The biref history on this question is this... I am new to biking and tri, my wife not yet started but interested in at least taking the biking plunge. We borrowed a bike, she has enjoyed riding but really needs to get a bike that fits.
My wife is 4' 11" and is relatively "short waist'd" at least that is what the fitting process has revealed. My LBS tried to sell me a trek madone and I have been the geometry specs on quite a few "big box" companies and I have not found a bike that fits per measurements on Seat Tube, Top Tube (this relationship has been the most difficult to find) Stand Over and Reach.
The only production bike I have found that meets the specs is the Terry Isis Pro/Sport. I found a company in Seattle WA Rodriguez who will make a custom from with campy components for the same money as the production Terry with Shimano.
Both bikes are steel (both light 17/18lbs approx) both have geometry specs that fit her and they are in the same price range.
As I see it the advantage to the Terry is that I have found info on them in review and talked with people who have one and like them. Disadvantage, there are slight compromises to be made on the production bike because the geometry is not perfect. Rodriguez bike disadvantages 1) they are in WA we are in VA 2) yeah they are in WA and I don't much about the company. Advantages... it will absolutely fit her!
So... I am up in the air as to which bike we should buy. Any feedback? opinions? Critics of either company?
Thanks for reading and for any feedback!
Mark
My wife is 4' 11" and is relatively "short waist'd" at least that is what the fitting process has revealed. My LBS tried to sell me a trek madone and I have been the geometry specs on quite a few "big box" companies and I have not found a bike that fits per measurements on Seat Tube, Top Tube (this relationship has been the most difficult to find) Stand Over and Reach.
The only production bike I have found that meets the specs is the Terry Isis Pro/Sport. I found a company in Seattle WA Rodriguez who will make a custom from with campy components for the same money as the production Terry with Shimano.
Both bikes are steel (both light 17/18lbs approx) both have geometry specs that fit her and they are in the same price range.
As I see it the advantage to the Terry is that I have found info on them in review and talked with people who have one and like them. Disadvantage, there are slight compromises to be made on the production bike because the geometry is not perfect. Rodriguez bike disadvantages 1) they are in WA we are in VA 2) yeah they are in WA and I don't much about the company. Advantages... it will absolutely fit her!
So... I am up in the air as to which bike we should buy. Any feedback? opinions? Critics of either company?
Thanks for reading and for any feedback!
Mark