Road Cycling - help finding road bike for 5'4" newbie

Hi all:

Thought I would post here and hopefully get some help: I'm returning to cycling after more than 10 years away (grad school, marriage, kid, etc.) and I'm going through the process of trying to find a bike. Don't really want to spend more than $500-600, although I might consider the $800 range.

Been visiting a lot of LBSs the past week, and have discovered that at my height (5'4", with 29-30 inch inseam) I'm sort of "in between"--several bikes (like Specialized and Trek) only go as small as a 50 cm frame, which makes me feel too stretched out across the top. I tried a women's specific Dolce Sport, and it felt way too small and uncomfortable somehow. Also tried a Lemond Nevada City (49 cm) and still felt too stretched across the top (I think Lemond geometry sets the seat farther back than most), although this shop seemed willing to bend over backwards to get the right fit, stuff like swapping out the stem, and tweaking the seat position. Should I ask them to get a women's Lemond Reno for me to try out? What is the price range on the WSD Reno?

Anyway, are there any women out there the same size as me who can recommend something else I should try? I also found a 48 cm Bianchi Brava, which has a steel frame--I sorta liked the ride on that one, and it seemed to fit me better. It's last year's model, so about 20% off I think, but I didn't like the shop as much, and they don't give lifetime tuneups with purchases (the 2 other shops do). Should that even factor into my decision to buy, or should I just go for the good deal on the Bianchi?

On these test rides, I'm finding that I don't really like the Sora shifters, particularly the thumb downshifters (can't reach them from the drops). Would it be worth it to spend more and move up to bikes with Tiagra/105 components? I rode a 50 cm Specialized Allez Sport, and loved the ride, but again felt too stretched out across the top tube. ???

Thanks for any advice, as you can tell I'm getting myself more and more confused the more I think about it. At this price range, would I be better off looking for something used?

If they've already swapped out the stem and adjusted the seat for a bike that's around your size, are you sure it's not just that you're not used to riding in that position?
Also, are you in the drops, on the hoods, on on the flats of the handle bar?
Another advantage of upgrading from Sora is you get 9 instead of 8 speeds.

Speaking of last year's models, I was going to get an OCR3 with the sora set for $500 and the dealer put together last year's OCR2 with tiagra and offered it for me for $550 down from $850, I jumped on it. You might be able to find previous year's models for huge discounts.

If you can find an Orbea dealer, they are EXCELLENT bikes and available down to a 48cm I know for sure, and may go even smaller. I would definately get a Tiagra equipped bike... the Sora shifters are rediculous, and given your size I bet its a really difficult reach for you to the thumb button. Its a stupid design, and at 6'1" with long fingers I can hardly reach the stupid things. I have Tiagra on my bike and like it. I can't remember what Orbea offers in your price range, but with Tiagra/105 you are looking in the $1,000 range more, sorry to say. Used is ok, but GET IT CHECKED OUT BY A SHOP BEFORE YOU BUY!!! Lots of easily preventable horror stories on a near daily basis with used bikes...

Fuji are another good make for smaller sizes.
Sometimes the levers are difficult to operate because the bars are too big, with large radius drops. Make sure all the components like bars and cranks are proportionally sized.

I'm 5'4" too. I just got a Trek 1200 in a size 50. I also tried a Specialized Allez & needed a 52 in that bike. I paid $750 for the bike, plus computer and pedals. You definitely want to upgrade to components a step above the Sora. The LBS fitted me on the bike and made some other adjustments for me. I don't like the drop position, so they swapped out the drop handlebars for a flat bar with a slight rise, an adjustable stem, grip shifters and a Milano saddle (they didn't charge for these changes). This gives me the light weight frame & better components of a road bike, with the riding position of a hybrid (which I find much more comfortable). I'm very happy with my selection. I also hadn't been on a road bike in a few years (though had ridden our new tandem last summer), and was glad to be able to ride again. The LBS offers 1st tune-up free, after that you are charged, but they are such a good shop that I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I'm 5'6" and recently got a specialized S-works E5 Road frame size 50cm. Fits great!

Geekgirl, you are exactly my same size, 5'4"/29" inseam and I will share what I went through that is oh, so similar, since 2001. I've tried so many bikes to find one that would fit me comfortably that I feel like I should have been hired to write reviews for all of them! And it's darn hard to FIND smaller road bikes to even test, so that doubles the frustration.

Started on a 50cm Trek 2200 mens' road bike. Rode that for a year and always felt like I was falling on my face. Rode this one with a 60mm stem too. It got so uncomfortable that I started looking around at other frame geometries. I rode the WSDs in Trek and Specialized and Lemond. Just felt too cramped, like you said.

Moved on to a mens' Specialized Allez Sport 27, size 52cm (then tried a 50cm). Thinking a "compact frame" would give that edge on the top tube length. I rode this for a year and developed chronic problems with neck and shoulder pain that would last 2-3 days after riding. I was even getting migraines from the neck flexion. The 50 cm was no better, just more of a feeling of reaching out on the bars. Always uncomfortable.

I was beginning to think that road bike riding was not going to work for me. Then I was introduced to a new model Specialized bike in 2003, the Sequoia "comfort road bike". Test rode those and would have to say it is one of the most comfortable road bike set-ups I've ever been on. I was fit to a size S with a Fit Kit, and it seemed to be a darn good solution. I considered one of these after that.

I also looked at the Specialized Sirrus, which is literally a "flat bar" road bike, though it's called a hybrid by some. Not sure why...it's not a mountain bike frame with mountain bike gearing like most "hybrids". Only MTB components are brakes and shifters, with road bike gearing and wheelset. Anyway, between the Sequoia and Sirrus, I knew I had a winner. Both felt comfortable, had adjustable stems, suspension seatposts, carbon forks, and relaxed geometries. They fit my body, arms, and legs.

I have since sold the Allez and am going to get a Sirrus. I've been riding a hybrid with a flat bar (and bar ends) and just like the set-up on the shifters and brakes, which is why I went with the Sirrus. Gearing is 52/42/30 and Tiagra, same as the Allez and lower end Sequoia, but with flat handlebars. BTW, STI shifters are easy to switch out...you can get the Sora switched out to Tiagra or 105 before you take the bike out of the shop. Won't cost you that much more.

Since 2003, Trek has come out with a "comfort road" bike and probably Cannondale and others have something similar. BTW, I did also test ride a Lemond Big Sky when I rode the Sirrus...still felt too extended over the top tube. Guess I'd conclude that after all of these rides (and other test rides) I strongly encourage you to check out the Specilized Sequoia (size S) and Sirrus (size M). Maybe my experience is so similar to yours that this will give you a good place to start~see if you like the ride of these two models. Good luck!

P.S. Prices: Sirrus Expert (2003) is $699. Sequoia Sport (2003) is $699. 2004 Lemond Big Sky/Reno (womens') is $699 at my local bike shop. Check out the websites to take a closer look at these bikes.

I'm 5'2" and high waisted, so I have the same problem you do. I have a 30" inseam, but the reach is uncomfortable on my Cannondale. I bought a cheapie bike recently that has an adjustable stem which made a big difference. But, here's what I'd say, generally:
1) It's not your imagination or anything you're doing wrong
2) If you buy a bike that isn't right, it'll nver be right
3) It is common for "real" bikers to have bike shops switch things out. I'd say start with a frame you really like and have them try stems and hanlebars and seat positions until it's right.

I'm a 5'4" guy with a short inseam. It's possible that someone's 50cm might fit you but it sounds to me like you're probably a canidate for a 48 or 49cm. My problem was solved by going to a Giant TCR in the small frame size. I went to a 90mm stem and it fits my short inseam and 30" arms wonderfully. Also...and this is big, I have NO toe overlap. I love this bike, you might want to check one out.

Oh, you might want to see if the TCR geometry is a little different than the OCR as it might make a difference for you.

i've found that compact geometry on a unisex bike can work great... if the top tube is the right size.
I suggest checking out the resources on line to find what top tube size is ideal for you, and then find the bikes that fit that and your price range.

Actually, here's an update: after all the test riding I did, and spending a little time perusing geometry specs of different manufacturers, I stumbled across a 49 cm 2002 Klein Quantum (with full 105 components and Bontrager Select wheels) for $600 on Ebay. I know, everyone said to stay away from Ebay, but the seller was very responsive to my e-mails, had tons of pictures, etc. so I just went for it. Less than a week later, I had my new ride! It fits me perfectly, and I love the ride--very fast and light. It's a compact geometry frame, so standover is not an issue, and the top tube length is perfect for me. It's the funky purple paint job that changes color depending on the light...very cool.

I've been loving it, and riding as much as I possibly can! Thanks to all for their advice and suggestions...happy riding!

Actually, here's an update: after all the test riding I did, and spending a little time perusing geometry specs of different manufacturers, I stumbled across a 49 cm 2002 Klein Quantum (with full 105 components and Bontrager Select wheels) for $600 on Ebay. I know, everyone said to stay away from Ebay, but the seller was very responsive to my e-mails, had tons of pictures, etc. so I just went for it. Less than a week later, I had my new ride! It fits me perfectly, and I love the ride--very fast and light. It's a compact geometry frame, so standover is not an issue, and the top tube length is perfect for me. It's the funky purple paint job that changes color depending on the light...very cool.

I've been loving it, and riding as much as I possibly can! Thanks to all for their advice and suggestions...happy riding!

there's a rule in BF.. If you got a new bike and tell us how beautiful it looks..... You're required to post pics so we can drool over it. ;)

Congrats. It's not always easy for us shorties to find a bike that fits....hope you really enjoy it.
Steve

there's a rule in BF.. If you got a new bike and tell us how beautiful it looks..... You're required to post pics so we can drool over it. ;)

Okay, I wasn't sure how to post pics, but I think I figured it out. Not the best resolution since you're limited to 100KB, but hopefully you can see the bike okay...

Wow.. that is one good loooking bike. You might wanna put a cover on the stem of the tube on the front wheel, keep dirt out of it.

wow svloid you have really good eyesight I would never have spotted that- it is a nice looking bike though geekgirl- you won`t regret buying it I think-I wish you many hours of happy riding on it