Which type of bike for me?

[newbieinPA]

I actually was just on a Trek WSD 2.1, and I really liked it.

I'm going to more shops this weekend, so we'll see. I definitely want a rack, so hopefully I'll be able to find something that fits me. I didn't even think about that, so thanks to those of you who suggested it.
I'm trying to find a bike that's fast - I mean faster that my mtn bike. I'd love to be able to get to work (4.5 miles with plenty of hills) in 30 minutes or less.

I do have a longer torso, so the specialized 44 fit just fine. I still have many more to try (fingers crossed that they carry these other bikes). I'm not concerned with tire size per say, but 24" does seem small. Of course, I'll cross that bridge when it comes.

My husband has also been testing riding a bunch, he's an avid mtn biker making the jump - so I really want to at least be able to keep up with him in addition to getting to work in one piece.

[Geonz]

5 miles, 30 minutes = 6 minute mile, = 10 mph. HIlls... any traffic lights are issues (stopping wreaks havoc with time ) but it should be much more do-able on any road bike vs. mountain. My folding bike is much faster than my slower bikes, too, and I can tuck it under my desk .

[Bluetree]

ummmmm - I disagree, don't rule out any bike until you have someone who is qualified really look at you and fit you. By all of the rules I should not fit a bike with 700c wheels, but that's exactly what I fit best. It not only about your height, but your body proportions and how you fit together as a whole. Also the geometry of different brands of bike can be radically different, even if the are the same "size". Don't discount any bike until you've tried it.

+1

I'm with Eden. The 44cm Specialized is a well-designed bike for the shorter person. 700c wheels, no toe overlap. At 5-1, I have no problems fitting on it and have plenty of room to size down if I were even shorter (I have a 110mm stem on right now).

There is a junior on my team who is slightly shorter than me, yet she can ride a bigger bike because she is all arms and legs (like a spider monkey). Height is just one part in the overall equation for a good bike fit.

[NbyNW]

5 miles, 30 minutes = 6 minute mile, = 10 mph. HIlls... any traffic lights are issues (stopping wreaks havoc with time ) but it should be much more do-able on any road bike vs. mountain. My folding bike is much faster than my slower bikes, too, and I can tuck it under my desk .

+1

I also commute on a folder. It's an agile, versatile little thing, and my 5.5 mile commute takes about 30 minutes in the morning (mostly downhill, with traffic stops) and 40-45 minutes in the evening (mostly uphill). Mine is a one-size-fits-most (Dahon), but you can get them custom, too. (Any Bike Friday owners want to chime in?)

A folder is a nice option if you don't feel comfortable locking your bike to a rack outside for 8-9 hours at a time. I feel pretty safe keeping mine under my desk, as we don't have tons of unknown people roaming through.

If your office provides a secure place for storage, well then, never mind.

[Blueberry]

I was gonna suggest a Friday, but ours were out of that budget. Of course, you could get one with slightly lower components, and probably be OK. Or, buy a slightly used one. The New World Tourist, Pocket Crusoe, Pocket Rocket or Pocket Rocket Pro would probably work (and all take rear racks). The Petite series are designed to be proportional in weight for smaller riders. I LOVE my Crusoe - some say they're slightly slower than "regular" bikes - I don't go fast enough to notice. Folks have done 1200k rides on them, so they can't be *that* slow. You do take a slight weight penalty - but I would think on a decent build with a Petite frame, you would be in the ~20-21 pound range. My Crusoe will also take fenders, and is set up with a generator hub. It really is a SWEET ride. Put it this way - DH is fast enough to want a "real" bike for some rides - and he's having trouble finding something comparable with 700c wheels. At least for less than 3k.

And yes, they're a great fit option for smaller riders. The small wheels mean no toe overlap problems. Emily_in_NC is quite petite, and loves hers (or did last time I heard from her). Friday has a test ride program - they'll contact owners near you and arrange for you to ride a similarly sized bike.

[Eden]

I'm not concerned with tire size per say, but 24" does seem small. Of course, I'll cross that bridge when it comes.

It actually sounds much more ridiculous than it actually is/looks.... While I wouldn't run out and buy a road bike with these wheels, my options for a cross bike were/are rather limited. I had an opportunity to pick up a Conquest 24 for $300, so I figured what the heck. I don't look weird on it and I even raced it. I'm a chicken descender on the dirt, so I won't ever claim to be a good cross racer, but the smallness of the bike didn't hinder me.

[NbyNW]

Folks have done 1200k rides on them, so they can't be *that* slow. . . Put it this way - DH is fast enough to want a "real" bike for some rides - and he's having trouble finding something comparable with 700c wheels.

. . . faster than a speeding bullet?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lillian...7605568080842/

And yes, they're a great fit option for smaller riders. The small wheels mean no toe overlap problems.

On the flip side, heel strike w/ rear panniers might be an issue, depending on your frame geometry and the design of your rear rack. It took me quite a bit of research to find something that would work on my bike. It's not impossible, you just have to choose carefully.

[Blueberry]

. . . faster than a speeding bullet?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lillian...7605568080842/

That's too funny!!

On the flip side, heel strike w/ rear panniers might be an issue, depending on your frame geometry and the design of your rear rack. It took me quite a bit of research to find something that would work on my bike. It's not impossible, you just have to choose carefully.

On a Friday?? Ours have a pretty long wheel base - so I don't think it would be a problem (haven't actually toured or commuted on them, though - they are our fast-ish bikes for now).

CA

[NbyNW]

CA, we may want to drift over to the folding bikes thread before this gets out of hand . . .