blkjazz

Indeed.

MinnMan

Congratulations on your n+1.

In fact, we've yet to buy a bike. She is leaning towards the Cannondale Quick (SL1), but the last time we went to the LBS we were still working out the sizing because they didn't have all the sizes on the showroom floor. And then it got cold and then....

It will happen, and it will probably be the Cannondale, but it may not be for a while.

daihard 

The Cannondale Quick SL 1 seems to be an awesome bike. I didn't know about the model until after I bought my FX. Otherwise I'd definitely have test-ridden it.

volosong

Maybe I missed it, but has anyone suggested getting a drop-bar road bike . . . and then swapping out the drop-bars and shifters for flat handlebars and the appropriate shifters? Maybe even that 50-something sales lady would make the swap as part of the deal. (She sounds like a good, conscientious sales rep that can really identify with your wife's needs and wants.)

daihard 

I don't think anyone has made that suggestion, although it makes sense. Myself, I suggested that she consider getting a road-like hybrid or even a true flat-bar road bike (such as the Trek 7.7 FX), but I agree that getting a drop-bar road bike and having the handlebar swapped would give her more choices.

MinnMan

Haven't thought of it. Apart from the obvious advantage that it could later be returned to a true drop-bar bike, what would be the advantage over a true flat-bar road bike such as a Trek 7.x FX or a Quick? I don't get the impression that one would get better frame materials or componentry at the same price point, just a different geometry.

volosong

Don't have any scientific analysis to back this up, but I'd bet that it would not be as heavy, be able to attain higher speeds with the same effort output, and possibly be more comfortable on longer rides. I'd bet the rid position would be pretty close to a drop bar bike, (assuming the drop bar bike rider rides with his hands on the top, (as most of us do most of the time)).

I have one of the ancestors to the FX series. It's a Trek Single-Track 930. Compared to my CF road bikes, the 930 is a real dog. However, it can carry the weight. With front and rear panniers/racks, it can take me cross country, (if I'm not in a big hurry), with everything I'd need.

If this is something you want to investigate, start by asking that sales lady if it is even possible, then if it is financially efficient.

fietsbob

this one? https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...or-only-11-200

Rhodabike

If you look at geometry charts for road bikes and hybrids, the road bikes almost always have much shorter top tubes, because the rider's hands are placed in front of the stem by about 3 or 4 inches. So, for a flat bar, a much longer stem would also be required. Swapping out shifters, stem, and handlebars would be an expensive proposition - it would be cheaper just to buy a flat bar road bike from the start.

decosse

Thanks

Totally understandable, you want the bike to be right. Finding one to try is difficult. What we did to approximate size was get the specs of another bike that was very similar and try it for reach and so on. I didn't think about the cold and end of season- our summers are tough here, but weather is great right now.

I would've gone with the Cannondale Quick, I think it's a great bike- except they don't have a woman's in my size. I'm almost 5'11 and the Quick XT wasn't big enough. We tried a "unisex"-men's Quick Lg, and that would've been fine-except I hated the colors . Well, unless I wanted to upgrade to a Carbon or SL-way over my budget.

Specialized has a woman's Vita XL, which has a big enough frame. Once it arrived, they used the Body Geometry System to fit it. I'm pleased with the bike, just getting used to it. It is fast!

That fits me to a "T" (grin) and what got me following your thread.

My LBS said once I got used to the bike, and had any thoughts about moving up, they could flip the stem, or add spacers or change the handlebars to a more aggressive stance-if I wanted it. Just a thought, I'm sure they could do the same with a Quick.

Anyway, you and she have something to look forward to come spring!

MinnMan

I didn't notice from your previous post that you're in Las Vegas. Definitely the seasons are not the same as in Minnesota. Some winters (though not this coming one), I bug out to Las Vegas for a long weekend in January (e.g., MLK Day), just to do some road riding in the middle of the winter. There may be other candidates (Tuscon?) but for that time of year, Las Vegas is hard to beat for a quick cycling vacation. I rent a bike at McGhie's and then go up to Red Rock Canyon/Blue Diamond Rd. Some times I also join one of the bike clubs on a group ride that goes up to the gunnery range or something like that. There sure is some great riding there. And in the midst of the Minnesota winter, that little respite does wonders for my attitude.

h2oxtc

I'm with you on that - the opportunity to ride in "warmer" temperatures and see the sun shine in the middle of winter is a treat! (Our winters are mostly grey).

decosse

Yes, the summers are miserable here but the rest of the year makes up for it. We are fortunate to have a lot of bike trails, MUPs, and dedicated bike lanes. The Blue Diamond/Red Rock Loop run is the inspiration for getting the Vita. My Bianchi is a great retro city bike and is comfy and quick-for what it is. I could do that run with it, but would be left in the dust as it has just 8 speeds..

McGhie's is a very good store, as is Las Vegas Cyclery/Escape Adventures. They do rentals too and their new place is quite impressive. Actually, most of our LBS aren't bad at all. I suspect a lot of the big cycling events and visitors are in no small part responsible for the quality of our roads, shops, and infrastructure.

Anyway, glad you like it here! (Hmmm. Maybe McGhie's has a Quick, or LV Cyclery has a Vita in their rental fleet )

Dchiefransom

One thing you will notice about the flat bar road bikes is the size of tire they will take vs the maximum size tire a road bike will take. My Specialized Sirrus has V-brakes and lots of room for a 32 or 35 mm tire, should I decide to put some larger ones on for a smoother ride on rough surfaces. Bar ends or different handle bars will give her more than one hand position for longer rides. Bring this subject up with the lady working with her at the shop.

or you could just get her one of these and avoid the drop bars.