Southern California - Saga of the Small Bike Search

Well, I'm sure everyone by now is sick and tired of hearing about my fruitless quest for a small road bike, but to those who are not, here's an update:

Through Luwin's kindness, he found for me a 49cm Orbea Diva at the Helen's Arcadia store. So after doing some work at Santa Anita, I stopped by to check it out. The bike itself is a thing of beauty, as was its price tag. Full DA. Their "SALE" price was $5k. :eek:

The pink color was beautiful. It wasn't the baby pink that I has seen in their catalog. It was more of a 6-7 purplish hue. (If I were to get my paints out, I would mix four parts Holbein Permanent Magenta with one part French Ultramarine for the hue and add a dab of Payne's Grey to knock down the saturation a half-step.)

I tried the standover and it was a bit of a squish. The girly bits weren't happy. That was strange, because I tried out a 48cm Orbea Opal and had no problem with standover. They put the bike on a trainer and I hopped aboard. Although I wasn't uncomfortable, there was a slight sense of having to reach. Again that was odd, because the Opal I test rode has the same length top tube and didn't seem too long. (Luwin has a pic of me on it, but he's at a party with Addison right now). Shifting the DA components were difficult as the bike was terribly out of adjustment, but I was there to test the frame size.

Sadly, the bike is not a good fit. :( It's such a hot looking bike, too.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/467411191_e1c23dd943.jpg

So... Luwin, cutie-patootie Addison and I trekked over to Stan's Bicycle Shop in Monrovia where I met the infamous Stan. Nice guy! The technician Don gave me a quick measurement and said what I really needed is a 46cm bike. Someone makes a 46cm bike??? Well, Serotta does, and one that can be made with 700cm wheels. :) :)

So we went over a lot about the Serotta fit (included with a frame order) and materials. My budget would probably allow me to get a CUSTOM steel Serotta Coeur d'Acier with full DA, although my usual riding conditions (salty beach weather) is somewhat of a concern. Luwin and Stan both recommended the custom titanium La Corsa, but that is really pushing the limits of my budget...and sanity. I thought the "entry level" steel bike at $4500-5000 was raising my blood pressure... but Ti? :eek:

Still, it does make sense to go custom, and it does come with a custom paint job as well. Not only would I get a bike that truly fits, I can have it in my desired blackred combo, too.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/467411195_4856156875.jpg

Don will be sending me exact prices for the Coeur d'Acier, La Corsa and Concours with my requested groupsets on Monday. A lot to digest. Many thanks to Luwin and Addison for the support. Now I have to make sure my checkbook hasn't exploded by the mere thought of spending that much for a bike...

Your mind is set on big wheels aren't ya?! :rolleyes: :D

Your mind is set on big wheels aren't ya?! :rolleyes: :D


I like 'em big. :D

I like 'em big. :DWell, I can't help you in that department....:p

Wow, Joy, you are having a time of it, lady! I just know you'll get your perfect bike soon. I can't wait to see the baby you end up with! :D

If Ti interests you, have you looked at the Litespeed Bella? The XS has a standover spec of 68.1 cm.

Thanks Mark, I will look in it!

Now I have to make sure my checkbook hasn't exploded by the mere thought of spending that much for a bike...

I thought the same thing as I eyed an Orbea Orca the other day. Then I thought about the fact that I ride every day a minimum of 12-15 miles with long rides on the weekend. In the past two and a half months I have driven my car maybe eight times. Yep, it's a lot of money, but if it's right for you, hopefully you can make the dollars work. The unseen benefits are not to be underestimated.

Problems on the other end of the spectrum - refeshing to hear! :)

Too bad - this was HOT. (The girl is easy on the eyes as well . . .) ;)

http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/145565192-M.jpg

Another titanium option Titus Estrella (http://www.titusti.com/bikes/estrella.html) 49 cm standover is 64.99 cm according to their specs.
http://www.titusti.com/imgs/bike_lg_estr.jpg

Joy....another option for custom Ti is
http://lynskeyperformance.com/
this is the guy who started Lightspeed!!
Prices are really reasonable....

BTW - I just checked the Specialized site - the Ruby does come as an S-Works model . . .

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2007/bikes/07SWRuby_l.jpg


And you can opt for the module itself, albeit at a pocketbook-robbing $3300 retail (full bike MSRP is $5500). And if you are looking at the DA triple, then you might not be able to use that crankset! :(

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2007/bikes/07SWRubyModule_l.jpg


If you're spending $5.5k+ for an off-the-shelf bike, might as well go custom. Too bad the Diva can't be a custom build with just a few cm's off the standover . . .

BTW - when Don gives you a ring for the price quote on the Serotta, see if he can shed any light on Lynskey as well as Herb had mentioned, or the offerings from Independent Fabrication.

Too bad - this was HOT. (The girl is easy on the eyes as well . . .) ;)


Aww... Luwin. Although the next time I'm in front of your camera, I hope I'm not retaining water like the Hoover Dam! :p

Your Addison is sooooo cute... and such a sweetie... just like dad. :D

Well, I'm sure everyone by now is sick and tired of hearing about my fruitless quest for a small road bike, but to those who are not, here's an update:

No one is tired of hearing about it. These kinds of threads are the meat and potatoes of the forum! I'm fascinated by that photo of you on the orbea... I know you can't tell a lot from a photo, but it sure doens't look too big for you. It looks perfect. Anyone else see it that way? (I'm just asking for the sake of discussion, because, again, I know you can't tell squat from a photo!)

No one is tired of hearing about it. These kinds of threads are the meat and potatoes of the forum! I'm fascinated by that photo of you on the orbea... I know you can't tell a lot from a photo, but it sure doens't look too big for you. It looks perfect. Anyone else see it that way? (I'm just asking for the sake of discussion, because, again, I know you can't tell squat from a photo!)


Actually I was thinking the same thing. She looks real good on the bike. Some mior tweaking and I think it'd be great. But a custom Serotta would not be bad either.

Good luck Joy with your bike decision! As for the pic, it looks reasonable, but it really depends on one's preferred riding position. If one prefers elbows relatively straight, then it looks good. But if one prefers a good bend in the elbow when tucked in an aerodynamic position (as my sister and I do), then it seems like a bit of a stretch. My sister likes it that way because that's how she rides her spin bike. I like it that way because I can get really aero without getting really low bars, so that they can also be nice and high to make climbing more comfortable.

No one is tired of hearing about it. These kinds of threads are the meat and potatoes of the forum! I'm fascinated by that photo of you on the orbea... I know you can't tell a lot from a photo, but it sure doens't look too big for you. It looks perfect. Anyone else see it that way? (I'm just asking for the sake of discussion, because, again, I know you can't tell squat from a photo!)

It looks like it could be a little long on top. If she's feeling too stretched out, she probably is, and the stem is already pretty short, so can't do much there.

I'd say go with 650 wheels.

I don't think the Diva's top tube was too long, I could've shortened the stem a touch and been fine with it. Part of my discomfort might have come from the fact that I wasn't clipped in. I was pedalling and trying to figure out where my feet were supposed to go on those awful platform pedals. So I kept shifting my weight around trying to get comfortable. The clincher was the standover height. The Girly Bits did not approve.

And yeah, Jason, I like a bit of bend in the elbows, too.

Standover height with or without one foot on the pedal? You can buy yourself quite a bit of standover by having one foot still clipped in. (A bit risky, I admit, in case you ever have to unclip both sides.) Also, keep in mind that depending on your cycling shoes, you may well be 1 cm taller with them on. My MTB shoes easily make me 1 cm taller.

I was wearing my Asics Gel Kayanos, which is significantly higher (taller?) than my Look cleats. As hot as the Diva is, for the same amount of money I could get a full custom bike. It may not look as pretty, but function over fashion any day... except when it comes to Italian stilettos, of course

Who's the cute girl on the pink bike? :D

wowza.

I've long since learned the following:

(1) The SoCal BikeForums gals are seriously hot.
(2) They all appear to be 24 years old. Even if they claim otherwise.

I've long since learned the following:

(1) The SoCal BikeForums gals are seriously hot.
(2) They all appear to be 24 years old. Even if they claim otherwise.


+1000

I've long since learned the following:

(1) The SoCal BikeForums gals are seriously hot.
(2) They all appear to be 24 years old. Even if they claim otherwise.
So true.

Am I too late? Buy it!

I've long since learned the following:

(1) The SoCal BikeForums gals are seriously hot.
(2) They all appear to be 24 years old. Even if they claim otherwise.

I'm telling you... a calendar could fund new bikes for everyone!

Forgot to mention that Happytime was smokin' in those Assos bib knickers - the guys at Stan's bike shop knew that she was serious and commented on the fact that she came well-equipped/dressed in those Assos . . . ;)

Forgot to mention that Happytime was smokin' in those Assos bib knickers - the guys at Stan's bike shop knew that she was serious and commented on the fact that she came well-equipped/dressed in those Assos . . . ;)


Yup..she looked pretty smokin!!!

Forgot to mention that Happytime was smokin' in those Assos bib knickers - the guys at Stan's bike shop knew that she was serious and commented on the fact that she came well-equipped/dressed in those Assos . . . ;)

What you may not know is ever since she bought them, she wears them everywhere, work, to the post office, shopping, in the shower, ,etc.

Happy bike shopping Joy. This is one of the few things that are enjoyable to shop. Well, I guess that and those black stiletto heels.

mmm, hot chick on custom made bike. tasty

I'd +1 the Indy Fab recommendation. The Ti Crown Jewel is 1/2 art and all speed. However, you won't go wrong with the Serrota.

I think that bike looked like a good fit for you. But maybe you would make any bike look good. By the way, my wife is short also. I bought her a titanium Douglass and every now and again I wonder if I should have looked into 650 wheels.

Joy, I've been following your quest for the perfect bike.... looking forward to seeing what you end up with!
And the Assos... ohhh the Assos, I've been wanting those bib knickers for some time now. :D I don't think I've seen a review on them from you. How do you like them?

If you're thinking Ti , check out Habanero Cycles. They can do full custom Ti frames for $1195 and complete Ultegra builds for around $3K.

http://www.habcycles.com/custom.html

This is the first I've read of your saga. Sounds like you're having fun. If you've already been through the 650 vs 700 wheel debate, please ignore this but you may want to keep it in mind when doing the fit. I can't imagine how a frame of that size can use 700 wheels and still have proper geometry without having too much foot overlap on the front wheel. This can be somewhat hazardous when you're turning. I know people who have taken some nasty spills as a result of this condition. It would be a shame to spend that much jing on your ride and learn this down the road.

too bad that the diva didn't fit... I saw one at the lbs I stopped in and it was beautiful!!! But, if it doesn't fit then no point in bummin' about it!

Sounds like you are getting lots of help and suggestions so I'm sure the right option will present itself soon :D Please keep us posted on the saga, I am very interested in what you find out! :D

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/confused/confused0065.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net)

I've long since learned the following:

(1) The SoCal BikeForums gals are seriously hot.
(2) They all appear to be 24 years old. Even if they claim otherwise.

Jason, You just made a middle-aged lady her day!


What you may not know is ever since she bought them, she wears them everywhere, work, to the post office, shopping, in the shower, ,etc.

thomson, ... And you know this HOW?! :eek:


And the Assos... ohhh the Assos, I've been wanting those bib knickers for some time now. :D I don't think I've seen a review on them from you. How do you like them?

Tiff, the bibknickers are awesome. I like them much better than their Lady Shorts. The latter in size Small are a bit large so the chamois shifts around a little bit. The bibs in Small fit fine, probably because the material is slightly fleecy inside and more substantial. They are a bit more compressive in feel, which was good 'cause I was majorly bloating yesterday. (Order a size up in Assos, as I wear XS in other brands.) I haven't had to deal with a bathroom break yet, but so far they seem worth every penny. In fact, they so comfortable I wear them to work, to the post office, shopping, in the shower... :p


This is the first I've read of your saga. Sounds like you're having fun. If you've already been through the 650 vs 700 wheel debate, please ignore this but you may want to keep it in mind when doing the fit. I can't imagine how a frame of that size can use 700 wheels and still have proper geometry without having too much foot overlap on the front wheel.

CJ, Most of my rants about too-big bikes were in the "What's Up" thread and anything and everything can get lost in there: loose change, single socks, airplanes heading to Bermuda...:p Toe overlap is not always the case with small frames. I have a 48c compact Specialized with 700c wheel and absolutely no toe overlap. Caligurl rides a Ruby and she can confirm this as well.
The Serotta fitter said a 46cm frame was the smallest I can get a away with 700 wheels, but until I get an actual fit I won't know for sure. If he says I have to go with 650c, I will. Happy George? ;)


By the way, my wife is short also.

Nacho, We prefer the term "space-saver".

Jason, You just made a middle-aged lady her day!
You're not 24?

Yes Jason, you go on believing that...!

Flatterer! :D

You can't go wrong with a Serotta, everyone I know that has one swears by them. The Ottrott or the MeiVici are my dream bikes. I have met Ben Serotta and talked to him, when you consider what he is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. The whole process of how they build bikes to fit the individual and that person's riding styles is amazing. They even understand how different groups, (Campy and Shimano, etc.) affect bike performance and when they build your bike the will build it to optimize everything. You can't go wrong with La Corsa.

I remember the first time my brother went shopping for a full size bike (he started racing at age 11 and was a late sprouter). It was very difficult, but he finally found a used Landshark frame a guy was selling for his rather small wife. Took him a little while to get used to steering and the big wheels, but if your mind is set on 700C wheels, nobody's going to convince you otherwise.


but function over fashion any day... except when it comes to Italian stilettos, of course
IS Luwin witholding some pics???


I'm telling you... a calendar could fund new bikes for everyone!
Well, you mean new bikes for every So Cal gal. The guys would be providing the funding. Still a good idea, though, especially since stiletto heals were recently mentioned!

The Serotta fitter said a 46cm frame was the smallest I can get a away with 700 wheels, but until I get an actual fit I won't know for sure. If he says I have to go with 650c, I will. Happy George?


promise? :)

CJ[/b], Most of my rants about too-big bikes were in the "What's Up" thread and anything and everything can get lost in there: loose change, single socks, airplanes heading to Bermuda...:p Toe overlap is not always the case with small frames. I have a 48c compact Specialized with 700c wheel and absolutely no toe overlap. Caligurl rides a Ruby and she can confirm this as well.
The Serotta fitter said a 46cm frame was the smallest I can get a away with 700 wheels, but until I get an actual fit I won't know for sure. If he says I have to go with 650c, I will. Happy George? ;)

Nacho, We prefer the term "space-saver".

But to prevent toe overlap, they usually have to compromise the frame geometry by doing two things: 1) steepen the seat tube angle, which causes your hips to be more forward and causes you to have to carry more weight in your hands, and 2) slacken (make shallower) the head tube angle, which slows down the steering response of the bike. But hopefully an experienced fitter will know these issues and be able to advise you as to what will work best for your body type.

Some of my friends prefer "vertically challenged" :)

my wife got a new cf lemond and she's loving it. 44cm with an effective 49cm toptube. 700c wheels and ultegra for just over 2k. bought it at sundance cycles. worth checking out....

I know you're getting a million suggestions, but since you're planning on a custom bike the possibilities are endless. When Ti was fairly new to cycling (1990?), my sister who is also a compact frame, went with Tom Kellogg of Spectrum Cycling to have a small frame made for her. I don’t know if they’re still together, but her bike is kick azz, even now, 15 years later. It also came with a custom paint job (RED) and is just beautiful.

http://www.spectrum-cycles.com/1.htm

my wife got a new cf lemond and she's loving it. 44cm with an effective 49cm toptube. 700c wheels and ultegra for just over 2k. bought it at sundance cycles. worth checking out....
Sounds like a good plan. The 44 cm seat tube would give her better standover clearance but actually being a 49cm means it will fit her. Oh, and CF doesn't rust.

Well, you mean new bikes for every So Cal gal. The guys would be providing the funding. Still a good idea, though, especially since stiletto heals were recently mentioned!

Brian, be careful around the feet of BF wimmin... there is a rumor going around that our shoes can kill a man.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/468976311_a19bb57e8c.jpg

Brian, be careful around the feet of BF wimmin... there is a rumor going around that our shoes can kill a man.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/468976311_a19bb57e8c.jpg


Wow I like those.