Focus, Jamis or Ridley for 5'3, 29" inseam

[seastar]

Redline won't work as the only bike shop that can order isn't one I want to deal with...

Ridley is completely sold out.

But I can get a Specialized Crux Elite ( tiagra components ) or Cannondale Caadx ( 105 components ). Specialized needs to be ordered and the caadx is available in stock.

The other option is to wait and order a cannondale (through a friend at dealer pricing) - but then I won't have the bike for about 2 months.

For the cannondale I'm not sure about sizing. The 48 has better top tube reach but minimal stand over. The 44 the reach feels a bit compressed, but it has more standover...

[JulieGri]

I'm the same height and inseam as you (5'3" and 29" inseam). I've been riding a mtn bike for many years and have started doing cx this year. I have a 47cm Kona Jake the Snake. The standover is fine. The reach was a little long with the standard setup, but I switched to a compact handlebar and short stem, and the bike fits well now.

[zoom-zoom]

For the cannondale I'm not sure about sizing. The 48 has better top tube reach but minimal stand over. The 44 the reach feels a bit compressed, but it has more standover...

You and I are about the same size (I'm just under 5'4" with a 30" inseam). I personally could not imagine being on the 48, especially since Cannondales tend to run big. I'm on a 48 Cannondale road bike. Generally CX bikes require going down a size.

If the reach on the 44 feels compressed you can always add a longer stem and/or flip the stem (we flip the stems on pretty much every bike I ride, since I feel more comfortable and in-control being less upright). Any idea what length stem is on the 44 you test-rode?

[onefuzzy]

I am so happy I stumbled on this thread! I just went and saw my first CX race last Saturday and want one so bad!!! I am 5'2" with a 29" inseam. I ride a 48 cm Cannondale Synapse but have been reading to get a smaller CX bike.

I have been finding alot of great info, but am still confused by the amount of choices I have to pick from! I dont want to spend an arm and a leg, till I see if I really like it or not. It is hard to find bike shops that have them in stock and ones that will actually fit me.

I really want one by the next race in December!

[zoom-zoom]

onefuzzy, my first road bike was a 48cm Synapse and my 44cm Redline Conquest is a VERY similar fit for me.

[onefuzzy]

Thanks zoom-zoom! My cannondale is super comfy and I really like the way it fits me. I would love to get a cx bike that fits similarly.

I will have to look around to see if there are any shops in the area that carry or can order them in.