silkyraven | (no subject)

(no subject)

Today has been extremely good (if a little expensive). I've bought a new bike - see here for details. I'm picking it up tomorrow :o). I've also made an appointment to have a tattoo, I've spoken to the tattoo artist and she's going to do up a design (a raven in flight, to go on my lower back). Thanks to

morbidfrog and

ravenstoker for the recommendation of Lauren!

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Hello, don't suppose you have any tips for finding a bike if you're quite short (i.e. 5'3")?

What sort were you looking for? Commuting? Mountain? Road? And were you after new or second hand?

Commuting - it's about half an hour from my house to work on a bike. I last had a Ridgeback Comet (from '03), I think it may have been 17", and although the saddle height was fine, I found I had to hunch my back and stretch my arms to reach the handlebar properly, as well as feeling strain on the outside of my wrists because of the angle of the handlebar. I don't know whether that's actually a bike frame size problem, or something else.

I don't mind whether it's new or used; I spent around £350 - 400 on the last one and it was then nicked, so I probably want a slightly cheaper bike this time, just in case. Although I do want something good enough to use every day, and the aluminium frame was good, I thought.

I'd recommend spending about £300 on a commuting bike - you get good quality bikes that aren't too heavy for that. On any bike the handlebar angle and height can be changed, although sometimes you need to buy new parts to do it. If Ridgeback geometry didn't suit you the best thing to do is go to somewhere like Evans Cycles that carry a large range and have a go on different brands. Specialized Sirrus range (my new one is a high end one of these) is a good commuting range, as is the Trek FX (I think) series. Diffrerent manufacturers make different frame geometry so it's worth test riding a selection until you find one that suits...

Incidently, hunching back and stretching arms sounds like you may have been better off on a smaller frame, like I said, I'd usually think 15'' frame for someone 5'3''.

Hope this helps, give us a shout if you want any more advice - I'm always happy to geek about bikes :o)

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