Bike Fitting, help please...

[Miranda]

I had my official bike fitting. There are a couple of things that are making my brain hurt...

Stand over: In doing my own reading in the traditional Lemond method of measuring, I thought you should have about an inch between your crotch and top tube when stradling the bike?

One of the bikes the shop suggested for me seems to fit my measurements, but the top tube I'm just above it with shoes, and on it barefoot (in geo theory, not that size in stock to see).

It (and some other small frames with that type of geometry--slightly relaxed--Cervelo RS 48cm, btw) would take a 650c wheel/tire. If you have a smaller wheel base, don't you have to work harder to cover the same distance? I know the 650c helps to avoid the "toe overlap" issue of getting a foot in the spokes with small frames. Which, I would not want that either.

The fitting measurements were very thorough of all parts of the body...

One thing I didn't expect was the inseam measurement. I had the tape measure on the stick tool thingy. The fitter told me to apply *firm pressure* as if sitting on a bike seat. Then, took the measurement. That made my 29" inseam become about a 30". Hmmm. I just don't know if I did it right (amount of pressure)??? They take a few measurements, then average for consistency there.

The end verdict was that I measure for: 49-50cm frame, 51.5-52cm TT, 60-70mm stem, 74 degree seat angle, 170mm cranks.

We did discuss a custom steele frame before measuring-- if I could not fit a standard geometry. Which, he had one of his customer's bikes there to show me. They do their custom steeles through Waterford.

He said with my measurements, he did not see a problem fitting me to a standard frame, and that I didn't need a custom build. Since they do handle them at the shop, I would think if I was indeed too much of a freak of nature to fit... he would have said "go custom". But, he did not.

We also talked about me finding a brand of bike frame they don't stock to supply and him doing the build of components. So, the options are open.

I'm just a little freaked about feeling like I should have more stand over??? And I don't know about 650c tires???

Hold my hand, Auntie Em... I'm frightened! (from Wizard of Oz if ya don't know it).

What are the thoughts of the wise TE?
(btw... have I told you lately I love you?)