Soma Fabrications frames, specifically the Double Cross

[Kalidurga]

I've got concerns about buying a bike I can't test ride, but I definitely like what I've read about this frame (plus, it's got that pretty logo ). The main difference in the geometry between the Cross-Check and Double-Cross seems to be in the head tube. I talked to the guy who fit me on my current bike, and he felt that the shorter head tube on the Cross-Check would make it difficult to get the bars as high as I like. The Double Cross, on the other hand, has the same tt length as the Cross-Check, but the head tube is the same as my current bike.

Lots to sort out and think about.

[KnottedYet]

I popped some spacers in my CC, and got the same bar height.

(what would we call that? "Effective head tube length?")

[Kalidurga]

My current bike is set up with a stem extender. I'm not sure if adding that to the Surly would bring it up high enough, but I'm guessing it'd work on the Soma.

I should probably be considering touring frame geometry as well, but I just really like having a 'cross frame and being able to ride anywhere.

[Blueberry]

Knot is wise. Spacers are your friend. I've posted a picture of mine here somewhere. My bars are basically level with my saddle - I ride a 52 normally, but have a 50 cc because of the top tube length.

CA

[Kalidurga]

Actually, I think I've got spacers in addition to the stem extender on my Specialized (can't remember, will have to look when I get home), which has the same 110 head tube length as the Soma. I think my fitter did everything he could to get the bars as high as possible and they're currently just slightly higher than my saddle.

This is my current set-up, a 49cm Tri-Cross, and I'd need to go down to a 42cm Double Cross with adjustments to approximate the same: