Girlfriend just got her bike using C2W but...

Deadeye Duck

I know.

She originally intended on getting a ridgeback cyclone (although I'm quite glad she didn't). and the 15" frame for those still had a toptube too high. After that, she tried a trek 7200 wsd I think, and then the 7.2fx wsd. She really did need a WSD frame as her legs are pretty small.

To me it just looks like an upright riding position, but it's the fact she mentioned her feeling of lack of control over the front wheel that made me worry. I think it may just be down to her old bike having a not so freely turning wheel though. That, and slicks over nobblies, is bound to make turning the bars a hell of a lot easier, and I wonder if it's just taken her by surprise a bit.

ride_whenever

I'd probably fit a m-part seatclamp to mount the rack to, that'll pull it up more level.

Deadeye Duck

A who what now?

Aidy

Really this is a case of taking it back to the shop and telling them to do it right, rather than spending money on fixing it yourself.

alfablue

Deadeye Duck wrote:

I know.

She originally intended on getting a ridgeback cyclone (although I'm quite glad she didn't). and the 15" frame for those still had a toptube too high. After that, she tried a trek 7200 wsd I think, and then the 7.2fx wsd. She really did need a WSD frame as her legs are pretty small.

To me it just looks like an upright riding position, but it's the fact she mentioned her feeling of lack of control over the front wheel that made me worry. I think it may just be down to her old bike having a not so freely turning wheel though. That, and slicks over nobblies, is bound to make turning the bars a hell of a lot easier, and I wonder if it's just taken her by surprise a bit.

I think WSD are usually designed on the assumption that women have longer legs and shorter bodies compared to men. Your g/f may have more male proportions if she has shorter legs and a longer body. My g/f is longer legged than me but she still found the mens bike geometry better. The WSD could have actually been worse for your g/f as it compromised the reach. Also, attempting to get an upright riding position is likely to put the seat lower than it should be for efficient pedalling, and is also likely to put more stress through the back whilst riding. A change of stem for a more upright one might be a better approach to tailor the position. Most LBS's should swap stems around at no cost to get the position right.

An M-Part seat post clamp with rack mount is one of these

It is great for bikes without rack mounts, and in your case should put the rack mounting point a few centimetres higher, which will help, but probably not enough.

Yes, the LBS should sort it, or take the bike back.

alfablue

Maybe if the M-Part thing was fitted upside down it would just about do it (so the rack mount pointed upwards). Nevertheless, I have strong suspicions that the frame is the wrong size and shape.

Deadeye Duck

She didn't want me there when she tried out sizes last time. I'm making sure she tries a 17" while I'm there.