The Great Road Bike Search Continues

[Jo-n-NY]

Hi there, According to my dh size can be different from one manufactuer to another. I am 5'2 and went with the Specialized Dolce Comp. Because Specialized sizing runs a bit different I went with a 51 (bar going across) and 52 (bar up and down). The stretch is perfect and I do not have my seat all the way down. There is a good amount of stem showing. My other option would have been the Allez Comp and I would have fit a 50 in that one, but the finger stretch to the brakes was much more comfortable on the Dolce.

I noticed many of you mention low cm's but I guess with a Specialized you might be able to boost up those numbers.

[jobob]

Hi there, According to my dh size can be different from one manufactuer to another.

You're absolutely right - different bikes can have different frame geometries, bottom bracket heights, etc., plus some manufacturers actually measure the seat tube lengths in different ways (center-to-center vs. center-to-top). They aren't standardized. They're kind of like blue jeans.

[ed. to add: Crikey, I'm up to 600 posts? Somebody shut me up already!]

[emily_in_nc]

Oh my gosh! I don't know how we've overlooked this one, but I've already called the LBS. No 44cm in stock, but they have a 46cm I could test for the ride. I'd given up on finding a steel frame that fits and that's in my price range, so thank you, thank you for the suggestion. And the '05 model is a much more pleasant color than the '04. Three more days before I have doctor clearance to get off my tushy. It's going to be a long weekend.

Hmmm, that's odd - according to the web site, the Bianchi Eros Donna only comes in a a 44 and 49cm size, so do have the LBS check on that - perhaps it is a 44 cm and they are just confused or measuring wrong. You might just be in luck. She's a beaut!

Emily

[KTeach]

A good LBS will encourage you to take some spins around the block on several models. As stated previously different brands have different geometries... I am also short (5'1''), short torso but like to feel stretched out when riding. I LOVED the Coppi - it was a beautifully crafted, sexy bike and only about $1200 - but it just wasn't comfortable for me. I wound up with an Antares Litespeed - comfy - much more $$ - but the COPPI was still prettier! The moral again... test ride, test ride, test ride.

[Dirt Girl]

Woo-hoo! Finally found THE one and bought her this morning. I never thought I could be so excited about a road bike. And, oh darn, the weather is supposed to be in the 60s tomorrow. My pouting about a near snowless winter is gone.

Thanks to all for the many comments and suggestions. This forum is directly responsible for my finding this Bianchi Eros Donna. She's steel, she's blue and she's mine! And my mountain bike isn't even jealous because she knows why she's got a new sister...

[Melody]

Congrats dirtgirl. It's a beautiful bike!

Mel

[SadieKate]

Very purty!

[emily_in_nc]

Gorgeous, dirtgirl. Enjoy, enjoy!

Out of interest, what size did you end up with?

Emily

[JanT]

Wow! What a great looking bike! Why is it that even though I have three bikes, one just purchased last May, I still drool over such pictures? I wish you many fun-filled rides on those new wheels.
Jan

[Dirt Girl]

Out of interest, what size did you end up with?

It's the 44cm. They had to tweak the bars to sit up higher than most people have on a road bike, but that's what works for me.

Took her out for a neighborhood spin this afternoon. So far no regrets.

[halfbit]

If you're in the 1000-1500 peso range, maybe you should look on the terry site at their used bikes. I got a used Terry Despatch years ago (not from Terry, though - I found mine in a used bike shop). Wore the gears to death and last year went shopping around. I loved the titanium, but in the end I couldn't bear to part with my Terry so I had my local bike magician outfit her with Shimano Ultegra....I love the fit. I would be buried with this bike, except it would be a real waste of a great bike.....I did see some nice titanium, Airborne, at the local Sun N Ski shop, for considerably less than the Litespeeds. Litespeed has come out with a WS bike, but it's definitely more than $1500. My recommendations are based on my PETITE size (halfbit...duh)....

[CorsairMac]

Have you named her yet? She is a beaut....ya'll keep this up buying new bikes, I'll just have to find some credit card co somewhere that REALLY likes me and get myself a new one too!

Corsair "hates to be left out" Mac

[Dirt Girl]

Have you named her yet? She is a beaut....ya'll keep this up buying new bikes, I'll just have to find some credit card co somewhere that REALLY likes me and get myself a new one too!

A name has not come to me yet. My mountain bike is almost 1.5 years old and her name still eludes me.

Not counting an old 10-speed that I barely rode or the 30-year-old bike that someone gave me but didn't fit right, this is my FIRST road bike.

[cyclingnewbie]

Congrats on the new bike! I'm going to look at Bianchi this weekend. Were you specifically looking for steel? Do you prefer that frame material over aluminum? Yours is a beauty!!

[Dirt Girl]

Congrats on the new bike! I'm going to look at Bianchi this weekend. Were you specifically looking for steel? Do you prefer that frame material over aluminum? Yours is a beauty!!

Thanks! I was looking for steel but had a hard time finding something that was in my price range AND fit. I prefer the steel over aluminum. I find it to be a smoother ride. Didn't even try anything else so I wouldn't know what I was missing.

Good luck with the Bianchi this weekend!