On May 31, 8:01 am, Rosie Browne <
[email protected]> wrote:
> On May 30, 10:53 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>
> > "Rosie Browne" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> >news:a2fd8415-0fb6-41d3-9552-6f4a08b88b61@z66g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> > |I am doing a bike across the US for the American Lung Association
> > | starting June 23. I need a touring bike, as the bike I had ordered
> > | for the trip will not be ready. Please let me know if you know of a
> > | dealer that might have this type of bike in their inventory. I will
> > | pay shipping charges. You can reach me at [email protected].
> > |
> > | Thanks for your assistance,
> > | Rosie Browne
>
> > Rosie: Where do you live that you're having so much trouble finding sucha
> > bike?
>
> > --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycleswww.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>
> I live in Milwaukee, WI. I wanted to order a Trek 520 but Trek will
> not be ready with that bike until September. So I am looking for
> something ready to buy right now. Since I need a small frame, it's
> tough to find a touring bike. Rosie
There's always the option of turning a hybrid into a touring bike with
new bars, bar-end shifters, and brake levers. A lot of hybrids come in
sizes down to around 45cm or 17-18".
Many Nitto bars have the right 25.4 diameter to fit the existing stem
and Tektro levers will work with vee brakes. However, problem is that
the top tube on many hybrids is a bit long and might be awkward for a
proper woman's fit. For example, a Kona Dew hybrid 45cm has a 52cm top
tube. If you don't have long legs, it's only about $150 worth of
parts to cobble together--and not a bad option at all, but if you're a
classic woman shape, not the best idea.