Hello, I'm new and I need help.
06-21-10, 01:25 PM
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Hello, I'm new and I need help.
Hi y'all.
I'm new to Bike Forums and to the whole biking thing in general.
I have always ridden a cruiser because that is just what I had and what I grew up with. Now my husband is interested in getting a road bike and would like me to have something to ride along with him. Through his research it got me thinking about bikes too. And bike geometry. Ugh! So much to learn. I know one thing for sure, my bike is the wrong size for me.
I'm 5'2" with and 27" inseam. My legs are quite short and my torso is a bit long. Makes for a nice curvy figure but bad for finding bikes. I know that bikes come in smaller frame sizes, mine is 17 or 18" I believe. So yes having a 15" would help. But here's my real problem. I feel that I would like to have the pedal bracket closer to the ground but still have the leg extension while pedaling. In other words be closer to the ground but not necessarily closer to the pedals. Does that make sense? I'm looking for a shorter bracket drop.
With my current Electra Classic Deluxe I'm on my tippy toes at a stop but with the seat as low as we can get it I'm kicking my own butt at the top pedal position and sitting almost off the back of my seat to get a full leg extension. Not comfortable.
Most bikes I have looked at have 700c or 26" rims. I'm thinking that if I get a 24" wheel or something small than a 700c it might do the trick. Any thoughts on that?
I'm really interested in a path/comfort bike. Things like riding to the grocery store, short Saturday rides on paved paths or fire roads (20 miles or so). Something with at least 7 speeds, not sure I really need 24 but it wouldn't be a bad thing to have.
Overall I like the classic look of a cruiser and vintage styled bikes. Not ready for a sporty looking street bike. Just laid back and comfortable.
If anybody has to info on bikes with a shorter bracket drop, bikes with geometry specifically for short legged people. Or good ideas on swapping out 700c for something smaller. Please let me know. This whole learning about the geometry of bikes and of myself is like taking a college course. I'm looking for the cliff notes if anyone has them.
Thanks, and a big shout out to all the women who find biking to be a man's world.
Roverbabe72
I'm new to Bike Forums and to the whole biking thing in general.
I have always ridden a cruiser because that is just what I had and what I grew up with. Now my husband is interested in getting a road bike and would like me to have something to ride along with him. Through his research it got me thinking about bikes too. And bike geometry. Ugh! So much to learn. I know one thing for sure, my bike is the wrong size for me.
I'm 5'2" with and 27" inseam. My legs are quite short and my torso is a bit long. Makes for a nice curvy figure but bad for finding bikes. I know that bikes come in smaller frame sizes, mine is 17 or 18" I believe. So yes having a 15" would help. But here's my real problem. I feel that I would like to have the pedal bracket closer to the ground but still have the leg extension while pedaling. In other words be closer to the ground but not necessarily closer to the pedals. Does that make sense? I'm looking for a shorter bracket drop.
With my current Electra Classic Deluxe I'm on my tippy toes at a stop but with the seat as low as we can get it I'm kicking my own butt at the top pedal position and sitting almost off the back of my seat to get a full leg extension. Not comfortable.
Most bikes I have looked at have 700c or 26" rims. I'm thinking that if I get a 24" wheel or something small than a 700c it might do the trick. Any thoughts on that?
I'm really interested in a path/comfort bike. Things like riding to the grocery store, short Saturday rides on paved paths or fire roads (20 miles or so). Something with at least 7 speeds, not sure I really need 24 but it wouldn't be a bad thing to have.
Overall I like the classic look of a cruiser and vintage styled bikes. Not ready for a sporty looking street bike. Just laid back and comfortable.
If anybody has to info on bikes with a shorter bracket drop, bikes with geometry specifically for short legged people. Or good ideas on swapping out 700c for something smaller. Please let me know. This whole learning about the geometry of bikes and of myself is like taking a college course. I'm looking for the cliff notes if anyone has them.
Thanks, and a big shout out to all the women who find biking to be a man's world.
Roverbabe72
06-21-10, 04:47 PM
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Welcome. Maybe a pedal-forward bike would work for you. Something like an Electra Townie. You won't go fast on it, and I don't think I'd ride it for 20 miles, but it might be worth a try.
The most important thing is to just go ride a bunch of bikes at a few bike stores and find out what you like and what you don't like. Don't over think it--just go ride some.
The most important thing is to just go ride a bunch of bikes at a few bike stores and find out what you like and what you don't like. Don't over think it--just go ride some.
