650c wheels bicycle (for 5'3 and under)

build 'em? or get someone to build 'em. St John street were good about keeping all kind of rims, maybe they still do?

The bike I put together for my sister, it is a 650c frame designed for a normal sized person. 52x52. Technically the TT is much too long but compromises must be made. I have ridden 56cm TT frames when my ideal is 52 so not the end of the world. Frame is amazing.

The bar may be the culprit, as the classic drop have a massive reach (usually 110-120mm) compare to the compact drop (Soma HY1 is 75mm), nearly 40mm shorter which is a lots.

I would advised changing the handlebar to the Soma, and the brake levers to the Tektro Junior levers, both combination will shorten the reach noticeably and able to brakes comfortably in the drop too.

Its cool, I knew it would be too big when I got it. Was just a bargain though, I think she can cope. Just needs a bit more bending. I will also stick on some modern compact bars at some point and maybe a cross top. No more spendy spendy though.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/classic-track-steel-650c-2012-single-speed-bike-43cm-soiled--ec057161#features

£200 for a new tiny Fuji track with a couple of scratches that you'd get within a week of locking up anyway.
43cm 650c bargainz.

Spotted while bumbling around Evans site, thought it might be of use to someone on herex

Good price, make a great beater.

^^ Holy crap - awesome bargain for someone!

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/classic-track-steel-650c-2012-single-speed-bike-43cm-soiled--ec057161#features

£200 for a new tiny Fuji track with a couple of scratches that you'd get within a week of locking up anyway.
43cm 650c bargainz.

Spotted while bumbling around Evans site, thought it might be of use to someone on herex

Thank you so much. It is a long story but I am now the proud owner.

Could hardly see any scratches - probably got scratched more in the car on the way home.

Excellent news!

Great start, be sure to get it checked again as the cranks tend not to be tightened properly to the BB.

Will do.

Any advice as to whether I can put a basket or rack on it...? I always have problems wearing a rucksack.

You'll need a rack that mount on the axle, like the tubus.

As for basket, that's not a problem as the majority can be mounted on axle, like the WALD.

Where there's a will there's a way!

Would you rather a rack or a basket?

I would prefer a basket.

Sorry, I've completely forgetting you got narrow drop bar on the Fuji, which basket might struggle (Wald 139 is 45cm wide).

If you're happy with a flat/riser, the Wald 139 from Kinoko is £27;

You could grab this and some risers for nipping about town on.

http://www.kinokocycles.com/brands/wald/wald-front-basket-139.html

Gosh Ed keeps beating me to it today.

I've repped you both, thanks.
Will think about it. If a rack is easier, then I'll consider that, just a bit worried about having lots of extra weight on the back if I'm riding fixed.

The difference can be resolved by buying a bigger cog to compensate if you're that concern, when I was touring on fixed, 20t cog felt more like a 19t when laden.

Speaking of gearing, can you read what chainring size on the Fuji is? website kept saying 25t which is stupidly small.

edit - could be 46/15, if it is, would recommend a 17t to have a comfortable ratio.

Looks about 46t.

Edit: Once again beaten to it.

Indra you're too fucking slow.

Here the description says 46t.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/classic-track-650-kids-bike-ec024678

10% to £540.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/col-du-glandon-2014-kids-road-bike-ec055505

I've got the exact same bike, about a 2006 version though I think. It came with 48/16, I put an 18T on there for riding around town and through Richmond Park.

My rack is one that mounts on the seatpost, wouldn't carry a big load but I've got a pannier bag on it for errands, etc.