visited the LBS today: bike is too small :(

[lovelygamer]

I took my bike into the shop today for a tune-up and discussed bike fit with them. I can't seem to get the adjustment right. My butt starts killing me around mile 5 and one of my knees by mile 7.

Come to find out, she measured the crankshaft and says my bike is too short for me. I bought it like new but used and the lady was about an inch shorter than me.

She said the crank is 14.5 and she would suggest 16 for me. I know nothing about this but have been reading bike fit articles for a bit. They seem to discuss the height of the frame more than the crankshaft.

I also found out that they sell used bikes there. I am thinking about buying a road bike with the drops and gifting my current bike to a girl I mentor. Shes a preteen and about three or four inches shorter than I am.

One good thing about the LBS, I found a jersey there I think I might buy. It's on sale for 60$ and has the xxl ladies size. It even has a zip pocket on the rear along with the other pockets.

A little disapointed in the bike fit issue.

[Kathi]

I'm confused. You said she measured the crank and said the bike is too short. Is the frame too short or are the cranks too short?

The crank is only 1 thing a fitter will look at and it can be changed to a longer one, but what about the size of the frame? How does it fit? If there are major fit issues then definitely you'll want to see a good fitter and get a new bike. If the frame fits with minor adjustments then switching the crank is not a big deal.

How much will it cost to fit the bike vs buying a new one?

[goldfinch]

The measurements you are giving do not sound like crank size measurement but frame measurements.

[TsPoet]

The measurements you are giving do not sound like crank size measurement but frame measurements.

Yes, crank measurements are mm - ie 170 mm. They generally run 165, 170, 175 for DF bikes. It's extremely rare to hear about 145s, so I can't imagine that's what she meant.
I'm thinking frame size.
The height of the previous owner may have as much/more to do with leg and or torso length. (My SO rides a smaller bike than me, but he's 1" taller - he's all torso and I'm all leg).

[OakLeaf]

True, but the OP is complaining of butt and knees, which doesn't sound like a frame fit issue. Knee pain could very well be crank length. Butt is likely to be either saddle or conditioning. But frame size issues usually manifest in the upper body...

[lovelygamer]

When pick up my bike, I'll get them to clarify. I might just deal with it instead of refitting it, depends on the costs. I really want a road bike. I'll have to drive to the next town to see a second LBS.

When I get it back I'll measure the frame.

Ps I think both are too short.I'm 5'6.5 with a short waist. I think my inseam is longer than usual for my height-33" last time I checked.