What do you think about WSD?

[Catrin]

Cheers Catrin. Much more reasonably priced although the Shimano ones would be worthwhile for any bike that I aim to keep til they fall apart.

It is what Surly uses for the stock LHT in the smaller sizes - I know the Shimanos are nice but wanted to make sure the Tektros were mentioned.

[buffybike]

I ride a small-size Giant Avail. It's the women's version of the Defy. While it does have some curly-cues on it, I changed the white saddle and handlebar tape to black to toughen it up a bit. The bike fits me really well (me=short torso, longer limbs) and only needed minor adjustments. In the end, I think it all comes down to geometry (WSD or not). I'm currently borrowing a 50cm Lemond and it fits me like a dream.

[Veronica]

Lesley, I don't understand why you need your fiance's permission to spend money that YOU earned

Couples work their money different ways. Thom wants a new i phone and a quadra copter and a PS3. He hasn't gotten any of that yet.

Technically, it's his money as he makes significantly more than I do. But REALLY, it's all OUR money and we usually decide together how it gets spent. He's due for a nice bonus in a couple of weeks - definitely his money, but we'll decide together what to do with it.

Veronica

[runningcyclist]

I ride a small-size Giant Avail. It's the women's version of the Defy. While it does have some curly-cues on it, I changed the white saddle and handlebar tape to black to toughen it up a bit. The bike fits me really well (me=short torso, longer limbs) and only needed minor adjustments. In the end, I think it all comes down to geometry (WSD or not). I'm currently borrowing a 50cm Lemond and it fits me like a dream.

Just shows how different people and bikes can be. I'm (newly discovered) short torso, long limbs and yet found I'd have to get a shorter stem, smaller bars and possibly the Shimano levers or reposition the ones already on it to make a better fit on the Giant Avail XS.

Looking forward to trying the Trek 1.2 XXS and the Surly LHT. I wonder what tweaks would have to be made for those?


Veronica - you and your beloved have things worked out but that doesn't appear to be the case with Lesley although I'd love it if she got her bike with or without his 'approval'

[Aggie_Ama]

Money with couples is personal. DH makes more and gets a better bonus but it is our bonus. We share a bank account and have since we got back from our honeymoon but when it comes to his bonus I think of it as his. He bought me my last bike, the Gary Fisher, out of his bonus but we agreed on the budget. If we weren't both into cycling I could see bike spending being more of a debate. Even with us both liking to ride I don't always agree on how much he wants to spend on bikes (I put my foot down on him getting a carbon mountain bike).

As for the WSD debate, it definitely comes down to personal preference and manufacturer. The year I got my Cannondale the geometry was very little tweaked from the mens. They used shorter reach shifters, smaller bars, slight changes to sizing but Cannondale has changed that (I think). Whereas my Fisher is quite a bit different from the comparable men's bike. I have an extremely short torso and longish legs for being 5'2" so WSD generally works. However in Specialized mountain bikes WSD is way too compact and I hate the fit. So even WSD doesn't always work.

I am big on how a frame looks, my Cannondale is very non-feminine but my Fisher is girly. Sparkly black with just enough pink to be AWESOME to me. I am the opposite I like slightly feminine details on my frame, but I don't always like the swirly, flowery stuff some companies use. My first bike I was not more constrained on budget and just had to take what I could get. If I am spending as much as I was I am going to like the looks. Luckily they took it in stride because we have been loyal customers for several years.

[NbyNW]

Couples work their money different ways.

You're right V.

Lesley, I hope you get a wonderful bike and that your fiance comes around on his objections.

[Lesley_x]

He threw a hissy fit about it last night then after a few hours came round and said that we had agreed I would get to blow this on whatever I want, so I should get a bike. Funny that he never objected when I thought about getting an iPad, a completely useless piece of technology that just looks cool

He thinks my hybrid, which admittedly isn't very old at all, won't get used. I disagree. It will get used less but it certainly won't be collecting dust.

He is annoyed because 'he' bought that and because I'm looking into a road bike he thinks that it's 'not enough'.

He is also worried that cycling is still a 'novelty' which I find baffling. The health benefits have been so marked I couldn't imagine stopping...

Sorry for bringing relationship issues into this

[Bike Chick]

Yes, do let us know what bike you buy. It is frustrating when there are no women's bikes to ride or even look at. I have to drive hours to find a bike shop that carries a bike in my size and then it's a low-end bike.

I'm trying to remain silent on the fiance/money issue. It's your money, honey! Sounds like you two have some issues to work out before fiance becomes husband

[KnottedYet]

Running - The Surly Pacer and the Surly LHT have similar top tube lengths, but the Pacer is designed more for fast light riding, while the Long Haul Trucker is more oriented toward loaded touring.

They are going to have very different feels, even though the sizing is going to be similar. I hope you get a chance to ride both!

I have a Surly Cross Check. It's got a higher bottom bracket so the standover is about one size up compared to a Pacer or LHT. If the shop has a Cross Check that you can stand over without distress, try that as well!

More bikes, more fun!

[arielmoon]

I have a WSD and I love the detailing on it. I recently changed the bartape and bottle cages from pink but I love that my bike has some pink in it.

With black tape:


With pink:


You can see the pink better in this:


That being said, I now know that my long body and short legs are more compatible with men's bikes. I think we have done well making this one work for me though.

[NbyNW]

No worries, we've seen all kinds of relationship stuff on this board.

And look no further if you want to have people justify/enable the idea of having more than one bike!

I got nothing to add about the specific bikes you're looking at, I just hope you have an LBS that you like, with a good fitter. Looking forward to seeing what you end up getting!

[billy10388]

The Synapse is in fact high on my list for the next "Go fast' bike. If it fits.
I'm starting to think, though, that the further down you go in components, the girlier the frame color becomes...

I also think so.

[Lesley_x]

arielmoon - I love your bike. I would be more than happy with something like that. I don't mind frames with a little bit of girly styling on them at all. The ones I've seen so far take it too far though

I have phoned a LBS to try out the Wilier Escape Xenon (mens bike). He's going to try to get a loan bike in my size to try out.

If that bike fits I would snap it up in a second It's so pretty.

And Bike Chick, for what it's worth, we definitely have to sort out money. He finds it difficult because I earn more than him. But being engaged, 23 y/o, with no privacy, freedom or space to ourselves makes sparks fly where they otherwise wouldn't. Still, only 8 months till we can move out!

[Bike Chick]

And Bike Chick, for what it's worth, we definitely have to sort out money. He finds it difficult because I earn more than him. But being engaged, 23 y/o, with no privacy, freedom or space to ourselves makes sparks fly where they otherwise wouldn't. Still, only 8 months till we can move out!

It's really none of my business, Lesley, and I apologize if I misspoke. The mom came out in me for a minute I guess. I hope you two get things worked out and you get the bike you want. Be sure to share with us when you get it!

[Lesley_x]

It's really none of my business, Lesley, and I apologize if I misspoke. The mom came out in me for a minute I guess. I hope you two get things worked out and you get the bike you want. Be sure to share with us when you get it!

No I don't think you misspoke at all!