Bike Fit Question

[nuthatch]

58 is pretty big, I think. I'm 5'9" and I take a 54 but, like cruziegirl, I have hamster legs - come to think of it, I have many parts that look like a hamster....

[cyclingnewbie]

I got the impression from one shop that they didn't have many 58s because it was too early in the season (we still have snow). So I'm trying to remain calm about buying a bike and take my time. But it is really hard to not jump off one and say, "I like that one!!"

[CorsairMac]

I have hamster legs - come to think of it, I have many parts that look like a hamster....

Has visions of nuthatch on a bike riding endlessly in circles!

Cycling: See the "quote" button on the bottom right hand corner of each persons response? Click on that and it'll copy their comments into your comment box, then you can edit etc to you hearts content! and good luck on the bike search!

<-----gonna go sit in a corner and pout coz I can't afford a road bike right now! ....living my dreams thru ya'll!

[Steph_in_TX]

Ok, duh! I posted earlier and didn't even think about suggesting a Bianchi. I have longer legs and average(maybe a bit longish) arms and they were a good fit for me. The reach is very comfortable. I have a Giro and I absolutely love it, though they don't make it in my beautiful blue anymore. It just fits me like a glove. I also test rode some WSD Treks as well as non-WSD Treks and they also seemed to be a good fit for my body. I chose the Bianchi because I was able to get a carbon fork and seat stays on it and the comparably priced Treks were all aluminum. However, Trek has added some carbon to it's lower end bikes as well.

A 58 should not be hard to find. Most of the men I know just under 6' tall ride a 58...hopefully, your LBS will stock up soon.

Stephanie

[cyclingnewbie]

<-----gonna go sit in a corner and pout coz I can't afford a road bike right now! ....living my dreams thru ya'll!

(Nothing like having a big, fat "quote" button right in front of me! Thanks.)

I sympathize with the not affording a bike thing. I have wanted a new bike for a while and I'm still debating if I should spend the money. My dilemma is, I don't ride often enough now to justify a new bike. But, will I ride more if I have a better bike that fits well? It's some kind of riddle, I think.

After all the great suggestions, I am very anxious to look at the Bianchi this weekend. Thank you to everyone!

[Ninabike]

Hi Cyclingnewbie,

I have a Bianachi although my problem is that I am small. If you are looking at short top tubes, you can pull up different manufacturers on the web and check out the geometry on each one. Look at the lengths of the top tubes on their 58cm bikes and compare them. the Bianchi site is BianchiUSA.com.
Believe or it or not, my bike is a Bianchi Alfana 44 cm frame. The top tube is 514. The Trek WDS actually has a relatively shorter top tube (I believe something like 497 mm for a 47cm bike). Good luck!!

Nina

[pedalfaster]

I started out looking at the comfort road and touring bikes, thinking that was the geometry I was interested in. But I've decided I like the feel and handling of the traditional road bike better.

I'm curious as to why you gave up on the comfort road geometry (e.g. Trek Pilot line).

I *hate* to do virtual fittings (I'm a visual artist by training and think there is a visual side--as well as an "art"-- to good bike fit) BUT, it seems that that geometry would suit your needs. You could get a bike in the correct "size" (going off of TT length) AND get the "more upright riding position"...only on YOU (it sounds like you have verrrrry long legs and a verrrry short torso?) it would translate to a fairly "normal" road bike position. Does that make sense?

On traditional road bike handling: as you are finding out, it's pretty stretched out. Look at some pro racers (pick up a copy of Velo News). There is nothing wrong with being stretched out. In fact, if you want to ride fast and/or race it's the only way to be! This position requires good flexibily and core strength. Gender and age are not really barriers. Type "Jeannie Longo" into google images and see what you come up with

Some other thoughts on bike fit: thanks to to popularity of compact frames. longer road seatposts are now available. You can buy a bike according to TT length and get a longer post (just be aware that a longer post also increases your effective TT). Stems are also easy to switch out. Many "big" bikes (like 58, 60 cm) come with fairly long stems. You can easily run a 90-110 mm instead. Just don't let the bike shop talk you into anything shorter than that (see it with women alllll the time) as the handling gets kinda wonky and too many gals end up way way too far over the BB (but that's another story).

You can also go with a stem with a bit of rise...but then that brings us back to "what's so wrong with the Pilot?"

And if all else fails...there is always custom. Bring your CC

[cyclingnewbie]

Pedalfaster: I tried the Pilot, but so far I like the handling of the traditional road bike better. You seem to be over the front wheel a little more, or something. I haven't ruled the comfort bike geometry out yet though. I have long legs and arms, and average torso; I'm pretty evenly proportioned. I need to do more test riding before I can make a decision. What I would really like to do is take my first choice from two or three bike shops and get them all in one place so I can jump from one bike to the other for comparison. You lose something in the car ride to the next bike shop when trying to compare feel. Which of my LBS do you think will volunteer to let me take their bike to the other guy's parking lot??

[pedalfaster]

Thanks for getting back to us.
I know what you mean about the test-riding thing. When I was hunting (and it is a hunt ) for a mountain bike, I kept a little notebook and wrote sizes and observations, components...everything...for comparison later. One day I just got a bike that "felt" right...and that was that.

If you are tall and evenly proprotioned you have a lot more choices! The stretched out thing might feel weird at first, but you'll probably be happy with it in the long run (from your description of yourself and your riding style).

Good luck with your hunt!