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  • I thought I'd log my experience(s) of testing road bikes for the 'diminutive' person. I currently have a hybrid (Specialized Vita Elite - small) but want to move on to roadbikes, then maybe fg/ss subject to lots of research on knees as mine are starting to creak.

    Anyway, today I had a short ride on a Trek WSD 1.2, size 47cm.

    First, flat pedals and I no longer get on. My feet felt way too insecure so I had to go slowly. I felt a little stretched out, with pressure on my wrists and had problems braking as they are too big for my hands. Also had pressure on my neck but I'm guessing that's to do with the body position and/or adjusting the seat/raising the stem.

    When I went back to the shop, I explained all this. Hoping the shop staff would suggest putting short reach levers on for another ride, even if he had to order them in. Not a chance, but he did move the seat forward and suggested a shorter stem then agreed that the handlebars were too big for me. I've got a bike fit there on Monday so I'll see what measurements they come up with. I'd suggested testing the 1.2 43cm but they all seem to think it would be too small. I'm thinking it would at least lower the level I have to raise my leg when hoisting myself on/off the bike :-).

    I'm still going to raise it and if they disagree I'll try another shop. They might be right, but I need to find that out for myself. I still feel I'd be more comfortable on a bike with 650c wheels but I'm happy to be proven wrong rather than being told I'm wrong by men who have no idea what it's like to be 4'11.

    I'll report back when I've tried the Decathlon Sport 1 and the Trek 1.2 43cm. Hope this is of use to someone.

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