mx_599

**please help me over the next few weeks as i expand my bicycling horizons**

i am buying a Soma Smoothie. i am about 5'3.5" and according to the online fit guides at a few places i will probably buy a 48cm.

1) i was told that because of a smaller frame, i should buy a fork with more rake....about 45mm was recommended. does this sound correct?? ...because it is severly limiting my shopping pleasure

2) if so, can any of you recommend any forks? quality brands? most of the ones i found were not 45mm. most were 43mm. i would probably like to stay in the $250 to 350 price range if that helps.

thanks for any suggestions in advance!

mx_599

anyone?

ElJamoquio

The difference between 43 and 45 millimeters is close to nothing. Don't worry about it and get what you want.

ElJamoquio

Just for reference - two millimeters is about the thickness of a quarter or nickel.

MichaelW

The issue with small frames is toe/wheel interference. This isnt helped by small riders using M sized cranks. Go to S cranks and most problems dissapear.
The steering geometry of some small frames is bodged to create extra clearance. Suggest you call Soma to see what they recommend.
IRD make (rebadge) a wide range of forks in steel and carbon.

mx_599

thanks! yes, Soma said 45mm, but they are not very common. i found 44mm i like. is 1mm negligible?

What are M and S cranks? do you mean small and medium? aren't they measured in mm lengths as in mtb?

what are things to look for in sizing? certain stand over height above bar? do riders lean towards the smaller sizes these days?

any help would be appreciated. no local shops, this will all be mail-ordered stuff. the fit calculator at wrench science.com says:

51cm Center-to-Top / 50cm Center-to-Center

for Soma specs: https://www.somafab.com/geometry03.html

wouldn't you guys probably go with the 48 as opposed to the 52 sizing? they do not make a 50.

and what is a good range of fork rake to not mess up the smoothie's geometry?

MichaelW

Medium cranks are 170-175mm.
Small cranks are 165 and smaller.
If you are between sizes, it is generally better to go for the smaller one. Once you have adaquate standover clearance, the most critical dimension is length. You can adapt the position more easily with replacement stems. If you dont know your riding position yet then an adjustable stem may be useful.
Wrench Science and Colorado Cyclist are very race oriented guides.
For a more general fit advice see here

cydewaze

Perhaps Soma sells 45mm forks to go with their frames, or maybe they can recommend a fork to you?

Seems like other customers would have had this same question at one time or another.

mx_599

ok. thanks for the link. i'll read it next week when finals are done and post any follow-up questions i might have.

mx_599

yeah, they don't really have anything i like....but i will call them again and inquire about brands that maybe they recommend.