Hello Everyone

My nephew wants a ‘fast bike with thin tires’ for our 30 mi rides. The brands my LBS offers are Specialized, Cannondale, Jamis & Raleigh. I would prefer to purchase from them if it’s not too much of a compromise to limit ourselves to said brands, and only if we can get a proper fit.

The LBS said rather than a cyclocross, we should get a road bike, and keep his mountain bike for off-road. He is 4'5” with a 23.5” inseam. We’re interested in the 41cm Jamis Ventura Comp 650c which would have to be ordered. However, I expect the Ventura will also be too big, just as the Dolce was. How can the 41cm Jamis Ventura have specs/geometry similar to the 44cm Specialized Dolce? If it’s too big, should we consider the Specialized Vita Step Thru since he‘s a smaller rider?

Is a step thru less structurally stable? Should this be a concern with a 70lb rider that likes to do wheelies and bunny hops? The stand-over height on the Specialized Vita is 25.28”. Is this measure to the center of the sloping tube on the step thru? Will this bike still be too big for him?

Also, wondering if going from his 24” mtn bike to a hybrid would significantly improve his time and speed. The mtn bike already has micro knobby tires & clipless pedals. Is the Vita hybrid more mountain bike or road bike? Supposedly, it’s the female version of the Specialized Sirrus.

I was hoping the compact-framed Vita would easily fit the one bike for everything role. But I’m not completely sold on the Vita because of (1) 700c tires on a small frame (would prefer 650c), (2) crank length (170), and (3) bike weight. Also, I think he may quickly outgrow a hybrid and eventually want a true road bike.

But if it fits properly, we will consider it as our choices are limited. If we change the seat height and stem, will this put him at a less than optimum riding position?

Am I over thinking this? At the end of the day, he wants something that’s fast and lightweight, and we know we have to compromise given our limited choices.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.