How much difference does 6mm make?

[amelia05]

Hi—I’ve been lurking here for about a year, but this is my first time posting. I love you guys, and have found some of the best advice here. Now I’m hoping to get a little bit. It’s probably going to be pretty long, so I apologize in advance!

I’m relatively new to cycling, just got my first road bike about 9 months ago (which is what brought me here originally…all the threads on choosing a bike were soo helpful!). After riding about a dozen bikes at 4 different LBSs, I ended up with an ’05 Trek Pilot 2.1. Nine months and 1500 miles later, I still love most things about her.

However, I’m starting to suspect that the reach to the handlebars is just a hair too long. I’m somewhere around 5’4”-5’5”, with short torso and arms, but with relatively long thighs and long fingers. I thought I’d be fine with a standard bike, and the WSD I tried (Specialized Dolce) wasn’t a good fit for me…the 51cm put my knees less than an inch from the handlebars, and the 54cm was a longer reach than the 52cm Pilot. The reach on the Pilot seems fine to the bar, but I have a hard time staying comfortable on the hoods, and I feel like I have very little control in the drops and can barely reach the brake levers from down there. I end up with my hands mostly on the bar or on the place where the bar starts to curve forward. It’s not really uncomfortable until 2-3 hours into a ride, when my shoulders and neck start to feel like they’re on fire. I’ve tried adjusting the saddle position, but if I move it far enough forward to feel comfortable on the hoods, I end up with an awkward pedal stroke and knee pain.

Now, to the reason that I’m whining about this. The other day, I saw a picture of the ’06 Orbea Mitis Dama (the pink paint, natch), and fell head over heels in love. Since it’s a WSD bike, I thought for sure that the geometry would be wrong for me….but was surprised to find that the 53cm frame is very similar to my Pilot. What got me thinking about my reach issues was that the top tube length on the Orbea is 6mm shorter than my bike, but the seat tube angle isn’t all that much steeper. Which means that it might be better able to accommodate both my long thighs and my short reach. Comparing the specs on the Dolce I tried last year and my Pilot, the Orbea’s top tube length falls exactly in the middle of the two. I’ve half-convinced myself that this could be my One True Bike. I’m hesitant to actually go and test ride, though, for fear that I really will love it and will then be forced to pine away for months until I can afford to buy. $2300 is double what I paid for the Pilot, and more than I paid for my first real car…it pains me to think about investing that much in a bike. Especially since I only average 14 mph and I’ve yet to ride a full century.

So, here comes my question for the long-time cyclists out there. Based on my shoulder/reach issues and all other factors (components, weight, bike sexiness, etc) aside, is that 6mm decrease in top tube length going to make a huge difference? Or would I be better off saving a couple grand by trying narrower handlebars (the stock ones are maybe 1-2cm wider than my shoulders) or a shorter stem (currently 80mm)? Maybe short-reach brake levers? I’m not too keen on putting a shorter stem on the thing, because I’ve read—here, I think—that shorter stems make the bike harder to handle. Handlebars may be a good thing to try…maybe if my arms were going straight out, it would be more comfortable. Or should I just go ahead and test-ride the Orbea first, since it may not even fit anyway?

What would you do? Is there something else I haven't thought of?

[Trekhawk]

$2300 is double what I paid for the Pilot, and more than I paid for my first real car…it pains me to think about investing that much in a bike. Especially since I only average 14 mph and I’ve yet to ride a full century.

Hi amelia - first let me just say that I dont believe you need to ride far or fast to own the bike of your dreams. If you can afford it and want it I say full speed ahead.

On the issue of bike fit I would recommend you take it to your LBS and discuss your concerns with them. If they are a good LBS they should be able to help you sort out the problems with your bike and offer some options.

Good Luck with your old or new bike and happy riding.

[VW Beetle]

Am I missing something regarding the price? The website link suggests that the Mitis Dama retails for $999 while the Dama Race retails for $1699. (Both come in pink)

Good advice to consult with your LBS in any case. Stems don't come much shorter than 80mm, and it sounds like your current fit definitely needs some tweaking. At 1500 miles, you've given it plenty of breaking-in time.

[Dianyla]

Hi there, one very happy Orbea owner checking in! *waving*

The WSD Orbeas have a very "manly" WSD fit, so to speak. I felt cramped on every other WSD bike that I tried (such as the Bianchi Eros Donna, Specialized Dolce and Ruby, Trek Madone, etc). The men's bikes that I tried out (Lemond Buenos Aires, Specialized Allez, and some other stuff that I don't remember) all felt better than WSD, but most were a smidge too long. Then I got on the Orbea and fell in love. The bicycle fitter told me that the Orbeas are designed for a longer "more european" racing stance which is why they have the comparatively longer top tube.

BTW, I'm 5'3.5" with longish legs (30" inseam, and my thighs are noticeably longer than my calves). My arms are short-to-average length, and I actually shortened up the reach just a smidge by switching out the handlebar stem and now it's perfect. I also liked the handlebars that were already on the bike, they are 44cm and this matches my broad shoulders just perfectly. Most of the WSD bikes had such narrow handlebars. I have the Orbea Dama Race in size 53, with the reach slightly shortened and the saddle at a pretty medium height.

You'll have to try it out to know if it's your One True Bike. But I have to warn you, you may fall head over heels in love. One thing you may do is try it on and see how you like it, and then stalk around for deals. I got my Orbea a few months ago for $1700** because it was an '05 clearance model.

And I know what you mean about feeling "Not Worthy! Not Worthy!" of my bike. It bothers me sometimes, but I must say that having a bike that I truly love that fits me perfectly certainly makes my cycling experience more enjoyable. And, as a result, I want to spend as much quality time with the precciousssssss! as possible. Who cares if you haven't ridden a century YET?



** It still cost more than my car.

[Bike Goddess]

Hi Amelia- You should definitely get your handlebars changed! The width should match your shoulder width exactly. You will notice a BIG difference in handling and aerodynamics when you change!

Try reversing them (as Dianlya suggests) Sometimes that will do the trick.

I had handlebars that were too wide for me and I never knew it until a LBS owner pointed it out to me when he brought over a new bike for me to try. (I bought the bike, BTW). It made a huge difference in bike handling in general and especially on cornering.

Try these two ideas on your current bike. Then, if you want a new one, at least you will have two great bikes instead of 1 1/2!

[cindysue]

The website link suggests that the Mitis Dama retails for $999 while the Dama Race retails for $1699.

that's the price of the frame. The components are extra and can tack on quite a bit to the final price tag (the Dama Race w/ Dura Ace is $3700).

I have an '05 Dama Race in pink and LOVE it.

I am 5'10" and was quite surprised to be fitted on a WSD, but the 56 suits me well and I haven't had any of the back pain issues I had before.

Like everyone else has advised, please do seek a proper fitting from the LBS.

p.s. something to keep in mind: the bike comes standard with a 10 speed compact double. This seems to be the trend, but steep climbs may be a bit more difficult if you are accustomed to a granny gear.....

.... and you can only get up to a 27 cassette at the present time (no 10 speed mtb derailleurs yet).

[VW Beetle]

that's the price of the frame. The components are extra and can tack on quite a bit to the final price tag (the Dama Race w/ Dura Ace is $3700).

Oh my... Mighty fine looking bike, though.

[Surlygirl]

Another Orbea fan waving hands. I have the purple 05 Dama Race and I love it too. I'm only 5'0 tall and have the 49. Its the best fitting bike I've ever ridden. I have mine set up with Ultegra 10speed and a triple. My knees demand that little granny to get me up the hills around here.
I say try one and go with what you love. You can always sell your other bike.

[cyclingnewbie]

Head back to the bike shop and ask for help. I have long legs and all the WSD bikes were too small for me. So I had to find the "normal" bike that was the least too long. Then I shortened the stem, moved the seat forward, etc. and finally have a fit I like. And get narrower bars that fit your shoulders. It sounds like you aren't so far off on fit that you can't get the bike you have to work for you. But, if you are forced to buy a new one for a better fit, what can you do? Life is a struggle and you may just have to force yourself to endure being forced to get new wheels!

[amelia05]

thanks for all the responses!

The $2300 I mentioned was for the Mitis Dama with an Ultegra triple...I'm terrible with hills, and can use all the gears I can get!

I did about 60 miles (two rides--a 20 and a 40) this weekend, and my shoulders didn't feel too bad. I was really mindful of keeping my shoulders down, though, so I think I might actually have a tendency to hunch when I'm not paying attention. I also moved my seat back a bit on Saturday, and while that didn't help my reach, it was a better position for my legs. So I just don't know.

I don't know what my ultimate solution is going to be, but I think for now I'm going to take your advice and give narrower handlebars a shot, and maybe give the 70mm stem a try. I'm also still considering test-riding the Orbea, but since the only dealer in town is about 40 miles away, I've decided to try everything I can on my current ride first at the truly local LBS. If shortening my reach on the current bike makes a significant difference, I'm definitely putting the Orbea on my Christmas list.