RE: [CR]WTB: 52-53cm classic road bike or frame

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

From: "Ken Freeman" <freesound@comcast.net>
To: "'devotion finesse'" <devotion_finesse@hotmail.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: RE: [CR]WTB: 52-53cm classic road bike or frame
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 08:12:01 -0500
In-Reply-To: <BAY122-F20EB895913C5A9F0C3779FF5E20@phx.gbl>
Thread-Index: AccOonhZS4PC+xC4Szmd7kESg1vPHgAXTc0g


Matt,

A highly laudable goal that should be very appreciated. Based on experience with my wife, I would recommend carefully determining her opinion about leaning over on racey-style handlebars. Also, get a book or find a website that has a decent section on frame sizing. At 5'6 myself I take a 52-53, myself, but ladies usually have longer legs, she might need it a bit bigger. Then the risk is the TT could be too long, causing difficulties in getting the reach ("cockpit" as some call it) short enough to suit her. You should measure her inseam (in the cyclists' sense) and the other recommended quantities (there are various methods for this), and make an initial target geometry selection based on this. Alternatively, take her to a good shop and get an experienced fitter to find a baseline. It'll cost, but nothing compared to "going the distance" just to find out "it's nice, but I don't like reaching out to those low handlebars."

Also, can she abide friction shifting?

I got another bike out of it, however! And I get to research how to do straight-bar road bike conversions.

Ken "just call me Homer" Freeman

-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of devotion finesse Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 8:55 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]WTB: 52-53cm classic road bike or frame

List:

Do any of you recall that episode of "The Simpsons" when Homer buys his wife Marge a bowling ball for Christmas?...The ball had the word HOMER inscribed on it and finger holes sized for...Homer, naturally. Marge was furious! I am hoping for a better outcome...

Well, the holidays are quickly approaching and I am looking to buy/build a classic road bike for my girlfriend. A Homer bowling ball, of sorts...since I will get to build another bike and hopefully get a riding partner in the process.

She has increasingly expressed an interest in riding with me and I'd like to surprise her.

She is about 5'6", so my guess would be that a 52-53cm bike would be an appropriate place to start. I am interested in complete bikes, frames, incomplete bikes, etc.

If any of you are looking to clear some space and have something that might make a good starter, please let me know.

Matthew Bowne

Brooklyn, New York

(currently in Los Angeles to put on 10 pounds with the family)