Old 08-14-12 | 03:09 PM
  #18  
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Andycapp
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 443
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From: Puyallup, WA

Bikes: Tommasini Super Prestige, Kamra Triathlee, Nishiki Tri-A equipe', Sakai 2000

I think I'll have to skip on those bars. They look nice but the 31.8 clamp diameter isn't going to work with any quill stem I know of and I'm not sure my levers would fit either. The cranks on the other hand.... They got a whole group set too:

http://www.miche.it/en/catalogo/cata...i/gruppo-young

I wish they listed prices. It would also be more at home on a modern frame. I've been looking at some of those too. But I'd like to see some more dedication on her part first. This bike is just something for her to cut her teeth on. If she gets into it as much as I think she might...

Speaking of price, you commented in a PM on peoples reluctance to spend much on their child's bike while spending a small fortune on their own. Part of this is probably because the bike will inevitably be grown out of somewhat quickly. Lilly is a tiny little thing and is long overdue a growth spurt. If and when that happens my options will be a lot more on what's available and what I'm willing to spend. However these more than likely hold a great resale so... My girl and I are also competitive in-line speed skaters. Let me tell you she gets far more of the budget than I do in that sport.

Back to the bike in question... The geometry, as you noted, is kind of goofy. Especially the TT and overall length of this thing. I think the MTB wheel idea would work. But that would add anther inch to an already tall BB height. Something to keep in mind if when she gets a little taller. I have a neighbor name Jim Martinson. He was one of the pioneers of wheelchair racing back in the '80s(?). I have been meaning to talk to him since you pointed out wheelchair wheels being an option. I have no idea if he's still connected to that scene but it can't hurt to ask.

She can/could brake from the hoods using these levers, but like I said before she insists on riding in the drops. She just feels faster/cooler like that I guess .

The picture above is from a short ride we took last night. She finally learned how get off and in front of the saddle to stop. I had to show her before we set out that I couldn't really get my feet on the ground from the saddle either and how I came to a stop. She's still working on mounting the bike too. I've shown her a couple options and she's starting to get it down. I told her I'd put a computer on her bike after she learns how to shift She should have that down pretty quickly now.

-Andy
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