WTD: sports/road bike for starter cyclist

Breezin · 02-12-2022 04:24PM #1

My wife is planning to take up sports touring and is looking for a suitable machine. I restored a vintage bike for her, but while the saddle is low enough the stretch to the brakes on the drop handlebars is too far: she's 5' 2".

Any ideas/offers welcome. Must be in perfect or near perfect nick.

2011abc · 02-12-2022 05:41PM

What size frame did you buy ? Get an ultra short stem or even ‘riser’ / adjustable one?

Breezin · 03-12-2022 06:08PM

Not sure of the frame size, since I have the bike for three decades, but it's more suited to my size than hers.

The height itself actually isn't the issue: it's the reach to the brake levers, which I hadn't considered. She can't brake without a massiv stretch, so it's not safe.

zindicato · 03-12-2022 07:25PM

What's the price range you've got in mind?

Breezin · 05-12-2022 08:28PM

I'd say €500 or so max, as it's really a tryout.

iwillhtfu · 06-12-2022 12:58PM

Not a bad little bike there for the money. The rest of your budget could tidy it up a bit or a bit more you'd probably upgrade the shifters and mechs

https://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/scott-speedster-50/27749963

iwillhtfu · 06-12-2022 01:00PM

or smaller again and what looks like little use

https://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/trek-domane-bike/26121016

wheelo01 · 06-12-2022 11:33PM

There was one here a while ago, you could enquire is it still available, and a very good price too (read last post for reduced price)

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058258750/ridley-yana-womens-road-bike-largely-unused-150km#latest

Breezin · 07-12-2022 10:01AM

Thanks guys... these are just the kind of suggestions I was looking for... help to get a feel for the options.

Will take a look at those listing.

8valve · 08-12-2022 12:03PM

I've a 49cm Carrera Virtuoso that needs a bit of tlc. Ideal starter bike.

It was passed on to me to rehome.

I probably have tyres, brake pads, cables etc to get it back on the road, if you want to recommission it yourself?

BB and headset bearings feel fine but I'd say she needs a chain and cassette; she's 2x8.

A bit of soap and water and an overhaul would have it perfectly usable again.

Yours for the cost of the diesel to get it to you. :-)

I'm in Co Waterford.

Breezin · 09-12-2022 03:50PM

Thanks! That's incredibly decent of you 8valve!

I'll definitely give that a go... looks to be the right size.

When will you be around Dublin next? Or if you prefer I could do the travelling.I'd imagine it'd just about fit in the back of a mini clubman...

8valve · 09-12-2022 09:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119975792#Comment_119975792

No bother at all. PM me and we'll organise something.

Someones selling a nice clean set of mavic aksiums on here for 125; they'd be a nice upgrade for the refurb of this yoke.

Breezin · 10-12-2022 12:22PM

PM sent 👍️

Breezin · 12-01-2023 10:22AM

Big thanks to 8valve for this bike, which my better half is delighted with!

Back on the road with a new freewheel and 'new' wheels from sy_flembeck. Everything else working perfectly. Chain wear was negligible -- just cleaned up, and cables are fine. I will admit I got a mechanic to fine-tune the gear shifts, as I was going around in circles, especially with the chain wheel adjustment.

Yes, I know the angle of the levers is odd, but that's the way she likes it.

It'll serve as a first entry tryout to road cycling. Knowing her competitive streak, there'll be an upgrade on the cards...

8valve · 12-01-2023 08:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120097628#Comment_120097628

nicely done; great to see another bike saved and back on the road!

sy_flembeck · 12-01-2023 11:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120097628#Comment_120097628

Glad it all worked out for you both. Well wear

WTD: sports/road bike for starter cyclist

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