My new Trek 4500

[doorah]

I just checked out the Specialized Expedition Sport '05 at the website. Is it the one? Green? If so, it looks sleek & comfy~perfect!

Ride on!

~doorah~

[Pax]

I just checked out the Specialized Expedition Sport '05 at the website. Is it the one? Green? If so, it looks sleek & comfy~perfect!

Ride on!

~doorah~

It's last years model so it's silver and bright blue...it's real purdy!

Interesting comfort note...I think the seat is more cushy than a lazy boy!!

[ladiebug]

Today I bought my first RB. It's a Trek 1000 WSD. I know it's gonna take some getting used to. But, I feel it has one major flaw. When I am turning and pedaling at the same time my toes hit the back of the front tire. This could be REAL dangerous. So, is it the design of the bike? Do cranks have anything to do with it? The bike is a 47cm and is fitted to me perfectly.

[traveller_62]

ladiebug,

This is not at all uncommon ---especially for compact frame bikes. The toe overlap with the front wheel is not usually an issue except for really slow speeds. At a higher speeds you just wouldn't ever turn your front wheel at the angle where it would come in contact with your front toe. So unless you plan on doing some track riding (where there are extreme turn angles with the front wheel) you should be able to adapt to the toe overlap.

I just bought a lovely Serotta racing bike with 700cc wheels and I have the same issue. Drove me nuts initially. Now I just pedal and steer differently at those low speeds and hardly notice it. If I did take a tumble because of the toe overlap it would be at a walking speed. The risk of injury wouldn't be that great (I always wear a helmet!!).

Another option is to go with a bike frame geometry where the front wheel is smaller (650cc) than the back wheel. I also own a Terry bike that was designed specifically for small frame women (I'm 5'2"). There is no toe overlap with that bike at all. If you aren't familiar with Terry bikes here is the web site: http://www.terrybicycles.com/

You asked about the cranks. Sometimes you an go with a shorter crank arm. If the toe overlap is not that much this change can make a difference. Just ask your local bike shop folks.

There is no one answer for your question. A lot of people just adapt to the toe overlap. The fit of the bike is more important than the toe overlap so don't go to a frame that doesn't fit just because you no longer get the overlap! But if you are new to road biking and you think that the toe overlap will cause you to worry and therefore not ride, then make a change either to the crank arm length or the front tire size or both.

Best of luck!

traveller

[Nanci]

That's weird, the Trek Alpha Aluminum and OCLV Carbon/ ZR 9000 WSD's in the 43 and 47 sizes look like they should come with 650 wheels. I know my 2100 WSD did...Maybe you should check- I just read that one of Lance Armstong's Treks came with the fork from a different size frame on it, and it was a mechanic that spotted it...

Nanci

[snpdragn]

I've noticed in my town that pretty much the only bike you can buy is a Trek. That is kind of disheartening, considering the fact that I haven't, as yet, found one that I like and no way am I going to buy one just on measurements.
I guess I'm going to have to do the travelling thing to find the bike love of my life.

[ladiebug]

Thanx Traveller. That's what I needed to hear!!!

[emily_in_nc]

That's weird, the Trek Alpha Aluminum and OCLV Carbon/ ZR 9000 WSD's in the 43 and 47 sizes look like they should come with 650 wheels. I know my 2100 WSD did...Maybe you should check- I just read that one of Lance Armstong's Treks came with the fork from a different size frame on it, and it was a mechanic that spotted it...
Nanci

Bikes with 650c wheels can still have toe overlap if they have a short enough top tube, long enough cranks, and if your feet are not real tiny (my 650c-wheeled, 46cm Aegis Swift has toe overlap with 170mm cranks and my size 7 feet). The Terry bikes with small frame sizes have 24" wheels (even smaller than 650c) in front to completely eliminate toe overlap. I have an older Terry too. You can't just stick a 650c wheel on a bike built for 700c wheels and have it work.

If you can't live with toe overlap, the bike has to go back, and your options will be a Terry or a Bike Friday (20" wheels), which I also have, and love! But a slightly shorter crank length may help too, as others have said.

Good luck! I haven't fallen yet from the toe overlap but have come close a couple of times - only at very slow ("parking lot") speeds, as mentioned.

Emily

[Pax]

Good luck! I haven't fallen yet from the toe overlap but have come close a couple of times - only at very slow ("parking lot") speeds, as mentioned.

Emily

Next time I fall over from my own ineptitude I'll have to frown at the bike and growl "dang toe overlap", maybe no one will notice my lack of ability.

[wabisabi]

My bike is a Rivendell, and, as I mentioned, 52cm. It's got 26" wheels for precisely that reason, the designer believes that the geometry does not allow for any bigger wheels due to toe overlap. The top tube is straight; I have not-long legs and a long torso, so the geometry works for me. The only problem is finding narrower tires for the 26" wheels. Everyone thinks they are 650s--which they are not, they are act 559s in tire size--and I have had success with mtn. bike slicks. during the non-rainy season, and the ruffy-tuffys that came with it during the rain. The pump fits on the frame just fine.

[traveller_62]

The Terry bikes with small frame sizes have 24" wheels (even smaller than 650c) in front to completely eliminate toe overlap.

Oops. Emily is quite right. My Terry Classic also has a 24" wheel (not a 650cc as I implied in my previous post).

traveller