Bike Fitting, help please...

[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.