[snoopface]

Okay - Im new and just getting into the Mtn Bike scene as well as training for my 1st triathlon.

My husband took me riding (MB) on a borrowed 08 Rush Carbon 3. OMG !! Since that time I have been forced to have to ride his 08 Rush Carbon 3 !! (This is not a good thing) So, where do I go from here. I love mountain biking and need to get my own bike. I love the Rush Carbon (duh). They were both size M a bit big for me (I'm 5'2"). I'm looking for a Rush Carbon for myself. My question. I cant seem to find a Feminine Rush in Carbon. Is there one? Or can I simply get an S in the "men's" version. Is there that big a difference in the "women's" bikes? This M seemed fine except for some very tight under tree limb type of turns and then it wasn't all that bad (but definitely big for me). I'm pulling my hair out looking for a Carbon Feminine and even a small Rush Carbon 3.......

There are soooo many different Rush models it's making me dizzie. Any insight would be great.

Thanks

 

[Flying Wombat]

The Rush Carbon small sizes between the women's small and petite sizes. There is no "feminine" carbon Rush but its actually a fairly small bike, and a good 1 1/2" shorter in the top tube then the medium you rode so it should be a good fit.
I see Cannondale do have one Rush Carbon 3 in small in stock right now, so you might want to get your LBS to move quickly on it.

Kevin

 

[snoopface]

Thanks Kevin

I was going mad looking for a feminine in Carbon - was hoping an S would work. The smalls dont seem to be readily available ??

Snoop

 

[Flying Wombat]

I checked Cannondale's website and they showed that they had only one small Carbon Rush available. But often if they only list one it may or may not still be available. They have plenty of medium and large bikes. (not that it helps you). What you should do is have your retailer call Cannondale ASAP and try to see if you can snag that last one if its available. If they mark it as a sold unit that helps.
You may also be able to find a small on ebay, on a close out on a 2008 if you look around.
There are supposed to be more smalls coming available on the 31st of January

Kevin

 

[snoopface]

Thanks for your help Kevin.

I've been scouring ebay for a small. None to be found at this point in time. I'll contact my dealership and see what they can do about holding onto that "1" small. The smalls available in Jan will no doubt be the 09 ??

Thanks again

 

[Flying Wombat]

Correct, Cannondale did have a smattering of framesets on closeout from 07 and 08 available in small, but its an expensive way to build up a bike.
Now you will need a Slice carbon for triathlon and the stable will be on its way to being complete.....

Kevin

 

[snoopface]

Dont tempt me....
You seem to be a fairly knowledgeable guy, let me ask you your opinion on that subject (tri bike). I currently have neither a road nor tri bike. (how you wonder do I ever get any cycling in with a total of "0" bikes? - lets just say I have really nice friends....) Anyway, seeing as this will be my first triathlon (I'm the junky type and have a feeling it wont be my last). Should I jump right into a tri specific or do you figure a road bike fitted with some aero type bars might do the trick till I'm totally hooked. (more about me: fairly competitve, very determined AND strong willed and would rather spend a small fortune and have the right stuff than get out of bed) AND, is there any other tri bike on the planet that I might consider aside from a C'dale? (I was actually eyeballing a Scott Contessa Plasma - I found an 08 new XS (49cm) for $2600). I'm always curious about sizing ??

thoughts?

Thanks Again
Snoop

 

[Flying Wombat]

OK, this is OT for a mountain bike forum, but seeing as I am also a triathlete and a bike fitter here we go. I think a road bike with some short aerobars is ideal for getting started, in fact in the early days that was all anyone rode. The disadvantage to a tri bike is its a specific use tool. If set up correctly its most comfortable ridden in the aerobars, so its a poor choice for group rides and there are a lot of mass start events such as charity rides where they wont allow aerobar equipped bikes. Having said that due to the position you can achieve with a steep seat angle they are faster than a road bike, and make for better running off the bike. They make the most sense as a single bike if you are totally comitted to triathlon training.
The Scott sizes up as a little longer and taller than the Cannondale Slice, I would want to check my fit coordinates before pulling the trigger. Look for a FIST qualified tri bike fitter in your area if you decide to go that route.
OT off.
Other than the Slice, Cervelo and Felt both make good models that come in 650c wheels in the smallest sizes, which IMO make more sense for shorter riders in tri bikes.

Kevin

 

[snoopface]

Thanks for ALL of your help OT as well !!