I don't think a custom bike for someone just starting out is the way to go- unless they need it, can afford it, and/ or want it. My wife is 5'3'' and has two Bianchis-- both steel. The first is a 49cm Volpe (touring-ish bike) and a 47cm Veloce (road bike). They both have 700 wheels. The 47 is prob a little small in my opinion and the tc overlap is scary. The Volpe is prob a little big-- or as big as she could ride safely. She likes the Volpe much better for fit, comfort. We have put slicks on it (it came with 32s) and it rides great. It does have canti's. I am pretty sure it is still avail and is about $850 complete with a pretty good spec.
I dont think I would ever recommend a 47cm bike to any new cyclist if it had 700s. I am a little unsure how Bianchi could have even thought it was a safe/ responsible product. For all hassle it might be, I would go 650c for a road bike that size--even knowing the limited tire selection. A few newbie friends have ridden it and almost crashed after hitting the front tire. The overlap is not as bad on the Volpe. Without knowing everything that is out there right now, I would look at the Surly Pacer, Soma, BIanchi, Lemond (left over), Gunnar, Terry. You may be able to find a great deal on a frame and buy a build kit on special and keep in under $1000. I have seen great deals on 650c 105 build kits at a few places, including Ebay. As an added bonus, they would get to build their own bike. Cheers! cm --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
