Wanted to Try:Terry Classic 16" or 17.5"

[rosetwig]

Does anyone have a Terry Classic 16" or 17.5" bike that I could just test ride to find out which size fits me best? I'm located in Philadelphia, but am willing to travel to near-by NJ or NYC to check one out. Thanks!

[OnTerryOh]

Have you thought of contacting a Terry dealer and asking them if they have what you want? Here's the dealer list:
http://www.terrybicycles.com/dealers.html

Also, this is a site that allows you to check craigslist for bikes of your choice. Scroll down to see the Terrys:
http://jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?ca...mit=++++go++++

I saw this ad on craigslist and thought you might be interested, though the bike isn't a Classic. I personally wouldn't pay more than $250 for this Despatch, considering it's got a down tube shifter:
http://erie.craigslist.org/bik/1188905335.html

Small Terry Road Bike For Sale - $475 (Erie, PA)

Reply to:sale-bkhdv-1188905335@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-05-26, 1:33AM EDT

I have a small (I haven't measured it but it is probably a 47cm. I would recommend for someone 4'7"-5'2") Terry Despatch road bike for sale. It is in great condition. It is cream and pale yellow. White seat. I bought it and fixed it up, so it has just been tuned up, new chain, and I put clipless pedals on it. It will come with the clips for the pedals and the old pedal with toe clip. It has down tube shifter. It would work great as a commuting bike, a second bike, or something to begin with! If you would like to know more about the bike or get more pictures please email. ASKING $575 OBO (cash only)

Location: Erie, PA
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

[OnTerryOh]

Actually, if the bike in the craigslist ad above is 47cm, that's 18.5 inches -- too big for you.

But there's a 16" Symmetry for sale on the Terry site for $350:
http://www.terrybicycles.com/trade/browse/sell

[Triskeliongirl]

Maybe if you post on the terry forums you'll find a gal near you with a bike willing to let you try.

[rosetwig]

That website that lets you check all Craigslists/ebay is excellent! I knew something should be out there that does that.

I did post to the Terry forum, so I'll see how that works out.

I'll check the dealers too.

I'm looking for a Classic, specifically because it's a touring bike, can be fully loaded, and has cantilever/v-brakes so I can fit fatter tires and fenders. So really I think the Valkyrie Tour would work also, though I don't know if I could find a used one yet.

Thanks for the suggestions and search help! It's greatly appreciated. Keep it coming.

[OnTerryOh]

You might have noticed this in the craigslist ads:

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/1190461458.html

Classic Terry Road Bike / Bicycle designed for Woman - $150 (Beaver, PA)
This is a small bike designed for a petite woman. I recommend 4’8” to 5’2”.

[rosetwig]

Yeah -- that "Classic Terry" in Pittsburg got me too -- it's actually a Terry Prism road bike. And only 2 chain rings. Looking for 3. Nice try though.

[Over50Newbie]

I ride a 16" Terry Classic, but I am in Connecticut. It is the model with the smaller front wheel. I LOVE IT!!

If you ever get up my way, I would be happy to let you ride it.

Oh, and I am 5 feet 1/2 inch tall and my inseam is 27 inches, if that helps.

Lynette

[rosetwig]

Thanks Lynette!
I actually might be up that way towards the end of the month visiting some friends. If I haven't found one to try by then, I may take you up on it!

I'm 5' 1 1/2" with a 28" inseam, so an inch taller than your dimensions -- that's why I'm not sure if the 16" or 17 1/2" would be best...

[Triskeliongirl]

If you PM me your email address I can send you a pdf of a 2002 geometry chart. It lists the standover height of a 17.5" classic as 27.8, so if the 28 measurement you gave is a real cycling inseam without shoes you should have a good inch of clearance with touring/mountain shoes on.

My guess is the 17.5 would work better for you. The standover on the 16" is 26.3, and they both have very similar top tubes (19.4" and 19.3").

[rosetwig]

Well, I don't need to try the different sizes anymore. I just found a 17.5" Terry Madeleine and test-rode it tonight, and it was excellent as far as size and fit goes. I believe it's the same geometry as the Terry Classic, so now on to a search for the actual bike to buy!