I need advice...

[VeloVT]

I'm looking at a bike on Ebay right now. Might be serious about it if the price ends up being right.

I need some geometry advice, and some general advice about buying a bike without riding it first.

I'm 5'6". Currently riding a 54cm Felt F50 (it's a 2004 model, don't think they make this one anymore). TT 54.5 cm, currently running a 90mm, 0 deg rise stem (parallel to the ground). HT angle is 73 deg, ST angle is 74.5 deg. Headtube is 11 cm.

I got a great deal and I've learned a lot on this bike, but it's really a little too big for me. With the current setup I get lower back twinges at 40 miles or so.

The bike I'm looking at has a 52.5 cm tt, and is half a degree slacker in both angle measurements. HT is 12 cm.

A few questions:
1. Is 2 cm (plus a 1 cm higher ht) going to make a big difference in reach, enough to soothe my lower back? Too much???

2. Will half a degree difference in seat tube/head tube angle make a big difference in either
a) handling
or
b) balance/pedaling efficiency (I tend to prefer a more forward position -- though maybe this is in part because my bike is too big?).

3. Is it a really bad idea to buy a bike that is intended to become one's "primary" bike over the internet, without the benefit of a test ride? Having helped my boyfriend test bikes last year (and having ridden probably a dozen bikes in the process) I do realise that even high end bikes have very significant differences in handling and road feel.

OK, since it's obvious anyway , I AM talking about the Litespeed advertised on TE yesterday.

And, I know this is a lot of stressing when there's not a shred of guarantee that I'll even win the auction. But thanks for any advice anyway .

[mimitabby]

that 2 centimeters might make all the difference in the world.
Is there a way you can pop in a test ride on a similar bike?

if the price is right, go for it. I bought a Bianchi on Ebay; learned a bunch and then ended up selling it a year later for 100 dollars less... (okay, i did put some $$ into it making it fit me, but it still felt like a real positive experience to me.

[smilingcat]

Hi,

Ask ehirsch83 (Emily) she rode on the same bike last summer. It is a very nice bike I think. And your height is the same as the person who currently owns the bike. If it fits her, chances are really good that it will fit you.

If you know what you are getting, nothing wrong about buying on e-bay. just the regular warnings about bad sellers.

I have bought four bikes on e-bay, one was too large and sold it (advertised as small but wasn't) for very little loss. kept two bikes and sold the last one. Since I haven't heard from the buyers, I hope they are enjoying the bike I sold to them.

as for the fit and 2cm top tube length difference. Yes, it can make a world of difference.

smilingcat

[tulip]

Hi,

Ask ehirsch83 (Emily) she rode on the same bike last summer. It is a very nice bike I think. And your height is the same as the person who currently owns the bike. If it fits her, chances are really good that it will fit you.

Proceed with caution. Height is fickle when it comes to bikes. Proportion + height is more accurate. Ask the seller not only her height, but her inseam and if possible her arm length. I understand that might be awkward, but it's important.

I am 5'6" and I ride a 49cm. I used to ride 54cm bikes (for decades) because that's what bike shop guys everywhere told me was proper for my height. But I have very long legs, which makes my torso short. I know several women my height who ride much bigger bikes--like 53s and 54s, but they are okay with that since they have different proportions than I do.

[smilingcat]

Proceed with caution. Height is fickle when it comes to bikes. Proportion + height is more accurate. Ask the seller not only her height, but her inseam and if possible her arm length. I understand that might be awkward, but it's important.

Oh so so true.. bad me
Smilingcat

[tulip]

Oh so so true.. bad me
Smilingcat

Oh, no! Not Bad You at all...I just expanded upon your original idea...you're the spark!

[kat_h]

3. Is it a really bad idea to buy a bike that is intended to become one's "primary" bike over the internet, without the benefit of a test ride? Having helped my boyfriend test bikes last year (and having ridden probably a dozen bikes in the process) I do realise that even high end bikes have very significant differences in handling and road feel.

If it doesn't fit you can always sell it again. If you get it for a good price then you should be able to sell it for close to the same. Depending on your perpective it's either a hassle to resell or it's a great opportunity to experiment with a new bike.

[anakiwa]

I'm not sure what your bike budget is, but you might want to consider going to Fit Werx (in Waitsfield) for a fitting (with or without the new bike). For $200-300 they'll spend a lot of time figuring out exactly what your position should be, and then help you adjust your bike (stem, seat position etc) to get as close to ideal as possible. I know it made a world of difference for me.

[suz]

I agree you should get a fitting first, or at least ride something similar.

A size 54 bike with a 54.5TT combined with a steep SA (74.5) is an awfully long reach, even with a 90* stem, for someone 5'6". Do you know if your position over the BB is correct on your current bike? Is your saddle in the middle of the rails or is it pushed forward? And, if so, is it pushed forward to help shorten your reach (this is a bad idea)? These answers can help determine if you would benefit from a slacker SA. In all probability, the shorter TT, taller HT and slacker HTA would be a much better fit for someone your height. You also might want to consider whether or not this bike will have any toe overlap issues, if that matters to you.

I am 5'6.5", have an 80cm inseam, long arms/shortish torso, and also sit in a more forward position, requiring an ~74.5 SA to put me in the correct position over the BB (the tip of my saddle is 4.5cm behind the BB) with my saddle centered on the rails. The top tubes on my bikes vary, but 53cm is about right for me with a 100mm stem.

Without seeing you in person and watching your riding style, it is almost impossible to say with any certainty this bike would be a sure fit. Probably much better than what you are riding now, though.

Good luck!

[VeloVT]

Thanks everyone. Good advice all.

LIke a good girl I restrained my enthusiasm and didn't bid until the last three minutes of the auction, but I was outbid in the last 56 seconds.

Shortly after the auction ended, though, I got an email from ebay saying the auction had been cancelled by ebay and all of the results were null & void... so... ???

[suz]

Maybe that was lucky for you. I looked at that auction and it seemed a little fishy to me, something about the wording/sales pitch being used.