I'm trying to solve a bike fit problem for my wife. We are both in our 60's
and in pretty good shape. She is about 5'0" with inseam about 26". We are
both in our 60's and in pretty good shape. I've been riding seriously for
20
years while she has little cycling experience. We would ride together on
local paved trails.
She shopped for a recreational bike a few years ago. Several LBS's told
her
the only answer was a women's frame. She was told that a men's bike in her
size would have to have very small wheels and therefore would be very
slow.
(I'm pretty skeptical about this analysis.) All of them recommended a
women's hybrid, and she bought a TREK 7200. This bike seems to be very
heavy--about 36#. I'd like to get a lighter road bike for her so that she
might find more enjoyment in biking.
I just finished Ride the Rockies and observed numerous short women on
men's
road frames. One was on a Terry bike with small front wheel. Another was
on
a TREK bike that appeared to have wheels smaller than 700c. She was faster
than I.
I would appreciate your insight on how a smaller wheel might or might not
be
slower than a larger one. The more technical your response, the more
helpful. In addition I would like recommendations for size, frame and
wheel
features and brands/models.
Thanks for your advice.
