The Bike

hi Evelyn,

you'll see it said often here.....Get Thee to a Bike Shop. Find a reputable local bike shop, someone you can establish a rapport with. You should be able to tell them what you want to do with your bike and what your price range is. If they can't or won't work with you, then find another shop. You really are better off spending the money on a decent bike so riding is something you'll love to do, and not turn into a dreaded chore.

Hermom recently did a lot of legwork to get her daughter on a new bike, I bet she could tell you a lot more.

As per trimom's reply, go to a reputable bike shop and have yourself properly fitted. As for the type of bike, I cannot tell which specific bike to purchase, but I would suggest a road racing model with, at the very minimum Shimano Tiagra components....if you are going to be doing serious tri's, I would even suggest Shimano 105 at the very least. If you are on a tight budget, you might even look at such makes as KHS, Fuji and Motobecane; they do not have the bragging rights of Colnago or Trek, but they are solidly built and usually less expensive. The following site for bikesdirect has a whole bunch of models of bikes with components ranging from Sora to Dura-Ace and their prices. Of course if you are dealing with a bike shop, the prices may be somewhat higher but this will give you an idea of what types of bikes to look at within your budget range.
http://bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

You probably need the smallest grown up road bike you can find, like a 45 cm or smaller which is hard to find, 48 might be as close as you can get. The top tube length is actually more important, you can change the stem but it is not as easy as putting the seat up or down. Make shure you have at least an inch standover height on the top tube and that you feel comfortable riding with your hands on the brake hoods and in the drops. For tri people tend to go with smaller bikes because you add the areo bars and you move your torso more forward and need a shorter top tube, usually a shorter stem is all you need though. Get someone with experience to look at you and listen to them because they can see what you look like and you can't. You'll probably be better off with shorter cranks aswell and a more narrow handlebar. If you are spending big bucks definately get a professional fitting.
I'm 6' 3" and go to the opposite extreme, I look at the biggest bikes only, 60 or 61 cm frame, and then look for parts I need to replace with bigger ones.
Your bike should look like you to some extent.

Edited by owie 2004-02-07 8:51 PM

I'm 5' 3.5" (to be exact) and am riding a 47cm Specialized with compact geometry. I started on a 50cm and could not get comfortable after many different fittings. When I saw this smaller, compact frame I thought it was made just for me. It fits me perfectly. I also rode a Trek woman's specific 43cm and it was way too small. I have short legs, short torso, but a long (relatively)reach. I would never again buy a bike without being fitted for it.

I agree with the others about fit...I am 5'2 and a half and found an Italian bike with a smaller reach. It is really comfy!

JB

I would like to thank everyone for their input. I shall be putting it to good use.
Evelyn