How important is standover height?

[Miranda]

If the stem alone doesn't cut it, you might check into some short drop shallow reach bars. Could help. I decided that there was not enough help for my too big frame, thus I'm starting over with a new ride. But, I certainly understand you wanting to keep a great find.

Also, just be really aware about the hop off in traffic at your stop lights and hill climbs that get too steep. That can be some major pain for ladies just like men. Been there. I know this would sound yucky looking to put on the beautiful bike, but some bmx bikes have a foam wrap pad on the top tube for whoops/ouch cushion. Just if you got desperate, an idea.

Also, did you have shoes on when assessing this lady bits touching the TT? Or barefoot? If barefoot, the shoe will help a smidge. Plus, what has been posted is what I learned from my fitter... one's "cycling inseam" for clearing a bike is different than you "pant's inseam" clearance.

I don't know if you have had a formal measuring fitting or not. But, the ones I got recently measure the "cycling" inseam by pressing a leveling type tool *very firmly* into the crotch--then take the measurement for SO clearance. The pressure is suppose to be equal that of sitting on a bicycle seat. Which makes sense for legs on the bike. And not so much pain just brushing the bits w/a short chamois on, vs straddling the TT like a gymnastics bar non-weight bearing.

Best wishes for safe and happy riding on the new addition!

EDIT ADD: Also, if you don't already know this the stem length can affect the handling performance of the bike. Like shorter the stem, the quicker the steering. Plus, if the bike is biggish already to "man-handle" (how I felt w/mine) trying to add tight steering on top of it can cause some unstable feeling. Just something to know/think about once you get the short stem on.

[Triskeliongirl]

The test is can you clear the top tube with cycling shoes on. I would guess if you barely can without you can with. You may even consider mountain shoes for that reason. If you have an inch you are fine.

Reach is another matter. 6cm is short for a stem, 8-9 cm would be better if you could be comortable. If you could also shorten the reach of the bar that's even better than jus the stem. The bontrager fit, salsa poco, and 3T ergonova are some popular choices for short reach bars. I use a 9 cm stem with an ergonava bar and love it.

[DebW]

For years I rode a 58 cm frame when my ideal is 54, though I wasn't actually touching the top tube when straddling it. If you're actually touching the top tube on flat ground in cycling shoes, then I think riding this frame is a bit risky. If shoes give you a smidge of clearance, you can probably ride it with proper caution. Note that you give yourself more clearance by leaning the bike while stopped at a stop light. But the main concern is stopping on hills, because the bike will be parallel to the ground and you'll be perpendicular to gravity, noticeably decreasing your clearance. So go test your clearance on hills to make the most informed decision.

[venacava]

Thanks everyone for your input and for sharing your experiences.

After receiving the stem in the mail and spending some time at my neighborhood's bike co-op (quick plug for Arlington VA's wonderful Phoenix Bike Shop; www.phoenixbikes.org) installing it (as well as switching out the down tube shifters for bar-ends), I took it on a five mile test ride today. I can confidently say that the new stem makes a world of difference; I felt no neck or shoulder pain after five miles (whereas with the old stem my neck and shoulders were feeling it after just one).

I had initially tested the standover height in my bare feet, but with my MTB shoes on there's a good inch of clearance between the top tube and my pubic bone. (Hope Grant Petersen doesn't see this thread and find out that I plan to wear Cycling Shoes when riding one of his bikes; oh the sacrilege!)

I don't think the top tube pad is a bad idea at all, and might consider getting one as a just-in-case bulwark.

It'll take a little getting used to, but I think it's going to work out ultimately!

As promised, I'm posting a photo of the beaut. Thanks again for your advice and opinions.