I want to buy a new bike but the stores do not have many models in stock for me (female, small frame (arms); The stores are willing to bring in a model if I know what I want. However I want to try various models in various brands. I currently have a TREK 700 that is 18 years old . I am looking for a lighter and faster bike. Any advice on how to approach this or on which bikes to try? Thanks!
My arms are really short and I have had to buy really short stems for some of my bikes. I m not the best person to give advice, but I am sure there are other women who are small out there and they have found bikes with a proper fit. Don't they sell bikes for teenagers? I don't know how well that would work.
I, too, am a small framed female.
How well does your current Trek fit you and what kind of riding do you want to do? You might be able to make a few changes to your current bike (different tire width, different chain ring if possible), and have it feel more hill-friendly.
If you want to do longer road rides I could see how you'd want to upgrade from what you have now, but if you are commuting around town and want an easier time on hills, you might be able to have one of the local bike shops (Trek, Thick, Iron City, etc) make some interesting changes to your current bike.
As for the necessity of ordering frames for you to try: Perhaps there will be more options in the spring? Or do they simply not plan on carrying women specific models?
I would definitely call every last shop within reasonable driving distance and see what you can find.
You may also want to search for large bicycle events that larger shops in other cities offer in the spring. I know Chicago is a bit of a long haul, but one LBS here has a spring mega-sale as a single weekend event. During the sale, they have at least one bicycle of every size (both men's and women's... road, mountain, and hybrid) from Trek and Specialized.
Regarding women-specific designs, I helped two friends shop around for a hybrid over the summer and both preferred a properly set up man's bike over the WSDs. They were both 5foot7 though, and from the reading I've done, the women specific bikes matter a lot more for average to smaller height women (5.5 and under I think) than the taller ones.
Which bikes to try: Are you sticking with a hybrid, or are you considering a dedicated road bike? If a hybrid, the Specialized Vita, Trek FX series (WSD), and Jamis Coda series all are or have a women specific line. Kona (Dew) stopped offering a women-specific option but their geometry would probably work anyways. REI tends to keep a stock of Marin bicycles that often includes a few women specific options. If you're looking for a hybrid, I could throw a few more model names at you that aren't women specific. If you're looking for a road bike, I don't know the models as well (outside of touring/commuter bicycles, but you said that you want to go faster).
If you're willing to spend some money ($1000+), you might want to check out Terry Bicycles http://www.terrybicycles.com/ They would be your best bet if you have to order a bicycle unseen (if it's within your budget).
Also, read over the forums here: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/
I'm a pretty short girl and am having good luck with a women's Giant hybrid that I found at Pro Bikes in Squirrel Hill (they're not perfect, but they did have the bike I wanted/needed in stock in my proper short-person size!). It's nothing really fancy, but I've been satisfied with it, and it seems like it would be lighter and faster and less "comfort-bike-ish" than the Trek 700, as far as I can tell from what I can find on the internet. I'm 5'3" or maybe 5'4" with shoes on, and my women's Small (~16", I think) fits me and would probably fit someone a bit shorter as well, and Giant's hybrids exist in XS too. Let me know if you want more info; IDK if you're looking for a hybrid or something else.
What kind of lighter/faster bike are you looking at? A race bike a newer commuter type bike or a cyclocross bike? I would narrow it down to what you think you might like and try to find a women's event or talk with a group of women who might point you towards someone who is willing to let you try something they have. Isn't there a women's racing team of sorts? Steel City Endurance maybe?
+1 for Terry bikes. Older Terrys can be found for $300-400 on craigslist or eBay, and area really nice and smartly designed.
Fit.
MANY THANKS TO ALL! I am looking for a hybrid as I ride both road/hills and trails. Not a commuter - I do recreational rides - sometimes only 10 miles on own but the 30-40 mile organized ones. I did the MS150 in 2009 before cancer so i am working my way back up to that! appreciate the help!
