Surly Love

[Catrin]

Two different things. 170 on the Sora is the crankarm length. 110 on the Andel is bolt center distance - the mounting size of your chainrings. You didn't specify how long the Andel cranks are.

All the info I have on the Andel is from the Surly site, I will see what I can find out... Thanks for the clarification, I appreciate it.

I do appreciate the advice and dose of reality - that is why I brought it here in the first place. I KNOW me when I really want something - which is another reason for the enforced waiting period... It might cost more later to upgrade some of the components, but there is also the point that I would better understand what I am doing. Perhaps by then I would be able to do at least some of the work...

Enforced waiting periods are good

At this point I am strongly leaning to the Complete LHT with upgraded bars/saddle. That leaves more money for accessories and bike clothes

[KnottedYet]

The crank length on the 46 cm Complete LHT is 165mm.

Your fitter says you'd be better off with a 170mm. (which is typical for a woman. We have longer femurs than men, and so need longer crank arms than men of similar size to achieve correct KOPS)

HOWEVER: 5mm is pretty damm small, and well within the realm of cleat positioning for cleated pedals (aka "clipless") or foot positioning for platform pedals, or even shifting the saddle for long-armed riders.

Your fitter is pissing me off. If he can't cope with 5mm difference with a new rider who doesn't yet know her preferences, and within a newbie budget; then I want his job.

ETA: I'm 5'8", with 33 inch inseams. My Surly CC 52cm has 170mm cranks, stock. I'm happiest with 175mm cranks with my cleated bike (Waterford). I have platform pedals on my CC so naturally move my feet to the optimal position for my power output relative to KOPS. No problem. I truly believe you would have no problem with 165mm cranks.