doc

Hey all,

I have been reading and enjoying this site. I finally decided to register and post. I have a Trek MTB. I have a very short inseam and it is a 15.5 frame. I am looking for a entry level street/commuter bike and have yet to find one with that small of a frame. Does anyone know of any?

Thanks,
Doc

JPradun

craigslist

blake711

I know all the Trek 7.x FX bikes come in a 15 inch frame. I picked up a 17.5 a few weeks back and really enjoy it. You can find them on the Trek site Or here.


Blake

Retro Grouch 

I'm going to disagree with the craigslist idea.

You need to be even more careful about fit than other people. Stand over height and seat height are one thing but reach to the handlebars is something completely different and it's harder to adjust after you own the bike. If you can find a bike shop that's willing to take the time to fit you properly even knowing that you're only looking for an entry level bike, that's golden.

doc

Thanks Blake,

I have been reading most of the morning and that seems a good line. I was looking at the hybrid line also, like the 7200+ but don't think I want a front suspension like my mountain bike. I see that you have to get up to the FX 7.6 to get a 105. I am not sure if I need that much of a bike and how much a difference the 7.6 is compared to the 7.3. I have not ridden my MTB that often. I am just getting back into fitness. I went from 239 lbs down to 192 so far. My biggest problem is fit. I am only 5'4" with a 26 inch inseam. I was thinking of trying to buy used, but I don't see that many smaller bikes for sale. I imagine I could get a used 7.6 for a good price, but usually they are too big (frame) for me.

Retro - I was thinking that is the way I will need to go. I want to be comfortable as I plan to use this bike for errands also. Some grocery shopping, etc. If I end up with the wrong fit, I won't get on it as often. I bought my MTB from a shop and they took the time to fit me. I just am not sure where a good price for components break I should go with from 7.3 to 7.6FX.

Thanks,
Doc

stapfam

Being another shortie- Plenty of small bikes out there for us, but they are not secondhand. I ride a Bianchi Mountain bike and a Giant Road bike. Both are what are termed "Compact" frames and this is what to look for when perusing the Catalogues. The catalogues can be deceptive so A picture of my Compact 42cm giant and the Giant catalogue picture of their compact frame. Same model- same geometry- just different sizing

MichaelW

The compact style of frame is lower but not any shorter than the equivelent trad frame. This is useful if you have short legs and long torso, but not if your proportions are inverse.

If you want the bike for riding around the city up to 10miles, then a roadified MTB is as good as anything. If you can find a lightweight model with ridgid forks and threaded rack eyelets, then you have the makings of an excellent urban hack. Fit some 1.25-1.5" slicks and you are all set.

doc

I went to a local bike shop and tried a few models out. I put a deposit on a metalic black Trek 7.3FX 15inch. It fit me the best and for my needs, groceries etc. it is a better choice over the 7.6 that has no attachment points for racks, front saddles, etc. My wife will be buyinig one on Saturday so I waited to buy it so we get a 10 percent discount for buying two.

Thanks all,
Doc

blake711

Awesome Doc glad to hear you found one you liked.