I'm short

[amydog]

Hi,

I am about to purchase a new 2008 Jamis Aurora and I'm 5'2", so it's the small one, 47cm.

Do you know of any problems when bikes are at the extreme ends of the size range?

Last time i bought a bike (a mountain bike) i was thrilled to find a really small one, but over the years realized it was too small and created problems.

Any thoughts?? All related replies are welcome

[NbyNW]

Not sure I understand how your mtb was problematically too small . . .

The only problem I've ever heard of is toe overlap, which has been described to me as when your toe hits your front wheel during a turn. Potentially very dangerous. You prevent this by either knowing how to handle your bike, or outfitting it with smaller wheels, like 650s. This is why you see a smaller front wheel on small-sized Terrys, for example.

If the bike you're considering is a good fit for you, I don't understand how it could be "too small." If anything, you might consider a different geometry down the road as you learn what kind of cycling you like to do.

[Aggie_Ama]

Toe overlap and bottle cage clearance. The toe overlap is often engineered down in WSD bikes but not always. I ride a 47 cm Cannondale and cannot get toe overlap on it even though it has 700c wheels. The guy who sold it to me was actually shocked at that and has been in cycling for 30+ years. I know the Specialized Ruby and Terry Bikes are designed to reduce/eliminate toe overlap.

The bottle cage clearance is my biggest complaint on my frame. My particular frame (as you can see in the avatar) has a sloping top tube. I can barely fit anything over a 20 oz bottle in the front cage and have to use the smaller bottles in the back cage.

[Bluetree]

Neither my Ruby nor my Pinarello have toe overlap, and they have 700c wheels.

For bottle cages, I use the Arundel carbon side loaders. They're not cheap ($45 each) but they work great, and can be ordered for lefties or righties. My 44cm Ruby frame can easily fit two 24 oz. bottles.

Dimension and Elite also make SS side loaders, but I have no experience with them. Good luck.

EDIT: If your LBS doesn't carry them (few do) you can get a deal on the Arundel Side Loaders (Regular Side Loader + Other Sideloader) at Sage Cycles. New customers get 15% off and free shipping.

[OakLeaf]

Typically a smaller frame will make compromises in the geometry to reduce toe overlap. That may be problematic, depending on what kind of riding you want to do.

[NbyNW]

Bluetree, thanks for the Arundel sideloader info. Those are pretty cool! I do that have problem on my mtb, I've always just used a Camelback when I'm on that bike.

Oakleaf -- could you write a little more about what's being compromised with a smaller frame? Strength? Speed? Weight? Handling? Just curious, since we're on the topic. Would be good to know if I ever outgrow my current equipment.

Amy, I don't think any of the issues listed should be a reason not to buy a bike that fits your body and the type of riding you want to do. If your bike doesn't fit you, you won't want to spend a lot of time riding it.

[OakLeaf]

Off the top of my head, and people with better knowledge of bike engineering can chime in:

Bottom bracket may be lower, reducing your ground clearance in cornering (and in crossing obstacles on a MTB)

A shallower head angle, resulting in greater trail and slower steering

A steeper seat angle, meaning saddle has to be set farther back to maintain your desired KOPS, potentially reducing your choice of seatposts; also potentially causing your butt to run into your seat when you stand to climb.

Again these aren't necessarily problems, but Amy didn't say what kind of problems she was having, and these may have been among them.

[amydog]

Well i think it's all getting clearer -- about toe overlap, and some other things that were mentioned. Thank you

[OakLeaf]

well Amy - what kind of problems were you having with the frame that you felt was too small?

[elk]

i have the 47 Aurora.
I know it's a little late for this reply...but...

I only have toe overlap when I make tight turns and my water bottle is comfy and "normal"...