Bike for Petite Women

[digits]

Hi all...

I am looking to by a touring bike.  My problem is that I am 5'2" with a pretty short inseam.  I have looked at the Terry website and see that they have the Madeline as an option, but am wondering if there are any other petite women on this forum that can give me any advice on my search.  My biggest issue is that I am out of the country and will only have a limited time back in the states before I have planned to head back out again.  I have emailed some local bike shops to see what they carry and what they would have in stock, but am hoping that your input would aid in my decision.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

[annie]

Check out the Surly website
www.surlybikes.com
Look under frames for the Surly Long Haul Trucker. A good range of sizes! And you can go with 26 in. tires, so standover height should not be a problem. Only thing is, it's a frame, not a complete bike. You have to choose components/parts and have it built. Not sure if Surly will do that or not..... but you can find out through their site. If I could choose any bike I want right now, that's what I'd choose. Good luck! Hope you find exactly what you are looking for.

annie

[digits]

Thanks Annie....

I have been looking at the Surly website and that has been one of my favorites.  The standover height on the 42cm frames seems like it would be a nice fit.  Being that I am new to cycling and it is sold as a frame.... I will have to do some homework on components.  

Thanks again!!!

[bdouglas]

I, too, have trouble fitting on frames that are called "small", and recently bought a Surly frame. Since I only bought the frame, I had to buy all of the other componenets to build it up to a full fledged touring machine, which took some time (find an in-the-know friend who might be able to help you out here). Though it was pricier than buying most standard frames (small, medium, large), it is the first road or touring bike I've owned that I can actually put both feet on the ground at the same time. I just did my first tour on it a month ago, and it performed wonderfully. I don't regret the decade that I rode bikes that were too big, but I am thrilled to be riding a bike that is actually my size. You can visit wrenchscience.com/WS1/Secure/Fitting/Summary.asp to get your dimensions. This will then help you find your exact measurements and hence search companies' websites while you are abroad. I know that Specialized and Terry make smaller frames as well. Good Luck!

[scott.laughlin]

Have you tried Bike Friday?

[jnorth]

to get a perfect fit you will probably have to go for a custom bike. i've had great luck with 2 bike fridays, especially handy for travel. the fitting can be done by phone or email. good luck!

This message was edited by jnorth on 1-28-06 @ 7:28 PM

[Mira!]

I'm getting into this discussion way late, but I'm 5' even, and ride a Co-motion Nor'wester size 46 frame and love it.  I just rode the A.C. road touring course with another 5' gal who has longer legs, and she had a Rodriguez WW2 with 26" wheels (mine are 700's).  We both loved our bikes!

[digits]

Thanks for all the responses.  After looking around for a bit I ended up purchasing a 43 cm Fuji Touring bike.  The bike is a perfect fit for me and so far I am loving it.