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Katie Melena
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 29th, 2007 |
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Posted: Mon Nov 12th, 2007 04:48 am |
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I am new to racing of cyclocross, but have been riding my 'franken-cross' bike for years in the Santa Cruz mountains. Now that I am getting into the racing side of things, I am looking to upgrade from my steel reynolds 531 80's trek road bike that had been fitted with canti brake bosses, a cross fork, and nobbies.
Basically, I want something lighter and competition ready. After searching around on the internet, I have come to the conclusion that women's specific cross bikes are not to be found unless custom. Can any racers out there recommend a frame that they have enjoyed? Carbon or aluminum is most likely what I will end up riding.
I am 5'9".
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natasha
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| Joined: | Sat May 19th, 2007 |
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Posted: Mon Nov 12th, 2007 03:47 pm |
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Hi Katie,
How exciting to be getting a new CX bike!!! I think you will notice a huge difference. As for what kind of bike to get - I had started w/ a custom frame made by my friend John Caletti at Cloudnine (he's here in SC). It's a steel bike and a great ride, but then I got a Jake the Snake (Kona) which is aluminum and I have to say that they make a really, really nice CX bike. One noticeable difference b/t the Kona and my custom bike is that the Kona is easier to shoulder due to the shape of the top tube. It slightly flattens out where you have it on your shoulder and I find it super comfy.
As for a women's specific bike - I don't think this will be an issue. I am a shortie (5'4") and my Kona/size 47 fits perfectly. If your current 'franken-cross' bike is a good fit - just get your new zippy CX bike w/ the same specs. Last but not least - I haven't done a ton of research, but the Kona also seems well priced and is race ready.
Hope this helps...and have fun shopping
Natasha
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natasha
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Posted: Mon Nov 12th, 2007 03:48 pm |
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oops...I meant to include the link to the Jake the Snake:
http://www.konaworld.com/08_jakethesnake_w.htm
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melody chase
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| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Plymouth, NH, USA |
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Posted: Tue Nov 13th, 2007 11:41 pm |
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Hey Katie,
I totally agree with what Natasha had recommended,….I love my Kona Jake the Snake! I started racing on an old frankin-bike myself before the Kona.
Not sure what your plans are for components, but to add to your shopping list depending on what conditions you race/ride in they can be as important as a well fitting comfortable ride. I Race mostly in New England where conditions can get nasty, so having petals that clear mud/sand well and breaks that work in all types of conditions are important to me. I found that the crankbrothers; Candies and egg beaters work well for fast mounts and dismounts, they don’t collect the sand, and the Avid Six breaks have great breaking power.
Happy shopping and best of luck!
~melody
http://www.crankbrothers.com/candy.php
http://www.sram.com/en/avid/rimbrakes/index.php#
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