[Bicaella]

Hi all!

I have spent last two weeks studying bikes on the net, checking local bike stores... I now understand that buying a bike is not at all an easy task.

First of all, I am a woman, 5ft 6 (if it is important, inseam - 75 cm).
I need a trekking bike, a hybrid, for long city and mostly asphalt rides (but not road), and it has to be for fitness, but I do not want a MTB. I now have some unknow MTB on which, after an hour of driving, my back and arms start to hurt. So I assumed that it is too big for me. I do not want to make the same mistake, so I need to know, approximately, what frame size should I look for? I prefer upright position.
One model caught my eye, and it's Kona, Dr. Dew, 2005. I have not tried it, because they do not have it instore, but I can order it. I know it is hard to tell what size exactly would fit me best, but please give me some suggestions.
I have asked the guys in Kona store which size should fit me, and he said: 56 cm (I assumed he meant the size of the top-tube), but that seems to me that I will be in forward position which means more arm and back pain. What do you think?
Do you have any other suggestions what bike should I buy? Maybe some specifically made for women?
I know I have made a lot of questions, but I do not have anyone else to ask. Please, help me!
(Excuse my English, it's not my native.)

 

[Call_me_Clyde]

You answered your question

Hi all!

II need a trekking bike, a hybrid, for long city and mostly asphalt rides (but not road), and it has to be for fitness, but I do not want a MTB. (Excuse my English, it's not my native.)

hello Bicella,

Welcome to mtbr. I think this sentence in your post answered your question. Look into a nice hybrid or commuter bike. They will be built for the type of riding you described, and will give you a more upright riding position. As for size, test ride a few bikes with smaller frames (15-17 inch) that are specifically made for female riders. The only way you'll be able to determine if the bike fits is to ride it, and you'll know by your test rides and how the bike feels if it fits.

Good luck in your search.

Clyde

 

[slowrider]

Welcome

Hi all!

I have spent last two weeks studying bikes on the net, checking local bike stores... I now understand that buying a bike is not at all an easy task.

First of all, I am a woman, 5ft 6 (if it is important, inseam - 75 cm).
I need a trekking bike, a hybrid, for long city and mostly asphalt rides (but not road), and it has to be for fitness, but I do not want a MTB. I now have some unknow MTB on which, after an hour of driving, my back and arms start to hurt. So I assumed that it is too big for me. I do not want to make the same mistake, so I need to know, approximately, what frame size should I look for? I prefer upright position.
One model caught my eye, and it's Kona, Dr. Dew, 2005. I have not tried it, because they do not have it instore, but I can order it. I know it is hard to tell what size exactly would fit me best, but please give me some suggestions.
I have asked the guys in Kona store which size should fit me, and he said: 56 cm (I assumed he meant the size of the top-tube), but that seems to me that I will be in forward position which means more arm and back pain. What do you think?
Do you have any other suggestions what bike should I buy? Maybe some specifically made for women?
I know I have made a lot of questions, but I do not have anyone else to ask. Please, help me!
(Excuse my English, it's not my native.)

A possible cheaper alternative would be to try a shorter and or higher rise stem to move the handle bars up and closer and which would move some of the weight off you're hands and arms, doing so would also improve the handling of you're bike. If this doesn't appeal to you Cannondale makes some nice hybrid bikes that start pretty cheap and come with a lifetime warranty..

 

[Bicaella]

Cannondale, Trek or Kona?

Thank you for your helpful advices.

I have checked Cannondale's web site and I am sorry to say that I didn't like their bikes for women (I don't want to offend anyone, but they look to me as if they're made for slow rides and grannies). BUT... my heart jumped at the sight of Road Warrrior 1000!
I have also visited Kona's and Trek's sites. So, this is what I liked:

1. (already mentioned) Cannondale - Rodad Warrior 1000;
2. Kona - Dr. Dew;
3. Trek - 7500 FX S.

Please share your thoughts on quality of these bicycles. Are they of the same quality or not?

I'll visit the dealers and try the bicycles (if they have them). But still, I would really appreciate your opinions.

 

[Twon]

Thank you for your helpful advices.

I have checked Cannondale's web site and I am sorry to say that I didn't like their bikes for women (I don't want to offend anyone, but they look to me as if they're made for slow rides and grannies). BUT... my heart jumped at the sight of Road Warrrior 1000!
I have also visited Kona's and Trek's sites. So, this is what I liked:

1. (already mentioned) Cannondale - Rodad Warrior 1000;
2. Kona - Dr. Dew;
3. Trek - 7500 FX S.

Please share your thoughts on quality of these bicycles. Are they of the same quality or not?

I'll visit the dealers and try the bicycles (if they have them). But still, I would really appreciate your opinions.

The Roadwarriow 1000 is a road bike with a flat handlebar. It's a little harsh for a ride, unless you are used to road bikes. They are fast and light, but I can't imagine myself trying to avoid all the potholes in the streets where I live. So I bought a nice xc bike with a suspension for added comfort.

So my girlfriend wanted a bike too, so she could ride with me. She looked at the roadwarrior 1000, but I strongly suggested her the Cannondale Badboy Ultra. It's basicly a MTB xc with some road wheels. You get that upright position, it's fairly light, around 25lbs and you get a nice suspension that can be locked. For an added bonus, you get some good mecanical disk brakes. I can tell you that she likes her bike alot, you would probably too!

Twon

 

[mahgnillig]

Any of those bikes look like they'd be a good ride... but I agree that the Cannondale looks sweet! The Cannondale seems to be more road oriented (should be fast!)... like a road bike with flat bars rather than a mountain bike with bigger wheels. It's also the most expensive out of the three, but if the price is not a problem then I would go for that one if it fits. You usually get what you pay for when buying bikes, so the more you pay, the better quality of bike you get. Having said that, a $500 bike that fits will feel much better than a $5000 bike that is too big or too small, so it's really important to get the fit just right.

One thing you can do to make sure your bike fits properly is to have it professionally fitted at the bike shop. When I bought my bike they took my measurements and worked out which size of frame would fit me best. Then they sat me on the bike on a trainer and adjusted my seat position, handlebars, shifter position and everything else that needed to be adjusted so the bike fit me perfectly. A lot of shops will offer a service like this, and it's usually free if you buy the bike from them (they'll charge $50-$100 to do a fitting if you bought the bike elsewhere).

Best of luck, let us know which you choose

- Jen.

 

[Bicaella]

Twon - Thanks for telling me about flat handlebar! There are a lot of potholes where I live too! And - Oh, yes, I like the Bad Boy Ultra too! Looks great!

mahgnilling - Thanks for the good advices! The last time I visited Cannondale's dealer I didn't know what I am looking for, didn't even know what to look for. Anyway, now I do and will demand! to measure me. I assume they have the catalogues and in them there are geometry and measures for each bike so they can look which size is for me. Then, when the bike arrives, they can adjust it to me for the best fit, right?
Unfortunately, I think they will not have either of them (Connandale's Warrior and Bad Boy) in the store, so I could not try them. :rolleyes

 

[StormShadow]

Something that you should keep in mind as you look for a hybrid bike is the different sizes of cranks. Some of these bikes have regular mountain bike cranks (typically 22/32/44) and some have road cranks (typically 30/42/52) and then you can find some hybrid cranks (like the Trek 26/36/48). The number indicates the number of teeth on each ring. The smaller the number the better suited it is for climbing hills. The larger the number the better suited for speed on flat or downhill terrain. In my opinion, when looking at hybrids, you must ask yourself two questions. 1) Do you want a relaxed road feel (drop handle bars with a taller stem) or do you want a mountain bike feel (flat bars)? 2) Do you want to have low gears to climb big hills, or do you want to have high gears for more top end speed? Good luck and let us know what you pick.

 

[Atomic300]

I hope it is not too late but my two cents is that the bad boy is a good choice, it has a stiff ride but good performance. this means you will feel those potholes when you hit them. I am also looking at flat bar hybrids and have test rode the specialized sirrus elite. It was a great bike, rode model without the disc brakes but had a carbon bike. U might like it. My other suggestion is the marin model called pt reyes, this got a good review and is their top hybird. U might want to give this one a try too. Please make sure the fit is good and take your time do not order bike without trying it out.

 

[capn cowbell]

All 3 companies build quality bikes. The biggest thing to do is ride all 3 before deciding. That way you can see if your criteria of an upright ride will be met. I'm 5'11" and ride a bike with a 21" top tube. This is short. I also like an upright position. The bike shops should be able to assist you with what is going to be the proper size and if any adjustments will be necessary for you. Good luck with the search.

Thank you for your helpful advices.

I have checked Cannondale's web site and I am sorry to say that I didn't like their bikes for women (I don't want to offend anyone, but they look to me as if they're made for slow rides and grannies). BUT... my heart jumped at the sight of Road Warrrior 1000!
I have also visited Kona's and Trek's sites. So, this is what I liked:

1. (already mentioned) Cannondale - Rodad Warrior 1000;
2. Kona - Dr. Dew;
3. Trek - 7500 FX S.

Please share your thoughts on quality of these bicycles. Are they of the same quality or not?

I'll visit the dealers and try the bicycles (if they have them). But still, I would really appreciate your opinions.

 

[Bicaella]

Thank you all!

Well, I have been to Cannondale's dealer and tried Bad Boy and Road Warrior 800 LARGE sizes as they did not have medium or small!!! That didn't surprise me, because women here prefer roller skating to riding a bicycle, or they buy the cheaper ones in big supermarkets. The other thing is that I didn't know the prices of RW 1000 and Bad Boy Ultra, and I was very sad when I found out that are too expensive for me. But, RW 600 I could afford! I know it is of lower quality than RW 1000 or BB, but I hope it still is a good bicycle.
So, anyway, the dealer ordered RW 600 in medium size but with no strings attached on my part. It will arrive in 10 day, I will try it out, the size and the feel... and then decide what to do.

As regard to the Trek, a lot of people told me that the dealer here imports Trek bicycles of low quality and that it is not worth the price. I should also mention that Marin and Specialized do not have the dealer here.

 

[LyNx]

Thank you all!

Well, I have been to Cannondale's dealer and tried Bad Boy and Road Warrior 800 LARGE sizes as they did not have medium or small!!! That didn't surprise me, because women here prefer roller skating to riding a bicycle, or they buy the cheaper ones in big supermarkets. The other thing is that I didn't know the prices of RW 1000 and Bad Boy Ultra, and I was very sad when I found out that are too expensive for me. But, RW 600 I could afford! I know it is of lower quality than RW 1000 or BB, but I hope it still is a good bicycle.
So, anyway, the dealer ordered RW 600 in medium size but with no strings attached on my part. It will arrive in 10 day, I will try it out, the size and the feel... and then decide what to do.

As regard to the Trek, a lot of people told me that the dealer here imports Trek bicycles of low quality and that it is not worth the price. I should also mention that Marin and Specialized do not have the dealer here.

I'm sorry I didn't see this post sooner as I would have suggested you go for the KONA Dr. Drew. I like the crankset and the cassett on it (it's hybrid, a nice balance between road and MTB - biggger than MTB, but smaller than road) also I like the fact that it's basicaly a rigid MTB bike so if in the future you wanted to maybe try MTBing you could just purchase the tires and a suspension fork and you'd be all set. Even if you didn't want to try MTBing you might just have decided you would maybe like bigger tires and a suspension fork to ease the pot holes. The C'dale is a strictly road bike w/ flat bar and no clearance on the downtube should you wish to change the fork to a suspension one or to bigger off-road tires. Also all the components on the Cdale are road as to the Konas which are MTB and should take more of a beating.

As for sizing it would seem you have long legs and a shorter torso and a small or medium (depending on manufacturer) would fit you. As everyone has said make sure your bike fits as that's the most important thing for comfort.

 

[Bicaella]

Still in confusion

I'm sorry I didn't see this post sooner as I would have suggested you go for the KONA Dr. Drew.

Hi!

I am still in confusion and do not know what bike to buy. I have waited all these weeks for Cannondale RW 600 to come and I have finally rode it yesterday. The bike looks great and is fast and light and easy to pedal, but I didn't like the 700 x 28 tires, they look so fragile, I think too fragile for the rides I intend to have (pavements, bike lanes, no road as I am still afraid of cars passing me by). The dealer will put 700 x 32 on it and I will try it again on Friday.
However, I have not tried Kona Dr. Dew because they do not have it in store, but I did sit on Dew model (only sit, no ride), and the feeling was good. So I am still in doubt... I think I am more inclined to Kona, but since I have not seen it or tried it, I dont know what to do. Kona dealer will not order a bike for me only to try it. You see, I live in "banana" republic. Anyway, if I decide on Kona, Friday is the last day of orders, so I need a quick decision.

I have attached the specs of both bikes, so could you please look at them and advise me which one is better? Are they of the same quality or the difference is too small?
Please, please give me your opinion, advices...

What about Specialised Sirius models?

 

[col200]

Take a look at the Marin Muirwoods or Novara. They are "Urban" bikes. Slick tires, a bit more upright that a XC MTB but tough as nails. And low cost.

 

[mark_hoppus16]

Personally, I'd go with the Kona. It's got quite a nice spec for the price, plus it's got hydraulic disc brakes. If you do decide to go with the Dr. Dew, I'd suggest you get the dealer to switch out the flat bar for a riser.

 

[Atomic300]

I would buy the bike that fits you the best. You said that u sat on the kona but did not ride it. Is this the correct size for you to test ride. I think it is dopey for the dealer not to bring in the dr. dew for you but that is the cost of owning a bike shop. So please be aware that the pedals on the kona are clipless, thus you will have to buy new shoes for this bike. Or are u changing out the pedals u never told us. I like kona they are a good company. I say stay with the cannondale and for now do not change out the tires. I think the more you ride that bike, the more you will like it. For the riding you are doing, I think disc brakes are nice for the bling factor, but might not be needed. They also add weight to bike. YOU must make that decision and do not make a hurried up one cause shop wants to make a sale. This bike also has road gearing so that is why it might be fast.

Hi!

I am still in confusion and do not know what bike to buy. I have waited all these weeks for Cannondale RW 600 to come and I have finally rode it yesterday. The bike looks great and is fast and light and easy to pedal, but I didn't like the 700 x 28 tires, they look so fragile, I think too fragile for the rides I intend to have (pavements, bike lanes, no road as I am still afraid of cars passing me by). The dealer will put 700 x 32 on it and I will try it again on Friday.
However, I have not tried Kona Dr. Dew because they do not have it in store, but I did sit on Dew model (only sit, no ride), and the feeling was good. So I am still in doubt... I think I am more inclined to Kona, but since I have not seen it or tried it, I dont know what to do. Kona dealer will not order a bike for me only to try it. You see, I live in "banana" republic. Anyway, if I decide on Kona, Friday is the last day of orders, so I need a quick decision.

I have attached the specs of both bikes, so could you please look at them and advise me which one is better? Are they of the same quality or the difference is too small?
Please, please give me your opinion, advices...

What about Specialised Sirius models?

 

[Bicaella]

I would buy the bike that fits you the best. You said that u sat on the kona but did not ride it. Is this the correct size for you to test ride. QUOTE]

No, it was size 56. I have measured myself and compare it to the geometry of the bike, size 54 would be my size. As mark_hoppus16 suggested, I would change the flat bar. I didn't know about the pedals, but if I wouldn't like them, I will change them.

I rode on cannondale Road Warrior medium size, the size a bit big, but they will move the seat and replace the think that holds handlebar to a smaller one. I will try it tomorrow. And the bike really IS fast! But I think the ride is hard, I felt every bump and pothole. I dont know whether the Kona will have the same feel. I thought that since Kona has MTB parts and wider tires that it will be lighter on bumps and holes. Is it not so?

 

[Atomic300]

So not to confuse u more but I would also think that witht the kona you will get the same feeling of bumps since it is an alumn. frame. This is why reason why people like steel, thus look towards Jamis, they have steel frame hybird bikes. Steel take alittle of that feeling away but might not be as fast as maybe the canondale. I do not think u will like the larger tires either they will slow you down but give you maybe more stability if you do not like the narrow one. Also really stay away from the novara it was fast but you reall felt the bumps, it is from REI outdoor store, I rode one and thought it was too harsh. Jamis give U good value for your money. I once drove 70 miles to save $3,000 on buying a car, it was worth it, my friends thought I was wacky. So if there is a jamis dealer say 25 miles from U I would go there. And I am very sure your local cannondale dealer will be very happy to work on your bike, if you need adjustments. Also again if the bike does not feel right or correct after they make the changes, do not get it. Since that feeling will always be on your mind. Thus your enjoyment of biking will go down. Also I have test ridden a warrior since I use to interested ing getting a hybird, but now looking towards a road bike. I think you might need a med size frame or maybe small. It should be marked that way on the seatpost.

I would buy the bike that fits you the best. You said that u sat on the kona but did not ride it. Is this the correct size for you to test ride. QUOTE]

No, it was size 56. I have measured myself and compare it to the geometry of the bike, size 54 would be my size. As mark_hoppus16 suggested, I would change the flat bar. I didn't know about the pedals, but if I wouldn't like them, I will change them.

I rode on cannondale Road Warrior medium size, the size a bit big, but they will move the seat and replace the think that holds handlebar to a smaller one. I will try it tomorrow. And the bike really IS fast! But I think the ride is hard, I felt every bump and pothole. I dont know whether the Kona will have the same feel. I thought that since Kona has MTB parts and wider tires that it will be lighter on bumps and holes. Is it not so?

 

[Twon]

I would buy the bike that fits you the best. You said that u sat on the kona but did not ride it. Is this the correct size for you to test ride. QUOTE]

No, it was size 56. I have measured myself and compare it to the geometry of the bike, size 54 would be my size. As mark_hoppus16 suggested, I would change the flat bar. I didn't know about the pedals, but if I wouldn't like them, I will change them.

I rode on cannondale Road Warrior medium size, the size a bit big, but they will move the seat and replace the think that holds handlebar to a smaller one. I will try it tomorrow. And the bike really IS fast! But I think the ride is hard, I felt every bump and pothole. I dont know whether the Kona will have the same feel. I thought that since Kona has MTB parts and wider tires that it will be lighter on bumps and holes. Is it not so?

With the Cannondale, it's a feeling that you need to get used to it. I used to be a roadie back in the day doing long distances on 700 x 23. Talk about a harsh ride...Don't worry about breaking things, if you ride mostly on the street, that's the way to go IMO. As for hydraulic brakes, you don't need them, the brakes on the Cannondale will stop you as much as hydros.

Good luck

Twon

 

[Bicaella]

I really do not want to hurry and buy a bike I would not enjoy riding. The thing is that I anticipated so long for the RW 600, that when I finally rode it, I dont know, the feeling just wasn't right. I don't know how to explain it, I know the Cannondales are excellent bikes, but it was like something is missing... Maybe it is the stiffness that I'm not used to, maybe I think that Warrior is too "professional" for me and my kind of riding. It looks like a real road bike and I feel stupid to ride it on pavements and bike lanes, like it is not intended for that kind of a ride. This is where my confusion lays. I want a fitness bike that isn't a MTB and that isn't so stiff and "roady" - a true hybrid is what I need.

I have found a dealer in the neighbour country (just an hour away by car) that has Jamis and Specialised bikes, but the choice of bikes he has on his web site is rather poor. I think he also has a scheme "look up on the net - order - buy", so that I could not try the bikes.
Atomic300, you mentioned earlier specialised sirrius model... Is this one also so stif and "roady"?