Bike Fitting, help please...

[indysteel]

Just a few comments: As long as you can stradle the bike with your cycling shoes on, I wouldn't worry about the standover height. Ideally, you want a couple of centimeters, but I don't currently have that kind of clearance on my Bianchi, and it's never been an issue.

I won't comment on the pros and cons of 650c wheels, but I would agree with the others that, with your measurements, you should be able to find a standard geometry bike with 700c wheels. Also, toe overlap is a somewhat inflated issue. A minor amount of overlap isn't going to cause any problems. I have a bit right now on my Bianchi and I only notice it when I'm making a turn from a stopped position and that's easily fixed by making sure that my pedals are in the right position based on the direction of my turn. I'm currently working on designing a custom bike and have talked extensively to the builder and my fitter about the issue.

Based on your measurements, you might take a look at Bianchi by the way. I went through what you're going through a few years ago and have somewhat similar measurements as you. The 50cm Bianchi I ended up going with had the longest top tube/shortest standover (in a compact frame) that I could find. I have a longer torso relative to my short legs and Bianchi's geometry on their women-specific bikes is the only one that worked for me.

[Jo-n-NY]

I had to do the samething to measure my inseam. I also measured 30". I ride a 51 Specialized Ruby Pro. I do not consider myself to have an extra long torso but I felt more comfortable on the 51 than the 48 cm. I forgot what the TT measures on this bike but will check when I get home. I do not have much clearence from the TT either when I have my cycling shorts on along with the cycling shoes.

My seat is in line or maybe just a bit higher than my head set. I could have fit a 48 then the seat would have been higher and making me bend lower to the handlebars to be more aero dynamic as opposed to me riding the 51 cm and my torso is more upright which I am more comfortable being. You should be able to reach the hoods with a slight bend in your elbow like you are shaking hands with someone.

According to my LBS, most people will fit two frame sizes. It all depends on the way you want to ride. Although I did not change anything, it is not out of the ordinary to change over a stem or anything else to perfect the size that you choose.

I hope this did not confuse you more.

~ JoAnn

[Aggie_Ama]

I won't argue 650 vs 700 but will say I am so damn slow I can't tell the difference.

You will have trouble finding someone with a 650 tube on a ride but in a bind you can limp along by stuffing a 700 tube in a 650 wheel. Trust me, I did it when I rode 650s.

650s will limit you on rim replacements or upgrades, they just don't make that many. But they do look more proportional which I find pleasing to the eye and I know I shouldn't care but I am about the looks on the bike.

My 47cm Cannondale Synapse has 700cc wheels and I have not been able to do the toe overlap. If you are going to start cornering mad crazy or riding crits you might be able to but otherwise I agree the issue is overblown. Cannondale and Specialized (I am sure Cervelo with their excellence in engineering) have worked very hard to reduce toe overlap in their smaller frames, I think it is a lot less of a problem than people realize.

[ilima]

I only have time for a quick comment, but the 60-70mm stem does sound a bike short. Steering could be a bit twitchy. I have an 80cm stem on a 49cm bike and I like the responsive steering, but I think I'm near or at the lower limit for stem length and decent handling. I also use short reach bars.

You are probably like me that you're just tall enough (I'm 5'4.5") to ride the smallest unisex sizes with 700c wheels, although 650c wheels may *technically* give you better geometry.

I have toe overlap and it's not something I worry about. It only matters when turning very sharply, which you can only do at very slow speeds. I wouldn't want my bike's geometry designed around toe overlap. I far prefer its geometry be based on performance and handling at speeds I actually ride.

[Miranda]

Thank you ladies for those of you that have chimed in thus far. Been reading my thread on and off, just didn't have the time to type at the pc.

I read the old threads posted about the 650c wheels. That gives me some more to think about. Actually, it makes me feel better about it if I do get them. My initial reaction was that I felt dead set against it. But, after reading some of the old threads, I could discover a love for them. My mind's open now either way.

Also, that's good feedback about the standover. I would not have thought about the change in SO if you need to dismount on a hill. That could be not happy. But, not so common. However, I won't weight the standover so much in the overall fit and back-pedal my freak out a bit.

Still mulling it all over...

[tulip]

I don't know much about 650c wheels, but presumably, the gearing on the 650c-wheeled bike will compensate for the difference in tire size. I ride a Bike Friday in addition to my Luna (700c wheels). The Bike Friday has 20" wheels. It goes everywhere and as fast as my Luna (but it also goes in a suitcase, which is nice). So wheel size is not a factor in speed--the rider is.

While your measurements may not require a custom frame, you may still want to look into one given your budget. Nothing is quite like having a bike that fits you.

[ilima]

Definitely consider the 650c wheels. I've been coveting the Cervelo RS and one of the reasons is precisely because it has 650c wheels-and great geometry as a result-in my size (XS). If I bought a tri bike I would definitely get one with 650c wheels given my height.

That being said, my main ride is a 49cm unisex Merlin with 700c wheels and man oh man do I love my that bike!

[Miranda]

I don't know much about 650c wheels, but presumably, the gearing on the 650c-wheeled bike will compensate for the difference in tire size... So wheel size is not a factor in speed--the rider is.

While your measurements may not require a custom frame, you may still want to look into one given your budget. Nothing is quite like having a bike that fits you.

That is a good point, Tulip. As always. The aquiant gym GF that has the custom steele I am going to see next week. I can't wait to see what's in their stable!

Definitely consider the 650c wheels. I've been coveting the Cervelo RS and one of the reasons is precisely because it has 650c wheels-and great geometry as a result-in my size (XS). If I bought a tri bike I would definitely get one with 650c wheels given my height.

That being said, my main ride is a 49cm unisex Merlin with 700c wheels and man oh man do I love my that bike!

The lbs owner/fitter pulled out someone's Cervelo tri bike in for service with 650s to show me. Oh my, what a tiny lil bike with tiny lil wheels I thought. But, if it fits the bill, so be it.