All I want is a WSG cycle-cross or touring bike with 700cc* tires, and a rear-rack mount eyelet

[zingerella]

Is that so much to ask?

So I've concluded that it may be time for me to buy a new bicycle.

I love my bike, I really do. I rode it almost all the way home from Ottawa. But I'm forced to admit that she's a heavy bike, and she's not doing me a lot of good. My fingertips get tingly when I ride for too long. And I ride a lot. Also, this year, I'm probably

Comments

[onceupon]

My friend fontosaurus is a bike geek (like, will one day have his own bike shop bike geek) so he might have some resources or suggestions. Can I link him to this?

[zingerella]

Sure!

[chickenfeet2003]

The lemur's bike is a Terry. Unfortunately it's impossible to get tyres for it!

I'd quite like a second, faster, road bike but I really don't have anywhere to store it. That said I'm pretty happy with my hybrid (Specialized Globe Sport).

[zingerella]

Oh, that's a drag! Can she get Terry to send tyres to a dealer here? I know that MEC stocks some Terry gear.

[chickenfeet2003]

She has some seriously non standard 24" rims. Nobody seems to make tyres for them anymore.

[zingerella]

Oh, that really sucks.

[ginny_t]

… and I'm plenty adorable enough without needing …

LOL. ^_^ (I apologise for the non-constructive nature of my comment.)

[krinndnz]

I did not know this about bikes, and I aspire to get back into riding, so it's pretty relevant to me.

[zingerella]

The best advice I can give you is to get someone to help you take your measurements so that you know

1) Your standover height
2) Your arm-length
3) Your torso length

Then try a lot of different bikes. Try friends' bikes. Rent bikes to try for the day, if you can. Test ride a lot.

Think about the kind of riding you want to do, too, and how much you ultimately want to be riding. You do not need to spend a mint to get a decent bike. Really you don't.

Here's a really good primer by Sheldon Brown about sizing.

Here is a quite decent guide to buying a bike.

[robotropolis]

I'm a medium sized woman and also SOOO not a bike geek, but I read this post with interest.

I have a unisex bike which would suit NONE of your needs (it was fairly cheap, it's heavy, and it's got a stiff frame) but when shopping I was very interested in the big manufacturers' women's sections. Trek and Giant both had a lot of women-specific geometry TALK going on, whether or not the models would also suit someone with your needs is a whole different story, and I don't ride enough to be able to tell immediately, when taking a bike out for a short spin, what fit would be best.

From what little I know, tire size impacts frame size and I was wondering if a smaller tire than a cyclocross bike might be more comfortable? Maybe something like these?
http://www.velo-orange.com/

Doesn't this Orbit look nice for the woman with deep pockets:
http://www.lunacycles.com/bike.html

[zingerella]

Giant does indeed have several WSD models; however, they have more non-WSD models. The past two bikes have been Giants, and I've liked them a lot, so I'll be trying some of their Avail models, as well as the TCR Alliance.

Same with Cannondale and Kona-there are WSD models, but there are more options if you're happy riding a non-WSG bike. Trek has a good reputation, and I'm going to be checking out some of their models to see if any suit my needs.

Luna bikes have officially gone onto the "OMG WANT TO TRY" list. No, I don't have that kind of money. Yes, I can dream.

[zingerella]

I think the top tubes on all the VO frames are too long for me. The frames look lovely, but I'd have to fit them with straight handlebars, I think.