Looking for an XXS bike?

lismore7 · 05-08-2014 1:12am #1

My wife is interested in getting her 1st bike in order not to become a cycling widow (Yippee)
She wants a road bike to be able to cycle along side me, with the hope of someday, joining me on the odd charity event etc.
Only problem is she's quite small (around 5ft ish) and having been down to our local LBS, seems she needs a XXS sized bike and also seems that only Giant make them that small?
Not only that but they are like gold dust and almost impossible to get hold of?
Would anyone have any more info/advice on this?

Eamonnator · 05-08-2014 1:41am

Would something like this suit?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-bikes-razor-650-road-bike-2014/rp-prod107021

lismore7 · 05-08-2014 2:07am

Eamonnator wrote: »

Would something like this suit?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-bikes-razor-650-road-bike-2014/rp-prod107021

Thanks.
Will check it out.

nak · 05-08-2014 6:14am

Specialized have a few women's models in that size.

aFlabbyPanda · 05-08-2014 8:26am

Not being funny but wouldn't a large childs/teens bike fit?

ford2600 · 05-08-2014 8:46am

Try other shop in Dungarvan, they do specialized. Exensice for entry level thoug from what I can remember

I'd be slow to buy 650 size, one size of spare tube tyre is enough.

Search CRC, wiggle, rose, bike24 etc and filter for small size.

You may, after trawling through the rubbish, find something on adverts, donedeal etc

nak · 05-08-2014 9:14am

The_Sub wrote: »

Not being funny but wouldn't a large childs/teens bike fit?

Kids bikes weigh a tonne and are generally not great quality. No need when there are plenty of options out there for smaller riders.

Cyleways had road bikes in 44 and 48 in stock when I got my bike (I'm 5'4" and a 51 in women's sizing).

lismore7 · 05-08-2014 9:54am

My wife is 5ft tall, so hence the XXS size.
Would I be looking for around at 38cm frame?
So we're looking at a fairly small road bike, but don't want a heavy childrens bike.
However having her sat on a couple of XS sizes already which were too big, she's keen to have a smaller, lightish bike, not heavy.
+
With such a small bike, would spare tubes and tyres be difficult to get hold of?

nak · 05-08-2014 10:13am

lismore7 wrote: »

My wife is 5ft tall, so hence the XXS size.
Would I be looking for around at 38cm frame?
So we're looking at a fairly small road bike, but don't want a heavy childrens bike.
However having her sat on a couple of XS sizes already which were too big, she's keen to have a smaller, lightish bike, not heavy.
+
With such a small bike, would spare tubes and tyres be difficult to get hold of?

Don't think you can get a 38, I have a couple of friends that height and they ride a 44 - wheels are standard size. Geometry chart for Specialized here:
http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/road/dolce/dolce-triple#geometry

and size guide for height here:

http://images.evanscycles.com/product_document/file/e81/1a9/5dc/32/specialized-dolce-sizing-chart.pdf

aFlabbyPanda · 05-08-2014 10:23am

nak wrote: »

Kids bikes weigh a tonne and are generally not great quality. No need when there are plenty of options out there for smaller riders.

Cyleways had road bikes in 44 and 48 in stock when I got my bike (I'm 5'4" and a 51 in women's sizing).

I found it the opposite. I'm just under 5' 6" and wanted a 48 or smaller and gave up on the end. Bought a 50 and spent a small fortune replacing, stems, seat posts, fittings, etc to get comfy.

nak · 05-08-2014 11:23am

The_Sub wrote: »

I found it the opposite. I'm just under 5' 6" and wanted a 48 or smaller and gave up on the end. Bought a 50 and spent a small fortune replacing, stems, seat posts, fittings, etc to get comfy.

48 is very small for someone that height (depends on geometry I guess) - it's too small for me. I have 3 bikes from different manufacturers in a size 49 (men's geometry). Only things I had to change on the Tarmac were the saddle and handlebars, but that was because I didn't like the stock ones.

Trek, Ridley, Ribble, Kinesis, Cervelo all do road bikes in smaller sizes.

The only time I've run into trouble was looking for a cyclocross bike as there is not so much choice there.

QueensGael · 05-08-2014 11:52am

lismore7 wrote: »

My wife is 5ft tall, so hence the XXS size.
Would I be looking for around at 38cm frame?

I'm 5'3" and my bikes are 51cm/52cm, I don't think you'll need to go as small as 38cm. Like other posters mentioned, Specialized have really nice WSD (women specific design) bikes, I bought my first one in 2006 and haven't looked back! There are a few dealers in the southeast direction

kfod · 05-08-2014 12:09pm

My wife is 5' and last year she bought a Beone Storm Sport, 40cm, from CRC, It is a good fit except for the stem which is a little long I think. It is a nice bike for the money.

aFlabbyPanda · 05-08-2014 12:12pm

nak wrote: »

Trek, Ridley, Ribble, Kinesis, Cervelo all do road bikes in smaller sizes.

They all offer them in catalogs but no shop could seem to get stock in. YMMV

silvo · 05-08-2014 12:12pm

I am 4" 10 and ride a 44cm Specialized Dolce on the road. It is a perfect fit and no need for smaller wheel sizes or kids bikes. I got mine from Bespoke Cycles in Bray who ordered it in for me.

rainbow kirby · 05-08-2014 1:59pm

The basic Decathlon B'twin Triban 3 comes in a 45 and 48 frame (with 650c wheels).

@The_Sub - I'm surprised you wanted one that small at 5'6"! I'm the same height and ride a 52cm Trek Lexa with the saddle at a decent height.

lismore7 · 05-08-2014 2:34pm

rainbow kirby wrote: »

The basic Decathlon B'twin Triban 3 comes in a 45 and 48 frame (with 650c wheels).

@The_Sub - I'm surprised you wanted one that small at 5'6"! I'm the same height and ride a 52cm Trek Lexa with the saddle at a decent height.

She's 5ft only. So we're looking a a fairly small bike.
Have looked at a number of online bike shops i.e. CRC, Evans, Wiggle etc....
It's no as easy as it sounds, trying to find a bike around 40 - 44cm.

rainbow kirby · 05-08-2014 2:40pm

Islabikes? They are a children's bike manufacturer, but their age 11+ road bike could suit? Size chart gives a minimum height of 148cm for it.

ford2600 · 05-08-2014 3:56pm

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-2g-poggio-p15-sora/

http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-bikes/road-bike-aluminium/dolan-preffisio-aluminium-road-bike.html

Rua_ri · 05-08-2014 6:38pm

Check out Orbea , staggs cycles in Lucan have them, marreys in castlebar too. They come in small sizes. 46 , 48 etc.

Hani Kosti · 06-08-2014 8:37pm

Scott goes as little as XXS (I'm 5'6" and M was just fine)

Hani Kosti · 06-08-2014 8:37pm

Scott goes as little as XXS (I'm 5'6" and M was just fine)

lismore7 · 07-08-2014 12:50am

She's going to a LBS this week to try out a 44cm bike they have in stock, so we'll know then exactly the size she needs.
Then we'll see what options we have.
Don't want to spend a fortune as it's her first bike.
Have read all the above advice...many thanks... and visited all your suggested retailers but finding a 42 - 44cm sized road bike (we think) to fit a girl of 5ft height, 70cm inside leg and bike in stock, is proving to be quite a quest!!
I appreciate the makes you have all suggested, which do bikes in those small sizes, however when it comes to finding them available and in stock to buy now ..is another storey.

silvo · 07-08-2014 9:07am

lismore7 wrote: »

She's going to a LBS this week to try out a 44cm bike they have in stock, so we'll know then exactly the size she needs.
Then we'll see what options we have.
Don't want to spend a fortune as it's her first bike.
Have read all the above advice...many thanks... and visited all your suggested retailers but finding a 42 - 44cm sized road bike (we think) to fit a girl of 5ft height, 70cm inside leg and bike in stock, is proving to be quite a quest!!
I appreciate the makes you have all suggested, which do bikes in those small sizes, however when it comes to finding them available and in stock to buy now ..is another storey.

Good luck with your quest. I know how difficult it can be to find smaller size bikes but you can be very lucky. I once got a XS DH frame by emailing the bike company direct who happened to have one lying around their factory that they couldn't get rid of because it was so small! Keep an eye out on adverts too as sometimes XS second hand bikes come up there. I picked up an XS Bowery a couple of years ago on it which is tiny.

Caroline_ie · 07-08-2014 12:15pm

I'm 153cm/ 5'0 and race the Specialized Amira 44cm, I also have a Dolce and a Ruby that size. Specialized have the best bikes ever for shorties.

BTH · 07-08-2014 12:18pm

My wife is 5foot as well and we got her a size 44 Bianchi from slane cycles. She loves it and has done a couple of an post spins at this stage. It's hilarious though, her saddle is the same height as my top tube.

QueensGael · 07-08-2014 12:22pm

lismore7 wrote: »

however when it comes to finding them available and in stock to buy now ..is another storey.

Yup, that was my experience too, it's very likely you'll have to order and wait for it, but it's worth it

Good luck with the shopping!

nak · 07-08-2014 12:50pm

QueensGael wrote: »

Yup, that was my experience too, it's very likely you'll have to order and wait for it, but it's worth it Good luck with the shopping!

A lot of people have to order in bikes no matter what size, as shops can't stock everything. Didn't mind waiting for mine, husband was the same and he has a 54.

lismore7 · 08-08-2014 2:31pm

Herself headed off yesterday to a bike shop that had a 44cm road bike in stock and it's definately a 44cm bike that's her size...thank god!!

Now that we have the size established, we now have to find a bike.
The bike she tried was heavy for her and....(ladies amongst you might understand this, cause I don't ???) it wasn't the right colour!!!!:mad:
She then tried another 44cm bike Cannondale and full carbon (ouch!!)...and sadly loved it BUT....it was already sold and after checking with the bike wholesaler in Dublin, last 1 went out only hours earlier :mad::mad::mad:
Now all we can do is wait until new season bikes come in, as she now wants a Cannondale same as the one in the shop...
Oh dear.... I feel my credit card hurting....
Will still keep looking around, as there must be a 44 sitting in the back of some bike shop, somewhere around this island

nak · 08-08-2014 3:24pm

lismore7 wrote: »

Herself headed off yesterday to a bike shop that had a 44cm road bike in stock and it's definately a 44cm bike that's her size...thank god!!

Now that we have the size established, we now have to find a bike.
The bike she tried was heavy for her and....(ladies amongst you might understand this, cause I don't ???) it wasn't the right colour!!!!:mad:

Only colour I wouldn't get is pastel pink. Bike I originally wanted was sold out a few months back, ended up with DA instead of Ultegra on the equivalent men's bike for a similar price. Terrible I know

Hope you find something. 2015 bikes are starting to appear in the shops.

diomed · 08-08-2014 3:28pm

lismore7 wrote: »

Now all we can do is wait until new season bikes come in, as she now wants a Cannondale same as the one in the shop...

And you are dead if you don't buy it. :pac:

rollingscone · 08-08-2014 4:39pm

lismore7 wrote: »

Herself headed off yesterday to a bike shop that had a 44cm road bike in stock and it's definately a 44cm bike that's her size...thank god!!

Now that we have the size established, we now have to find a bike.
The bike she tried was heavy for her and....(ladies amongst you might understand this, cause I don't ???) it wasn't the right colour!!!!:mad:
She then tried another 44cm bike Cannondale and full carbon (ouch!!)...and sadly loved it BUT....it was already sold and after checking with the bike wholesaler in Dublin, last 1 went out only hours earlier :mad::mad::mad:
Now all we can do is wait until new season bikes come in, as she now wants a Cannondale same as the one in the shop...
Oh dear.... I feel my credit card hurting....
Will still keep looking around, as there must be a 44 sitting in the back of some bike shop, somewhere around this island

Oh boohoo your wife wants an expensive road bike. My wife wouldn't even notice if I changed bikes unless the colour was noticeably different.

A similarly spatially efficient friend got a Triban with 650c wheels in Decathlon. Tubes and tyres are a mare!

ford2600 · 08-08-2014 4:52pm

Have hired super six and synapse (both carbon) and caad10 (aluminium); all made by cannondale. Really lovely bikes.

Which model has she fallen for?

macnab · 08-08-2014 5:39pm

I bought an xxs Ridley Icarus SLS 1006A Frameset 2012 from CRC recently, I am very pleased with the frame. I bought it to build a bike for my wife who is 5'3" but I have ended up using it as a commuter (im 5'5") The frameset cost me €346 I think.
It weighs 8kg rolling or 9.25kg with pedals, lights, tools, pump etc.

lismore7 · 12-08-2014 1:27am

ford2600 wrote: »

Have hired super six and synapse (both carbon) and caad10 (aluminium); all made by cannondale. Really lovely bikes.

Which model has she fallen for?

Unfortunately I wasn't with her (was out climbing the commeraghs!!) and she didn't make a note of the model... Doh!!
So we're none the wiser... but it was 44cm and a perfect size and very light which she loved.
Think it was around €899... not what I had in mind for her 1st road bike
Mine was a 2nd hand aliminium Trek!

lennymc · 12-08-2014 1:30pm

saw on facebook that the giant shop on long mile road have an ex demo size 43 bike for sale for 400 quid. (no affiliation to the giant store)

lismore7 · 12-08-2014 2:09pm

lennymc wrote: »

saw on facebook that the giant shop on long mile road have an ex demo size 43 bike for sale for 400 quid. (no affiliation to the giant store)

Couldn't find it on FB.
Do you have a link?

Kinet1c · 12-08-2014 2:11pm

lismore7 wrote: »

Couldn't find it on FB.
Do you have a link?

http://www.giant-dublin.ie/en-GB/contact/

lismore7 · 12-08-2014 2:19pm

Kinet1c wrote: »

http://www.giant-dublin.ie/en-GB/contact/

Done thanks!
Dropped them an email...

lennymc · 12-08-2014 2:20pm

lismore7 wrote: »

Couldn't find it on FB.
Do you have a link?

this is the bike - i'd say give them a ring in the shop might be the best bet. Ask for Gareth.

lismore7 · 13-08-2014 1:35am

lennymc wrote: »

this is the bike - i'd say give them a ring in the shop might be the best bet. Ask for Gareth.

Gave them a ring but Gareth is on hols for a few weeks.
Anyway I spoke to a guy called Derek, who was quite helpful.
Bike size is XS and sadly maybe just a tad too high.
She's looking for an XXS or 44cm and as we're over 2 hours down the road, it's not easy to pop up and try it before deciding.
She tried out a couple of other XS bikes and they were a small bit large fitting, so she needs an XXS

kfod · 17-08-2014 8:55pm

saw this, thought of you

http://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/giant-defy-3-xs-frame/7501543

no connection etc etc.

cunavalos · 17-08-2014 10:10pm

lismore7 wrote: »

Unfortunately I wasn't with her (was out climbing the commeraghs!!) and she didn't make a note of the model... Doh!!
So we're none the wiser... but it was 44cm and a perfect size and very light which she loved.
Think it was around €899... not what I had in mind for her 1st road bike
Mine was a 2nd hand aliminium Trek!

I dont think it is possible to get a 2014 full carbon cannondale in ireland for €899. At a guess i reckon she tried the synapse 7 sora. Is this it

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=68877

If you know the size and model you can try the uk online retailers for some remaining 2014 stock. It is such a niche market and rare size you would be very fortunate Otherwise you will have to wait until the 2015 models arrive and hope she likes the new paint jobs.

One other possibility is the synapse 8 claris which is the lower spec entry model

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=68883

It is also worth pointing out that if it is indeed one of the above the geometry of the synapse range is slightly different to the caad 10 and supersix geometry.

I had a quick look on the websites of the major cannondale dealers in the uk and can only find the synapse 8 available in size 44
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/cannondale-synapse-al-claris-fem-ladies-road-bike-2015-p257997

Even the larger german retailers do not have a 44cm in stock for these two models
http://www.biker-boarder.de/shopware/shopware.php/attr_geschlecht,Women/sViewport,slrcat/sPerPage,40/sSlug,cannondale-rennraeder-crosser/sCategory,995/sCoreId,rht8ueq9quu9h8197v1a1in6l5

Found the 2015 synapses listed here so you can see the colour changes.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/cannondale-ladies-road-bikes

lismore7 · 19-08-2014 1:05am

Wow cunavalos...you have done some digging for me.
For that I'm extremely grateful !!
She can't remember the models she tried and I wasn't with her...

Yes, the size of bike she's looking for is made by very few companies...
According to 4 different LBS's she's been to, she is a size XXS and seems only Giant and Cannondale (maybe Specialized) do such small sizes and on top of that, they only make just a few due to the rare small size.
After checking in with these 4 LBSs they all rang their suppliers and all came back the same....all 2014 models in XXS are sold out...
So looks like we must wait till the new 2015 models come out in October.
Unless we find one 2nd hand (many thanks "kfod") but sadly we've only come across XS and not XXS.
To add to the extremely limited sizing...she wants a carbon, as the only 1 she liked (which was sold) was carbon and as a result extremely light and therefore easy for her to handle...as she's a slip of a thing !!

rainbow kirby · 19-08-2014 7:38am

Evans Cycles have some Specialized carbon bikes in a 44 in stock at the moment if you're willing to order from the UK...

nak · 19-08-2014 9:51am

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Evans Cycles have some Specialized carbon bikes in a 44 in stock at the moment if you're willing to order from the UK...

This is a great bike, very popular with women of all sizes: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/amira-c2-2014-womens-road-bike-ec053028

My size was sold out earlier in the year, so went with the Tarmac (very little difference between the 2). Shops here may be able to order one in. Ribble is an option for cheaper carbon if you're happy to order online, was very happy with my Sportive.

claregirl! · 19-08-2014 2:29pm

I’m 5 foot 1, and had huge problems finding a 44cm bike to test. I finally got to test one in Marrey Bikes in Ballinrobe they had a 44cm Lapierre Audacio which I tested out and bought the 44cm Sensium 200 (carbon).

I’ve since had to get a shorter stem ideally I would like the top tube to be a little shorter I think some of the Specialized bikes have shorter top tubes.

Women’s bikes can have absolutely awful paint jobs, trek were very fond of flowers for a while and pink is very common too! Mind you I did end up having to buy a pink and white bike, at the time I wasn’t too impressed but I quite like it now. Next year’s Sensium model has a nice paint job sorry can't post the URL.

I wish her good luck in her search.

lismore7 · 19-08-2014 10:15pm

claregirl! wrote: »

I’m 5 foot 1, and had huge problems finding a 44cm bike to test. I finally got to test one in Marrey Bikes in Ballinrobe they had a 44cm Lapierre Audacio which I tested out and bought the 44cm Sensium 200 (carbon).

I’ve since had to get a shorter stem ideally I would like the top tube to be a little shorter I think some of the Specialized bikes have shorter top tubes.

Women’s bikes can have absolutely awful paint jobs, trek were very fond of flowers for a while and pink is very common too! Mind you I did end up having to buy a pink and white bike, at the time I wasn’t too impressed but I quite like it now. Next year’s Sensium model has a nice paint job sorry can't post the URL.

I wish her good luck in her search.

I'm only guessing here, but a pink bike with flowers might not be quite what she had in mind...
But thanks for the advice on the Sensium, will check it out...

Qualitymark · 20-08-2014 8:27am

I'm five feet tall and would ideally like a 49cm (19") frame, though I've been riding a 20" for years. Best I've found are in Holland, where women's bikes are built to suit women's shape, rather than being cut-down versions of men's bikes. It might be worth a quick weekend in Amsterdam.
If I had my druthers:
http://www.gazellebikes.com/collection-bikes/city-bicycles/sporty/2014/chamonix-excellent#advantages

_Brian · 20-08-2014 8:32am

My wife got hers in the Cycle shop in Virginia Co Cavan. He has no problems getting an XXS frame for her.
They provide a great service.

Cyclize

http://www.cyclize.ie

lismore7 · 30-08-2014 8:55pm

Success at last!!
Got a call from our LBS last night...fair doos...they had located a Giant Avail 3 (end of season stock) in XXS
Result!!
I took wifeey down today to LBS, she tried it and Bingo! size perfect (and colour!!) She's finally got her first bike!
After months of calling rounds LBS's, Boardsie's help and trawling the internet, our olocal LBS managed to track 1 down from God knows where..

Now my other half is a cycle widow no longer...
However...I feel my wallet may get lighter as her interets grows :eek:

Told her to get her arse in gear now and start training for the "Ring of Kerry" event next year 0 - 180k in 10 months??

Looking for an XXS bike?

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