 mile day on it once, over a 11,500' pass, and I was tired but not beat up at the end of the day. For comparison, I also have a nice carbon fiber road bike, a 2007 Specialized Ruby. Both my Ruby and my Gunnar have Mavic Open Pro wheels, so I can directly compare the frames here. The Ruby is quite a nice ride, but I think the steel is a little nicer. My bf also rides steel. He recently got a IF Steel Crown Jewel and he says it has an amazing ride.

I'm exploring getting a ti road bike frame but I'm worried that it won't ride as nice as a steel bike.

Yeah, I highly recommend a steel bike, especially for a small rider.

[Sky King]

I will also argue that wheels and tires, especially tires are going to make a huge difference in how any bike performs and I am not talking going narrow on the tire either. Schwalbe has a great page about tires and rolling resistance on their website. I encourage everyone to read it.