Trek Lexa SLX XS (43 cm) Road Bike Accessories

Trek Lexa SLX XS (43 cm) in Satin Crystal Pearl White/Sparkling Silver/Platinum

The Green Girl loves her Trek Lexa SLX XS (43 cm) road bike.

Since I purchased Lexa, I've received a number of inquiries from fellow shorties regarding the XS (43 cm) model.

For the record, I am an exactly 4'10.5" tall Green Girl with an approximately 27" inseam. The biggest obstacle for me was to find a bike with a low enough standover for me to actually stand over it.

The 2012 Lexa didn't come in the 43 cm size but according to Trek, the 2013 will include a 43 cm.

The Green Girl and Lexa at the End of Boardwalk along the Balboa Peninsula

I love how Lexa fits perfectly in the trunk of my 2009 Toyota Camry with the backseats down.

Her rear tires protrude slightly onto the backseats so I just tuck a tarp over her. No one would ever guess there was a road bike in my car.

As one might imagine, the smaller, women-specific geometry is somewhat restrictive in terms of accessory options.

The Green Girl and Lexa at the Tour DaVita Century Finish

For example, for those interested in purchasing a U-lock, please keep in mind due to the limited space on the frame, you will need to carry it on you in your pack.

I purchased a small U-lock but I've never used it since I discovered Lexa is small enough to roll into public restroom stalls when I'm out on long solo rides.

The smaller frame will only accommodate a single bottle cage so I always wear a Nathan Intensity hydration vest. I put sports drink in the bottle and water in the hydration pack.

The Green Girl and Lexa travel with spare tires and tubes

Most adult road bikes have 700c wheels but the smaller Lexa SLX XS features 650c wheels.

In terms of tire replacement, I am currently using 650c x 23mm Continental Ultra Gatorskin Tires.

For spare tubes, I purchase standard thickness butyl tubes in size 650c x18/23mm with 48mm long presta valves.

When I travel with Lexa, I carry two spare tires and a few extra tubes because I know the 650c size is not common like the 700c.

Lexa and her Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag in Laguna Nigel

I store all my cycling essentials in a Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag.

The only modification I had to make to the Serfas Speed Bag was to trim the velcro straps since they were extending past the saddle and irritating me when I was cycling.

Lexa on the Long Beach Bike Path

If you are in the market for a bike trainer I would just take extra care to make sure the trainer will be able to accommodate a smaller bike. There have been instances where Lexa was too small for the trainer at the bike shop.

Lexa was absolutely one of the best investments the Green Girl ever made.

Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag Review

Green Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag

Last week, the Green Girl purchased a green Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag to carry all of Lexa's essentials.

The water resistant Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag features an expandable bottom zippered section, a mesh pocket on the inside flap with a key connector, reflective trim, a dual-zippered enclosure, rear strap for light attachment, and Velcro straps.

The wedge has a volume of 72.62 cubic inches but can be increased additional 45.59 cubic inches when the expansion section is unzipped.

Road biking essentials

All of Lexa's essentials fit easily in the saddle bag:

• Ascent Bare Bones Multi-tool
• Genuine Innovations Co2 Emergency Bicycle Tire Pump
• metro.net patch kit
• Spare 650 tube
• Tire levers

Road biking essentials inside the Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag

I was impressed by how much could fit inside the little wedge.

Inside the compartment, there is an elastic on one side and a pocket on the other.

With some effort, I slid the rolled spare tube into the elastic and I tucked the emergency Co2 in the pocket.

Zip expansion option

I clipped my red metro.net flashing light to the rear strap. I will also add some first aid essentials in the event of an emergency.

When I went for my longer ride this weekend, I was able to slide a few snacks in there, too. This made me happy since I love to eat.

The bag feels sturdy and well constructed but not overly heavy.

I would imagine opening up the zipped expansion section would make the bag bulky but it's nice to have that option available should I need it.

Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag straps

The bag easily attaches to the two vertical bars on the bottom of the saddle with the two top Velcro straps. A third strap on the rear of the bag attaches to the stem.

The flap is designed to be somewhat stiff so if you were to forget to zip it back up, your items will more than likely still be secured.

The Green Girl's new Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag

The bag is sized so that it doesn't stick out beyond the saddle.

I was concerned the wedge would swing with the movement of the bike but I was thrilled to discover the wedge was completely unobtrusive.

I would recommend the Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag without hesitation to any cyclist looking for a practical, reasonably priced wedge.

Morning Ride and Saddle Adjustments on the Beach

Lexa on the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier

The Green Girl took Lexa for a ride on the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath before work yesterday.

I really look forward to my morning rides. I love running but I really enjoy the sensation of the wind hitting my body and whipping through my hair as I ride down the beach path.

This was my first ride with a Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag attached to Lexa's saddle. I was pleasantly surprised by how unobtrusive it was.

Road biking essentials

I filled the pouch with some road biking essentials:

• Ascent Bare Bones Multi-tool
• Genuine Innovations Co2 Emergency Bicycle Tire Pump
• metro.net patch kit
• Spare 650 tube
• Tire levers

Road biking essentials in my new Serfas LT-2 Medium Speed Bag

When I was fitted a couple of weeks ago, the saddle was lowered significantly. I went for a couple of rides and the insides of my knees really started to bother me.

Since I had my new multi-tool with me yesterday, I was able to stop and adjust the saddle height. I raised it a few times until it felt comfortable when I pedaled.

I'm still getting used to leaning forward as I'm riding and resisting the urge to sit up and hold the top of the handlebars. I observe other cyclists and the positioning looks so uncomfortable to me.

Stopping to adjust Lexa's saddle height

To ensure Lexa is properly fitted for me, I am going to schedule a professional fitting with Coach Steve. In addition to being the Sole Runners' head coach, he's also a USA Cycling Coach and USA Triathlon Coach.

Once I am confident we are properly fitted, I am going to start building up my mileage to prepare for Tour DaVita.