The Surly Thing

[uforgot]

It's because the size is deceptive. I had a 53cm Burley frame and it matches the 46cm Surly frame almost exactly. You really need to look at the geometry. I'm riding a 46cm Surly and normally I would not go below 50cm. The tt length on the 46cm is 528.8mm. Pretty long for a 46cm bike. Look at the top tube length.

[SadieKate]

So, the bottom bracket vs size thing really is specific to the brand and model, not the class of cyclocross frames.

Just another reason not to look at size labels, but the actual measurements.

[canonsue]

This discussion is so incredibly helpful.

Looking forward to hearing from other "Surly" women in this discussion.

-Sue

[uforgot]

So, the bottom bracket vs size thing really is specific to the brand and model, not the class of cyclocross frames.

Just another reason not to look at size labels, but the actual measurements.

I had to order mine and I immediately said I needed a 50cm. Then I looked at the geometry table, compared to my Burley which fit and changed my mind. I had to think about it, as I couldn't imagine needing less than 50, but my lbs said "The numbers don't lie, forget the "size" thing. Also, on the Surly forum there is always a lot of discussion about how some people get them too big.

[canonsue]

Also, on the Surly forum there is always a lot of discussion about how some people get them too big.

I have searched but I have never found that forum. Can you post a link? (If that is allowed in this forum) Or give me some direction on where that forum is?

-Sue

[uforgot]

I have searched but I have never found that forum. Can you post a link? (If that is allowed in this forum) Or give me some direction on where that forum is?

-Sue

Here ya go.

http://groups.google.com/group/SurlyLHT

[canonsue]

Well, I did the Surly thing but purchased the Long Haul Trucker (42cm) instead of the Crosscheck. I wanted a bike that I could ride on dirt roads and flat single track as well as pavement. This bike will do that. And for a short woman, it looks like the fit will be much more comfortable. I am not crazy about the smaller 26" wheels but it does make the smaller bikes a much better fit and more stable.

Thanks everyone for the help. I will introduce myself in the introduce yourself thread and stay around awhile.

-Sue

[wildeny]

I think that's a good choice. Look forward to seeing your new bike.

[Miranda]

So, the bottom bracket vs size thing really is specific to the brand and model, not the class of cyclocross frames.

Just another reason not to look at size labels, but the actual measurements.

I'm sure someone will come along and correct this notion in my head that I *think* I recall reading somewhere if not right. But...

I believe one reason the bottom bracket is higher up is to be able to clear obstacles. I don't own a cyclecross bike. But it's on my list for the stable. I do own a hardtrail mtb in addition to a roadie girl.

When your terrain such as trail riding is over boulders and fallen trees etc., the lower bottom bracket would be also lower to crash into something. Versus higher like the mtb keeping pedals level with an ump rides right over the tree.

Think of it in terms of a fancy sports car that is very low to the groud, vs a truck that is higher off the ground... one clears stuff easy, one does not.

[SadieKate]

I'm sure someone will come along and correct this notion in my head that I *think* I recall reading somewhere if not right. But...

I believe one reason the bottom bracket is higher up is to be able to clear obstacles. I don't own a cyclecross bike. But it's on my list for the stable. I do own a hardtrail mtb in addition to a roadie girl.

When your terrain such as trail riding is over boulders and fallen trees etc., the lower bottom bracket would be also lower to crash into something. Versus higher like the mtb keeping pedals level with an ump rides right over the tree.

Think of it in terms of a fancy sports car that is very low to the groud, vs a truck that is higher off the ground... one clears stuff easy, one does not.

Um, are you telling me this or who? I know the BB height on a cross bike is higher. I was wondering what the BB height has to do with the top tube length, not the seat tube length, on a cyclocross bike. And I was right - nothing. At least no more than any good bike builder would plan out when designing any bike - road, mtb, or whatever. You still need to pick a bike frame "size" by actual measurements, not by the decal stuck on the bike.

If you read my previous post, you'd see I have a road bike and a cross bike from the same builder in the same size with the same top tube length. But Surly doesn't design this way. Therefore, PscyclePath's comment about a smaller size only applies to Surly and bikes from builders who design similarly - not to all cross bikes.

[Miranda]

Um, are you telling me this or who? I know the BB height on a cross bike is higher. I was wondering what the BB height has to do with the top tube length, not the seat tube length, on a cyclocross bike. And I was right - nothing. At least no more than any good bike builder would plan out when designing any bike - road, mtb, or whatever. You still need to pick a bike frame "size" by actual measurements, not by the decal stuck on the bike.

If you read my previous post, you'd see I have a road bike and a cross bike from the same builder in the same size with the same top tube length. But Surly doesn't design this way. Therefore, PscyclePath's comment about a smaller size only applies to Surly and bikes from builders who design similarly - not to all cross bikes.

Oh my, no! Sorry if that came out of whack.

I've looked at the Surley's before. Wishing it would fit me. And I know even in the smallest size, the TT is too long in design.

I was just thinking about what a challenge it is to find smaller bikes stock that actually fit right. Before I found your post, I was coming back to post this thread link.

Some helpful discussion to the OP on geometry from the cyclecross section of this board....
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=27134

EDIT
This is a good thread too...
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=28565

[Miranda]

More $ than a Surly, but she sure is pretty...
http://www.lunacycles.com/store.html
(and lord help me, pretty much fits me--about same as my mtb--and erie *same* color--twins in the stable, hmm--dunno about that--but for the sale price... ahh, I digress)

And then, there is...(mo $ too than Surly *sigh*)...
http://www.terrybicycles.com/cycling_savvy/valcross

Kinda interesting blog on cross and smallness...
http://www.kerry-litka.com/main/word...008/10/page/3/