customsound79

Our budget.

Garfield Cat

Budget is the first thing. But you get responses about the second, third, fourth things, etc.

Just don't think everything is going to be ok in a year or two after 3,000 miles of riding.

indyfabz

Yes. You are overthinking this. In fact, someone her size can get away with a slightly heavier ride since their power to weight ratio is already better because of her size.

My GF is 5' even and weighs about 105 lbs. She climbs like a mountain goat on a 12 y.o. custom steel frame from IF. Not exactly the lightest bike even considering its small size.

It is only when you laden her with significant weight does her size become an issue. She tried several loaded tours with me using a MTB and then Surly LHT with a B.O.B. trailer. It's was the only way I could slow her down on the hills.

rm -rf

Yes.
The differences between an aluminum or carbon frame can be fairly subtle. And lower end carbon frames are heavier than the top end frames. A big selling point of a carbon frame is it's ability to dampen road buzz from rough roads--but using larger 25c tires at the correct lower pressure is an easy way to get a similar result. Tires like the Continental GP4000 are expensive, but worth it.

Like another post said, if she's been used to mountain style bikes or hasn't ridden in years, any road bike will seem light and fast! And low enough gearing will help a lot. You want at least a 34-27 low gear, and lower would be nice.

For a new road rider, it's comfort over weight. Work on the right saddle for her (that's a whole other thread!), a simple fitting to get the saddle, bars and shifters placed correctly, low enough gears, and nice tires.

customsound79

If she starts riding like that, we will save for anything she wants. Of course with her, it will still be modest and understated. She liked the Specialized she rode yesterday. It was a Dolce with Claris, but for the same price we could get a Jamis Xenith with 105 on Jenson or a Jamis Ventura with Tiagra for $200 less. Of course she has picked out a Diamonback Airen with Claris for half of the cost of the Specialized. And of course this could go on forever, but everything in me and especially her wants to get the best bike with our limited funds. I can swap stems and anything else when/ if that time comes.

customsound79

This whole thread to get the answer to my actual question. Thank you so much! Not that I don't appreciate advice but we pretty much had the other details worked out already.

rm -rf

I think the other posts were good, too. I just kind of summarized some of them.


Sounds like you are set. A used road bike is a really good deal for someone that can do their own maintenance and can get a reasonably sized bike.

I just noticed your tracker graphic. Wow!

customsound79

Closure: Jamis Xenith Endura 1 Femme - ebay $560. She's thrilled and I'm thrilled!

MichaelW

Most xs sized frames use the same tube profile as med and even large, except in smaller lengths. This makes small bikes much stiffer than large ones of same model, the complete opposite of requirements. Look for a frame with small diameter tubing.
5'4" is OK for 700c wheels, just.
Normal sized cranks (170mm) are considered large for 5'4" riders. Use 165mm if you can. Consider lowest gear requirements.
Std handlebar width (42cm) is wide for a small woman. You can find ones down to 38mm. Also, prefer a small diameter drop bar curve.

Trek and Specialized make women's bikes that are fine for 5'4". Smaller riders have more problems.

70sSanO

Since you know the approximate size that fits here, there is nothing preventing you from buying a bike off of ebay. I have purchased both a mountain bike and a road bike for my wife off ebay. The first was a 2001 Trek 8000 mountain bike that didn't look like it had been used and the road bike was an unused 2013 Performance Scattante W570 (aluminum). Each bike cost about $400 plus $65 shipping. The Scattante was replacing a mid-80's Univega that she had been riding off and on for years. My wife is 5'5" and the 44cm was a bit small for her, but it was not tough to be able to get it to fit her by swapping out he stem and positioning the seat and she loves it.

It came with a triple, which is a good thing, and 105 10 speed shifters and derailleurs.

I have put another $200 into it. I swapped the ultra heavy Alex wheels for Fulcrum T's. Made the necessary stem and saddle changes, and replaced the Tektro brakes for older 105 dual pivots. I also swapped out the 10 speed for a 12-34 8 speed and replaced the 50t with a 46t. I already had the 8 speed brifters and the XT rear derailluer. It has turned out ot be a great bike for her and and having the 30t granny helps when she really needs the lower gear.

My advice is to do your homework and research whatever bikes you see on ebay. Check frame geometry to what bikes she has seen. There are a number of good bikes out there, but you have to spend some time looking at reviews, using the search on forums, etc. People buy bikes all the time and then they are ridden a few times and end up in a garage or storage. I think that most of these are on craigslist, but they do pop up on ebay. It is a plus if you can do you own maintenance so when you get a used bike you can make sure every thing is tuned up and greased.

John

EDIT Added: Didn't see your closure. Excellent choice and an excellent price!

mudheadkt

If she likes riding perhaps you could consider a tandem in the future. It's a great way to ride together.

dim

anything in 46cm may suit .... look at the Bianchi's

rumrunn6

my 2 cents - let her pick it out. my current spouse is petite and requires a small frame but also a diagonal or step-thru top tube. she can swing her leg over the back but when she has a rear rack trunk her foot/leg strikes it, and this summer caused a fall on her hip. she was not amused.

Xherion

Nice. Now just change that atrocious bar tape and ride it until the wheels fall off!

rumrunn6

that is a nice bike!

Toomanytoys

My thoughts exactly.

customsound79

Hahahaha! That's already been ordered!

ColaJacket

Good. The bike looks really sharp except for the bar tape.

You can probably go with Black, White, or Light Blue tape to match the bike. Heck, even a neutral gray or tan would look better than the tape that's on there now.

Make sure to let her know that if she doesn't like the seat after about 100 miles, that it isn't unusual to have to replace the seat. Sometimes it does take a little bit of time to get used to a new seat.

GH

Nachoman

In theory, yes. But in all likelihood, your wife will not be able to tell the difference.

customsound79

Here she is with her new bike. She's already riding 8.5 miles! Crankset and wheels are a little heavy for our tastes but I am fighting the upgrade urges.