On Sep 2, 8:16 pm, Marc <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> This is helpful to consider, thank you.
> The 48 and 50 cm Soma Smoothie ES frames have a 73 degree head angle
> and 75 degree seat tube angle. The 75 seat tube angle moves the saddle
> ahead about 0.7 inches compared to a 73 degree angle. Is that a
> significant dimension? I note that other recommended frames generally
> have slacker head angles and similar seat angles (Kona just mentioned
> - 71.5/74.5, Gunnar Sport 71.5/75, Surly Pacer 72/74.5).
>
> My sweetie is 5'2" but has a long torso, which we've noted when
> fitting her for a pack.
Somas might be taking a woman's anatomy into consideration--women
usually having a shorter torso, but as your gal doesn't have that
build--it's not a deal breaker. It's also about where she wants to be
behind the pedals--the usual request is to be further scooted back--
unless you're a triathlete.
However--there are so many posts, stems, saddles and other options for
dialing in fit, that if the top tube length and frame style are right--
the build should be a piece of cake.
>
> Marc
>
> On Sep 1, 9:36 pm, Peter Jon White <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > Well stated. When you build a frame that size for 700c rims, the only
> > way to get the top tube short enough is to make the seat tube angle
> > very steep. But that short top tube dimension is illusory. You'd get
> > the same effect by using a slacker seat tube angle and one of those
> > time trial seat posts that positions the saddle forward. The steep
> > seat tube angle places the rider's center of mass well forward and she
> > ends up supporting her torso's weight with her arms.
>
> > With smaller wheels such as 559-26" the seat tube can have a better
> > laid back angle and you can have a short top tube, without so much
> > overlap in front.
>
> > On Sep 1, 9:00 pm, "Lisa -S.H." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > > Adding to this thought, I would also say that the poster is looking for
> > > a 48-50cm frame, apparently for a small woman. They also want to put
> > > fenders on it. This brings up the issue of wheel size and toe overlap,
> > > etc. A frame of that size would probably have to have wheels smaller
> > > than 700c, especially if fenders were wanted.
>
> > > Aside from this issue, I personally feel that a smallish woman really
> > > should test ride a bike before buying it. Most stock bikes are made to
> > > men's proportions (even the small ones) and many of them have geometry
> > > that makes women feel poorly balanced. Reach/balance problems are an
> > > ongoing issue for many (not all) women who buy stock bikes. It's a very
> > > common problem for women riders.
> > > I believe that it's not the best scenario for a man to buy a stock frame
> > > for a woman without the women test riding it. Even if she has limited
> > > riding experience, if she rides ten various bikes on test rides, she
> > > will still get a feeling for which ones feel good to her body and which
> > > don't. There will be some that are the "right size" frame for her
> > > height but are uncomfortable because their geometry is poorly suited to
> > > her body proportions, and in some cases no amount of fitting/tweaking
> > > will ever make them comfortable for her. Elbow pain, numb hands, aching
> > > shoulders, etc. can eventually make someone just not want to ride bike
> > > anymore. But once one finds a bike that has the geometry that fits
> > > them beautifully, they can then use those same frame geometry numbers
> > > when shopping for other bikes in the future.
>
> > > Even though I can truly appreciate the thoughtful sentiment of building
> > > a bike for your partner/girlfriend/wife, when it comes to women riders I
> > > think it's especially important to test ride a stock bike before
> > > buying. It becomes even more critical if she is petite.
> > > Just my own two cent opinion. :)
> > > Lisa
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