More comfortable road bike

The sloping top tube and horizontal bars will give a more
upright position. Other bikes with similar frames and drop
bars can also give a similar position by adjusting seat
height and stem length/height. If her current bike has a
long top tube and/or stem, adjusting that total length will
help her. If possible, put her on as many bikes as possible.
Many shops will work with stems and saddles to adjust
comfort and fit.

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding

position.

Quoted message said:

I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but am wondering if
there are any other choices. She is looking for the speed
of a roadie

but

Quoted message said:

with a more upright riding position.

thanks in adavance

--
Brian P

Remove "nospam" from email address to respond directly

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Brian P
My wife is looking for a road bike with a more comfortable
riding position. I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but
am wondering if there are any other choices. She is
looking for the speed of a roadie but with a more upright
riding position.

thanks in adavance

--
Brian P

Remove "nospam" from email address to respond directly

My wife rides a Terry bike and loves it. It's reliable and nicely appointed for the money. The Symmetry model costs around 900 and has a quill stem. The quill stem allows for lots of upwards adjustment of the bars. While there is nothing wrong with clamp on stems as used with threadless headsets, manufacturers usually cut the steerer tube too short to allow for much more than 10mm of upward handlebar adjustment. Quill stems are available with as much as 200mm or so upward adjustment. I think the stem that comes on the Terry will have enough adjustment range to suit, but if not, there are nice looking options.

Good luck
Steve Shapiro

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more comfortable
riding position. I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but
am wondering if there are any other choices. She is
looking for the speed of a roadie but with a more upright
riding position.

Most speed comes from aerodynamics, so an upright riding
position cannot be as fast as a road racing bike. If she is
having trouble bending her waist, maybe she can move her
saddle and handlebars both forward a little.

Brian P said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more comfortable
riding position. I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but
am wondering if there are any other choices. She is
looking for the speed of a roadie but with a more upright
riding position.

If that's the concern, the primary thing she should look for
is a short top tube.

See: sheldonbrown.compainOpen ↗

and: sheldonbrown.comframe sizingOpen ↗

and: sheldonbrown.comhandsupOpen ↗

Sheldon "Knows How She Feels" Brown +-------------------------------------------------
+
| Imagination is more important than knowledge. | --Albert
| Einstein |
+-------------------------------------------------+ Harris
Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts Phone 617-244-9772 FAX
617-244-1041 harriscyclery.comharriscyclery.comOpen ↗ Hard-to-find parts
shipped Worldwide captainbike.comcaptainbike.comOpen ↗
sheldonbrown.comsheldonbrown.comOpen ↗

"Ken" wrote

Quoted message said:

Most speed comes from aerodynamics

I suppose it matters what the OP's wife defines as speed...
If she want's to ride in a pack with an average speed in the
mid 20s and make the occasional break/bridge then she
probably needs to consider the aero consequences of a higher
handlebar. If, like a whole lot of people who don't actually
race, she wants to ride at average speeds in the mid to
upper teens and maybe even low 20s on a nice light
responsive but comfortable bike, then getting the bars up
and back will serve her well. Dimension makes a nice,
affordable (~$23) 40degree rise threadless road stem that
could help, if the bike uses a threadless headset.

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding

position.

Quoted message said:

I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but am wondering if
there are any other choices. She is looking for the speed
of a roadie

but

Quoted message said:

with a more upright riding position.

thanks in adavance

There are quite a bit bike companies now making "comfort"
bikes, which typically feature a shorter top-tube and taller
handlebar position relative to a standard road bike. She
might also benefit from a "WSD" (women's specific design)
bike, such as TREK (and others) offer. These also have a
shorter top tube for a given size, but without adding things
like suspension seat posts & other heavier equipment.

Above all, she needs to find a shop that understands her
needs. Often a conventional road bike can, with a few
modifications (typically a higher and shorter forward-reach
stem) accomplish what's needed. It's not rocket science; if
you find you cannot connect with the salesperson, go
elsewhere. It's not about how the salesperson thinks she
ought to be riding, it's how *she* would like to ride.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

Ken <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:7YKdnRZ1A-
[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding position. I have seen the Specialized
Sirrus, but am wondering if there are any other choices.
She is looking for the speed of a roadie but with a more
upright riding position.

Most speed comes from aerodynamics, so an upright riding
position cannot be as fast as a road racing bike. If she
is having trouble bending her waist, maybe she can move
her saddle and handlebars both forward a little.

This is true to a point. If your wife, or anyone else, is
not comfortable, it really doesn't matter how "aero" they
are as they won't be able to ride as fast as they can.
First, you should find a good shop in your area that knows
how to do a fitting. If she's uncomfortable now with her
current setup, she may want look first at RAISING the
handlebars, not moving them forward. An experience fitter
will know what to do.

For more on fitting, here's some reading material:

Peter White Cycle's how to fit a bicycle:
peterwhitecycles.comfitting.htmOpen ↗

Sheldon Brown's fitting articles:
sheldonbrown.comframesOpen ↗

Rivendell on fitting: comfort by design
rivendellbicycles.combikes riv6.htmlOpen ↗

frame sizing
rivendellbicycles.combikes framesize.htmlOpen ↗

a better way to sit
rivendellbicycles.combikes riv5.htmlOpen ↗

comfortable position, one way to get it
rivendellbicycles.comrr comfposition.htmlOpen ↗

raise that stem
rivendellbicycles.comrr raisestem.htmlOpen ↗

Ken <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:7YKdnRZ1A-
[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding position. I have seen the Specialized
Sirrus, but am wondering if there are any other choices.
She is looking for the speed of a roadie but with a more
upright riding position.

Most speed comes from aerodynamics, so an upright riding
position cannot be as fast as a road racing bike. If she
is having trouble bending her waist, maybe she can move
her saddle and handlebars both forward a little.

road bike != racing bike. Speed is relative, and in this
context I take speed to mean faster than a mountain bike.
Comfort, from the OP, seems to be the primary criteria. For
most people that means more upright; racers ignore comfort
to a degree to get speed, but again speed is relative.

Too many variables for anyone to recommend any particular
bike. If more upright is desirable, he should get the wife
measured and look for a frame that has a properly
proportioned top tube and and that gets the head tube up a
bit higher. Then make the minor adjustments to fit for
comfort using steerer length, stem length, and stem rise.
Avoid any shop that automatically cuts the steerer down so
small that you cannot get some adjustment by manipulating
spacer and stem position on the steerer.

Nothing wrong with upright, unless you are actually racing.

- rick

Wrong! The speed of a roadie comes from the tires.
Aeordynamics does not come into play much below rodie speed.

Tell your wife that what she wants are slick tires which
say "inflate to 120 PSI" on the side. This probably
means getting a bike with road wheels - a roadbike or a
cross bike.

If she already has a mtn bike, then before spending the $$$
try some specialized fatboy tires. These are slicks which
can be inflated to 100 psi - not as good, but you'll get the
feel. Do NOT bother with anything less - pass on the 85 PSI
tires and the 65 PSI tires even though they look just as
good and even though the bike shop staff will assure you
that they are plenty hard when pumped up and just as good.
You will not get the same experience from them.

Doug

Ken <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:7YKdnRZ1A-
[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding position. I have seen the Specialized
Sirrus, but am wondering if there are any other choices.
She is looking for the speed of a roadie but with a more
upright riding position.

Most speed comes from aerodynamics, so an upright riding
position cannot be as fast as a road racing bike. If she
is having trouble bending her waist, maybe she can move
her saddle and handlebars both forward a little.

Almost everyone here has been very helpful. I should have
added some detail before posting. What she specifically
wanted was a road bike that was comfortable to ride.
Mountain, comfort or hybrid were all discussed and
eliminated. She does not want to race, just keep up with me
on rides, say 15-20 mph or so. Nothing faster for her. So we
bought a Klein Aura X for her from a friend who was selling
it used. 52cm size seemed to be a nice fit. Her postion
seemed perfect once we got it set up. What she did not tell
me is that she hates drop handlebars and feels very
uncomfortable in that forward position (would have been good
to know before..). I think she just fell in love with the
bike and was aprehensive about raising an objection. The
first test ride was a disaster, she just hates the drops.
She just assumed we could change the handlebars and did not
realize the expense it would take to make a switch.

I think I have convinced her to at least give the bike
another try with some repositioning. It currently has a 80mm
stem with 7 degree rise. I think if I can switch the stem to
maybe a 30 or 40 degree rise and maybe scoot the sti shifter
an inch higher on the bars, that may make a big difference.

It is either that or look into the Terry line or maybe the
Specialized.

Sheldon, thanks for the links. Once again you come through
with good material in the clutch! And thanks to everyone
else as well.

Keep the suggestions coming in case there is something I am
not thinking of. "Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email hidden]>
wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding

position.

Quoted message said:

I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but am wondering if
there are any other choices. She is looking for the
speed of a roadie

but

Quoted message said:

with a more upright riding position.

thanks in adavance

There are quite a bit bike companies now making "comfort"
bikes, which typically feature a shorter top-tube and
taller handlebar position

relative

Quoted message said:

to a standard road bike. She might also benefit from a
"WSD" (women's specific design) bike, such as TREK (and
others) offer. These also have a shorter top tube for a
given size, but without adding things like

suspension

Quoted message said:

seat posts & other heavier equipment.

Above all, she needs to find a shop that understands her
needs. Often a conventional road bike can, with a few
modifications (typically a higher

and

Quoted message said:

shorter forward-reach stem) accomplish what's needed. It's
not rocket science; if you find you cannot connect with
the salesperson, go

elsewhere.

Quoted message said:

It's not about how the salesperson thinks she ought to be
riding, it's how *she* would like to ride.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

The Klein Aura series (and Kleins in general) have
relatively long top tubes for their height; however, there
are stems that have very short forward reaches and steep
upward angles, as it sounds like you've found. You can also
shorten the reach with a handlebar that has less forward
reach. The stock bar isn't bad, but there are some that
might be another cm shorter, and every little bit counts.

You do have the option of upright bars though, and it's not
*that* expensive, especially since you might be able to sell
the original shifters for a bit of money.

The brake levers you'd need are the Shimano R440s (QBP part#
BR4855) at about $20/pair. For shifters, also the R440
series (QBP part# LD4400, about $75) along with a new front
derailleur, (R440 series, of course!), QBP part# RD4430 for
your Klein, about $28). Add the cost of a handlebar for
around $20 and a stem for perhaps $20-35. All total about
$150-175 for the parts, and if this gives your wife a bike
she'd enjoy riding, it's worthwhile.

BUT... you still might have her ride a 51cm TREK "WSD"
model and see how that feels. If it allows her to
comfortably use the STI levers, that might be the better
way to go. Do *not* worry about her ever being comfortable
in the drops though. Modern STI shifter/brake levers are
designed to give all the stopping power you need from on
top of the hoods. There is little reason, aside from
aerodynamics (riding into a stiff headwind), that would
cause her to want to make use of the drops.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Almost everyone here has been very helpful. I should have
added some

detail

Quoted message said:

before posting. What she specifically wanted was a road
bike that was comfortable to ride. Mountain, comfort or
hybrid were all discussed and eliminated. She does not
want to race, just keep up with me on rides, say 15-20 mph
or so. Nothing faster for her. So we bought a Klein Aura X

for

Quoted message said:

her from a friend who was selling it used. 52cm size
seemed to be a nice fit. Her postion seemed perfect once
we got it set up. What she did not tell me is that she
hates drop handlebars and feels very uncomfortable in that
forward position (would have been good to know before..).
I think she just fell in love with the bike and was
aprehensive about raising an objection. The first test
ride was a disaster, she just hates

the

Quoted message said:

drops. She just assumed we could change the handlebars
and did not realize the expense it would take to make
a switch.

I think I have convinced her to at least give the bike
another try with

some

Quoted message said:

repositioning. It currently has a 80mm stem with 7 degree
rise. I think if I can switch

the

Quoted message said:

stem to maybe a 30 or 40 degree rise and maybe scoot the
sti shifter an inch higher on the bars, that may make a
big difference.

It is either that or look into the Terry line or maybe the
Specialized.

Sheldon, thanks for the links. Once again you come through
with good material in the clutch! And thanks to everyone
else as well.

Keep the suggestions coming in case there is something I
am not thinking

of.

Quoted message said:

"Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding

position.

Quoted message said:

I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but am wondering
if there are any other choices. She is looking for the
speed of a

roadie

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

but

Quoted message said:

with a more upright riding position.

thanks in adavance

There are quite a bit bike companies now making
"comfort" bikes, which typically feature a shorter top-
tube and taller handlebar position

relative

Quoted message said:

to a standard road bike. She might also benefit from a
"WSD" (women's specific design) bike, such as TREK (and
others) offer. These also have

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

shorter top tube for a given size, but without adding
things like

suspension

Quoted message said:

seat posts & other heavier equipment.

Above all, she needs to find a shop that understands her
needs. Often a conventional road bike can, with a few
modifications (typically a higher

and

Quoted message said:

shorter forward-reach stem) accomplish what's needed.
It's not rocket science; if you find you cannot connect
with the salesperson, go

elsewhere.

Quoted message said:

It's not about how the salesperson thinks she ought to
be riding, it's

how

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

*she* would like to ride.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

Hard to beat a recumbent for comfort and speed on level pavement. Certainly not an uprght position so it is conflict with one of her objectives, but 2/3 of her objects are there. If I go 20 miles on my road bike or cruiser, my back feels it the next day (I have no chronic back problems). Next two days with that distance on on my mountain bike. On my recumbent I can go 40 miles and my back never feels it.

Recumbents are poor choices for off-road use and slow on uphills though (but very fast downhill), so factor your rides into decisions.

Here's a couple of sites with nice recumbent buyer guides:

www.recumbents.com

www.bentrideronline.com

If the distances are under 15 miles on your rides, another option might be an electric which can help her overcome the aerodrag of an upright position and give a boost to your speed. The speed you site is proximate to slightly below top speeds on most electrics.

Try these dealers:

NYCEWheels.com
EVDeals.com
EVSolutions.net

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Almost everyone here has been very helpful. I should have
added some detail before posting. What she specifically
wanted was a road bike that was comfortable to ride.
Mountain, comfort or hybrid were all discussed and
eliminated. She does not want to race, just keep up with
me on rides, say 15-20 mph or so. Nothing faster for her.
So we bought a Klein Aura X for her from a friend who was
selling it used. 52cm size seemed to be a nice fit. Her
postion seemed perfect once we got it set up. What she did
not tell me is that she hates drop handlebars and feels
very uncomfortable in that forward position (would have
been good to know before..). I think she just fell in love
with the bike and was aprehensive about raising an
objection. The first test ride was a disaster, she just
hates the drops. She just assumed we could change the
handlebars and did not realize the expense it would take
to make a switch.

I think I have convinced her to at least give the bike
another try with some repositioning. It currently has a
80mm stem with 7 degree rise. I think if I can switch the
stem to maybe a 30 or 40 degree rise and maybe scoot the
sti shifter an inch higher on the bars, that may make a
big difference.

It is either that or look into the Terry line or maybe the
Specialized.

Sheldon, thanks for the links. Once again you come through
with good material in the clutch! And thanks to everyone
else as well.

Keep the suggestions coming in case there is something I
am not thinking of.

Hi, not really a suggestion, just wanted to reinforce the
idea that a cm or two can make a very real difference in
comfort. I had removed a 5mm spacer when I changed my stem
and bars. Well, after a few rides, I replaced the spacer, it
is the difference between being comfy and having a sore
neck. It would help to know what she doesn't like about the
bars. Does she think that she is stuck riding in the drops?
Maybe showing her how to ride on the hoods would help or how
about turning the bars upward, giving her a more flat or
tipped up, upper bar. There are a number of variations of
shape, amongst drop bars, take a look at some of the new CF
bars. Is this her first bike? For a new rider, any bike is
going to feel awkward, in the beginning. Life is Good! Jeff

I set up my new roadbike with flat bars. I can not ride
drops or use STI shifters due to an old wrist injury. The
swap can be done with moderate cost (very little if you can
sell the STI setup). I set mine up with the following: 135mm
Softride stem / flat bar with 15 degree bend (cut a little
narrower than stock) / Dia Compe PC-11 brake levers / Paul's
9 speed thumb shifters. I love the thumb shifters. Also,
since the shifters are friction front, there are no issues
with the front deraileur.

rocketman58

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Almost everyone here has been very helpful. I should have
added some detail before posting. What she specifically
wanted was a road bike that was comfortable to ride.
Mountain, comfort or hybrid were all discussed and
eliminated. She does not want to race, just keep up with
me on rides, say 15-20 mph or so. Nothing faster for her.
So we bought a Klein Aura X for her from a friend who was
selling it used. 52cm size seemed to be a nice fit. Her
postion seemed perfect once we got it set up. What she did
not tell me is that she hates drop handlebars and feels
very uncomfortable in that forward position (would have
been good to know before..). I think she just fell in love
with the bike and was aprehensive about raising an
objection. The first test ride was a disaster, she just
hates the drops. She just assumed we could change the
handlebars and did not realize the expense it would take
to make a switch.

I think I have convinced her to at least give the bike
another try with some repositioning. It currently has a
80mm stem with 7 degree rise. I think if I can switch the
stem to maybe a 30 or 40 degree rise and maybe scoot the
sti shifter an inch higher on the bars, that may make a
big difference.

It is either that or look into the Terry line or maybe the
Specialized.

Sheldon, thanks for the links. Once again you come through
with good material in the clutch! And thanks to everyone
else as well.

Keep the suggestions coming in case there is something I
am not thinking of. "Mike Jacoubowsky"
<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My wife is looking for a road bike with a more
comfortable riding

position.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have seen the Specialized Sirrus, but am wondering
if there are any other choices. She is looking for the
speed of a roadie

but

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

with a more upright riding position.

thanks in adavance

There are quite a bit bike companies now making
"comfort" bikes, which typically feature a shorter top-
tube and taller handlebar position

relative

Quoted message said:

to a standard road bike. She might also benefit from a
"WSD" (women's specific design) bike, such as TREK (and
others) offer. These also have a shorter top tube for a
given size, but without adding things like

suspension

Quoted message said:

seat posts & other heavier equipment.

Above all, she needs to find a shop that understands her
needs. Often a conventional road bike can, with a few
modifications (typically a higher

and

Quoted message said:

shorter forward-reach stem) accomplish what's needed.
It's not rocket science; if you find you cannot connect
with the salesperson, go

elsewhere.

Quoted message said:

It's not about how the salesperson thinks she ought to
be riding, it's how *she* would like to ride.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

I think that it reall comes down to the fact that she has
not been on a road bike since she was a kid and she is
scared that she wont be able to control the bike. She feels
like she is way forward and unbalanced. Personally, I think
she needs to spend some time getting used to the bike and
learning how the bike can work for her and not against her.
I am optimistic in that she is otherwise comfortable from a
physical aspect. I am leaning toward changing the stem to a
30 or 40 degree rise and moving the shifters up on the bars
an inch. If that doesn't work I may try the stem extender
for even more rise. I agree with most posters here that a cm
or two could make a huge difference. Switching my stem from
100 to 90mm makes the difference in back pain vs. pain free
on longer rides. I am hoping that the slight changes and
some work with her on the road will raise her confidence. I
just have this feeling that she will have so much more fun
on a road bike once comfortable as much of our social circle
includes roadies.

"Jeff Starr" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Brian P" <[email hidden]> wrote
in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Almost everyone here has been very helpful. I should
have added some

detail

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

before posting. What she specifically wanted was a road
bike that was comfortable to

ride.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Mountain, comfort or hybrid were all discussed and
eliminated. She does not want to race,

just

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

keep up with me on rides, say 15-20 mph or so. Nothing
faster for her. So we bought a Klein Aura X

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

her from a friend who was selling it used. 52cm size
seemed to be a nice fit. Her postion

seemed

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

perfect once we got it set up. What she did not tell me
is that she hates drop handlebars and feels

very

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

uncomfortable in that forward position (would have been
good to know before..). I think she just fell

in

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

love with the bike and was aprehensive about raising
an objection. The first test ride was a disaster, she
just hates

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

drops. She just assumed we could change the handlebars
and did not realize the expense it would take to make a
switch.

I think I have convinced her to at least give the bike
another try with

some

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

repositioning. It currently has a 80mm stem with 7
degree rise. I think if I can switch

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

stem to maybe a 30 or 40 degree rise and maybe scoot the
sti shifter an inch higher on the bars, that

may

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

make a big difference.

It is either that or look into the Terry line or maybe
the Specialized.

Sheldon, thanks for the links. Once again you come
through with good material in the clutch! And thanks to
everyone else as well.

Keep the suggestions coming in case there is something I
am not thinking

of.

Quoted message said:

Hi, not really a suggestion, just wanted to reinforce the
idea that a cm or two can make a very real difference in
comfort. I had removed a 5mm spacer when I changed my stem
and bars. Well, after a few rides, I replaced the spacer,
it is the difference between being comfy and having a sore
neck. It would help to know what she doesn't like about
the bars. Does she think that she is stuck riding in the
drops? Maybe showing her how to ride on the hoods would
help or how about turning the bars upward, giving her a
more flat or tipped up, upper bar. There are a number of
variations of shape, amongst drop bars, take a look at
some of the new CF bars. Is this her first bike? For a new
rider, any bike is going to feel awkward, in the
beginning. Life is Good! Jeff

meb <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Hard to beat a recumbent for comfort and speed on level
pavement. Certainly not an uprght position so it is
conflict with one of her objectives, but 2/3 of her
objects are there. If I go 20 miles on my road bike or
cruiser, my back feels it the next day (I have no chronic
back problems). Next two days with that distance on on my
mountain bike. On my recumbent I can go 40 miles and my
back never feels it.

Recumbents are poor choices for off-road use and slow on
uphills though (but very fast downhill), so factor your
rides into decisions.

Here's a couple of sites with nice recumbent buyer guides:

www.recumbents.com

www.bentrideronline.com

If the distances are under 15 miles on your rides, another
option might be an electric which can help her overcome
the aerodrag of an upright position and give a boost to
your speed. The speed you site is proximate to slightly
below top speeds on most electrics.

Try these dealers:

NYCEWheels.com EVDeals.com EVSolutions.net

--

I would have to second the idea of looking at a recumbent as
an option. They are not for everyone and I certainly
wouldn't argue, as some have in the past, that they are a
panacea, but like all bikes they do have their advantages
and disadvantages. Over the past two years there has been a
number of more performance oriented recumbents developed
that now use components that allow their weights to be
lower. Carbon fiber forks, carbon fiber hard shell seats and
titanium frames are resulting in bikes weighing in the area
of 22lbs, which I know is no big deal for the very average
road bike, but is still a big change in the recumbent world.
They are worth a look where comfort is a big consideration.

Pat Mc

Robert Canon said:

"Ken" wrote

Quoted message said:

Most speed comes from aerodynamics

I suppose it matters what the OP's wife defines as speed...
If she want's to ride in a pack with an average speed in
the mid 20s and make the occasional break/bridge then she
probably needs to consider the aero consequences of a
higher handlebar.

Surely, if the OP's wife can trundle along at ~25mph (ie.
the mid-twenties), she'd be a serious threat to Armstrong?

If she can do this, then her coach or team manager is better
placed to advise her on bike choice?

Vic.

Vic <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Surely, if the OP's wife can trundle along at ~25mph (ie.
the mid-twenties), she'd be a serious threat to Armstrong?

Even at 20mph, the large majority of your energy is used to
overcome air resistance. 20mph is a fairly common speed for
serious recreational riders riding. I occassionally ride
with one pace line of senior citizens who average 25mph for
a 1 hour ride (flat road with few stop lights). I don't
think any of them has ever raced (or at least not in the
last 20 years).

"Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

The Klein Aura series (and Kleins in general) have
relatively long top tubes for their height; however,
there are stems that have very short forward reaches and
steep upward angles, as it sounds like you've found. You
can also shorten the reach with a handlebar that has less
forward reach. The stock bar isn't bad, but there are
some that might be another cm shorter, and every little
bit counts.

You do have the option of upright bars though, and it's
not *that* expensive, especially since you might be able
to sell the original shifters for a bit of money.

The brake levers you'd need are the Shimano R440s (QBP
part# BR4855) at about $20/pair. For shifters, also the
R440 series (QBP part# LD4400, about $75) along with a new
front derailleur, (R440 series, of course!), QBP part#
RD4430 for your Klein, about $28). Add the cost of a
handlebar for around $20 and a stem for perhaps $20-35.
All total about $150-175 for the parts, and if this gives
your wife a bike she'd enjoy riding, it's worthwhile.

Further to the above, which is very good advice, other types
of handlebars, that are not drop bars, you and your wife may
want to look at include:

Nitto's albatross: rivendellbicycles.comhanOpen ↗
dlebars_stems_tape/16122.html

Nitto's dove bar (which is very, very similar to the
albatross above and aka as falcon and priest bars, for some
reason Riv keeps changing its name): rivendellbicycl-rivendellbicycl-Open ↗
es.com/webalog/handlebars_stems_tape/16123.html

In fact, here's a nice Rivendell bike built up with the
Nitto priest/falcon/dove bars: rivendellbicycles-rivendellbicycles-Open ↗
.com/html/membership_rivendell12.html