Advice on Carbon or Steel - womens bikes?

clearb
clearb Posts: 2
edited August 2010 in Road buying advice
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

Comments

  • sundog
    sundog Posts: 243
    There are sum gud aluminium bikes out there also
    I like white bikes
  • tenor
    tenor Posts: 278
    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
    Chip \'oyler Posts: 2,323
    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
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