Advice on Carbon or Steel - womens bikes?

clearb

Does anyone have a particular bike they would recommend for a 5'3 women as a racer? - I'm torn between carbon and steel. I think if I go the steel route I would do so to put panniers on it as I woudl love to do some big rides London to Cornwall that sort of thing.

I currently ride everywhere on my single speed, 49cm 531 tubing FWevans which I love - but bit much for 50Km rides etc! Rode a giant in sardnina with all carbon that I loved.

Any suggestions on bikes to look at and test ride?

C

synchronicity

What's your budget like?

sundog

There are sum gud aluminium bikes out there also

tenor

The Specialized Dolce range loogs good value - comes in aluminium or carbon.
Of course, Nicole Cooke became National Champion riding a Brian Rourke custom steel frame!
I you want to have proper rack mounts there are currently more options with steel and aluminium.
Not sure of your budget, but the steel Condor Fratello could be a good choice and these come in small sizes with a fitting service to choose stem lenght, bar height, etc.

Chip \'oyler

clearb wrote:

Does anyone have a particular bike they would recommend for a 5'3 women as a racer? - I'm torn between carbon and steel. I think if I go the steel route I would do so to put panniers on it as I woudl love to do some big rides London to Cornwall that sort of thing.

I currently ride everywhere on my single speed, 49cm 531 tubing FWevans which I love - but bit much for 50Km rides etc! Rode a giant in sardnina with all carbon that I loved.

Any suggestions on bikes to look at and test ride?

C

Budget would give us a good steer for suggestions