Recent comments

Pjay's comment just being typical...

Because out of several hundred riders who may be riding a sportive there will be a small number of wanky riders who feel they are protecting some code that signifies only them to be proper riders. Last year I did a major sportive where because my summer bike was being repaired I rode a bike with mudguards. I got a number of snarky comments for doing so.

It is all part of a crappy culture where it is 'knowing' and 'cool' to quote 'the rules' and dismiss 'newbies' . Thankfully it becoming more rare but you will still see evidence amongst some dullards who comment on cycling websites.

Just ride what you want ,wearing what you want . The only rule should be 'just ride'

Crap day today, completely meesed up the stage and ended up with 133. Very poor.

Thats ok then, 1 change for me then I think

i'm glad to hear that. With the cricket on sky and a Giro cancellation i would have been completely lost tomorrow.

Is it still updating? I haven't gotten any badges for it, Scored 182 and got a 1,2,3

As SD says, I would suggest you visit some retailers. Go with the one that listens and doesn't patronise as well as stocking appropriate bikes. These may be few and far between, but Giant Avail and Specialized Dolce are excellent and make small enough frames for someone your height. Cannondale, Trek and Boardman do Women-specific models
http://www.boardmanbikes.com
http://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en/collections/womens/road
http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/#bikes_women-s

There is very little different on women's models apart from the colour, the saddle and, in some cases, more shallow handlebars. If you decide on a unsex/men's bike you needn't feel it's inappropriate.

The price will be mainly down to the gearing you choose - the more gears on the cassette at the back the higher the cost. There's nothing wrong with 8 or 9 speed systems so don't assume they are necessarily inferior.

If you consider secondhand then the Giant SCR size XS (predecessor to the Avail) should fit you and is a great bike.

false hopes and broken promises, this boy isn't going to be a worthy champion imo.

Hi, from a female rider.

If you're 5ft1, you'll probably be wanting a female specific frame. To be honest, it's not necessary to have one (I don't and don't ever plan on getting one - I'm 5ft7), but women's frames do come in smaller sizes and that means you can hopefully test one (you almost certainly won't be finding 47 or 49cm unisex/male road bikes as test models in your local shop), although they should be available to buy.

A female specific bike will also have narrower bars and a female specific saddle, so possibly better value if they work for you. A good fit is very important.

What do you want to use the bike for?

Hi,
Firstly it is what you feel comfy on, not for other to decide for you. The local LBS maybe male dominate, try an find a female road cyclist with knowledge in the LBS, she probly would be more help full.
If I was female and in your shoes, I would be looking at the following choses ( Please note this are just an opinion on choses) :
1. Specialized Dolce
2. Forme longcliffe 3 fe 2013
3. Scott Contessa Speedster 35
4. Jamis Ventura Race Femme
5. Bianchi VIA Nirone 7 Dama

The 13 million miles is based on the hundreds of thousands who have done the scheme to date. (I read the appendix to the report)

And also that McQuaid is a liar (racing under a false name) and a man of low morals (racing in apartheid S.A)