WSD bikes and Cranky LBS owner

[Bikingmomof3]

The bike shop should sell you what fits and what you like. Not what they like or dislike. I went with the intention of buying a Pilot and ended up with a Trek 1000. DH really wanted a Pilot, yet preferred a 1000.

I do not have a WSD, the "regular" 1000 fit me perfectly. I did have a difficult time deciding between the Pilot and 1000, both rode nicely.

Chose what fits your body best, and what you like being on and feel good on.

[esther231]

When I went for a ride today, I checked out my knee to the crank. It looks on top of it to me.

I think it just depends on the person. I do have short arms and that might be why I find the Pilot WSD so comfortable. Who knows?

But the main thing is that guy is cranky and out to prove he's right so I'd steer clear of him and find someone who is most interested in finding what is comfortable for you.

[emily_in_nc]

Two points:

1. Even if smaller WSD bikes typically have a steeper top tube, you can use a setback seatpost and/or move your saddle back on the rails as far as it will go to get your knee over the pedal spindle (KOPS) or even a bit behind it. I know because I have a 75-degree seat tube angle bike (Aegis Swift) and still have my KOPS with these methods.

2. Not all of us prefer WSD bikes to have a more upright position; the way we are built sometimes dictates a shorter top tube proportionally if we have a shorter upper body/arms. We might still have our handlebars lower and/or ride in the drops a lot.

IMO, the guy was a jerk and lumped all WSD bikes into one category when they can't be, any more than "all" mountain bikes, or "all" recumbents, or any other sub-segment of bikes. I'd avoid that shop on principle!

Emily

[tygab]

Two points:
2. Not all of us prefer WSD bikes to have a more upright position; the way we are built sometimes dictates a shorter top tube proportionally if we have a shorter upper body/arms. We might still have our handlebars lower and/or ride in the drops a lot.

Emily

I've wondered about this - I actually ride in the drops most of the time and prefer it to the more upright position. Knowing that most people seem to prefer the hands on the brake hoods, I have wondered if it means something needs adjusting, or if it's just a personal preference. Is there any downside to riding this way more?

[DebW]

I've wondered about this - I actually ride in the drops most of the time and prefer it to the more upright position. Knowing that most people seem to prefer the hands on the brake hoods, I have wondered if it means something needs adjusting, or if it's just a personal preference. Is there any downside to riding this way more?

Part of it is personal preference. But ideally you'd like at least 2 bar positions that you are moderately comfortable in just so you can change positions frequently and avoid hand/arm/shoulder fatigue. If you find yourself riding the drops 80-90% of the time, then you might be better off lowering the bars so that you can go to the drops when you want to be extra low, like during fast descents. This transfers more weight to the front wheel and improves stability. Your preferred riding position may change with time as you get stronger or more used to the bike or more or less flexible. The number to check is the vertical distance between saddle top and handlebar top. Bars about 2 inches below saddle is sort of standard for a rider with moderate flexibility. Racers will put the bars lower, tourers higher. But bars have different drop distances so it can be hard to compare.

[donnambr]

That LBS guy is a jerk who is completely incapable of imagining body types besides his own. I don't think I'll ever need a WSD bike, but I'm 5'8" with a long torso for a woman and really, really long arms. My aunt in contrast, is 5'2" with the same 30" inseam as I have! She's 65 and has never been comfortable on a bike and finds it amazing that anyone would like it. She has to reach too far. Gee, I wonder why. Well, I visit her next month and I'm going to see if she'll go take a test ride on a WSD bike. Even if she doesn't want one, at least she'll know why it's always hurt for her to ride.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wrote a long post about how changing my stem out today for a shorter stem really improved my riding position and comfort:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9998