Road bike advice

suzyb

I want to get a road bike but due to budget constraints it will need to be a second hand one.

Being as short as I am (only 5ft) I decided to pop to the LBS to get some advice on what size of bike I'd need. The guy in the shop said I'd be best with a 44cm Specialized Dolce, possibly getting away with a 48cm. However they didn't have either size in stock for me to try so I ended up trying the Vita xsmall and small (which I believe are 44and 47cm respectively) both of which seemed fine.

Because I'm looking for second hand I don't want to be limited to just one model of bike I can keep an eye out for. Can anyone tell me what other bikes have similar sizing? I believe the Giant Avail XSmall does but any others (doesn't need to be woman specific).

kingrollo

1.Post an add in classified wanted

2.If in doubt - go small - you can always work around it with a longer stem - to large and your stuck.

I got my son a great ambrosio last year - xenon gruppo - for a measly £180 - actually ambrosio frames aren't expensive new - if you don't find anything.

Barrie_G

Try looking at a youths bike or see if you can find something with 650c wheels, as I mentioned in your ad in sales the height of the bike won't be your worst problem, they can make bikes with very short seat tubes, you really need to find something with a top tube that fits your height.

Even buying second hand, if at all possible try it out before you buy it, as if it doesn't fit it's money wasted.

Try ringing round some other bike shops in your area, some also sell second hand bikes, try your local sale rooms, car boot etc.

If money's tight, then you need to get it right first time, if a bike's has worn parts and fits you can replace the parts, if a bike's virtually brand new and doesn't fit you run the risk of causing yourself an injury or at least putting yourself off cycling.

suzyb

I checked the top tube length on the Vita which is the one I tried and it says it's 50cm so I think anything with a tt length of around that will suit.

Monty Dog

Yup, toptube length is the most critical dimension for you - you'll be right on the limit for 700c wheels at that size. Kinesis also do a 'junior' size frame that might suit you too. I see a lot of women who are riding frames patently too big for them, but unscrupulous shops sold what they had, not what they needed.