Fitting/test ridequestion

[MartianDestiny]

If I remember correctly Surly sizing is large compared to the "big three" and lots of other high volume builders. So you'd need a Surly sized 1-2 sizes lower than you'd take on say a Trek.

So, if I'm remembering this correctly, then your shop is likely correct that the 51 Trek will be good enough for a parking lot test, depending on what you are trying to feel.

You may get an idea of what slacker touring geometry is going to feel like, but if it is indeed too big you aren't going to get a 100% accurate idea of ride characteristics and handling because that does change with your proportions relative to the bike.

[Ritamarie]

If I remember correctly Surly sizing is large compared to the "big three" and lots of other high volume builders. So you'd need a Surly sized 1-2 sizes lower than you'd take on say a Trek.

Yes, I believe Surly measure center-center where the others measure end-end, so the size of your Surly should be a cm or two less than another bike of comparable size.

[Ritamarie]

Oh, and yes... riding a size or two bigger or smaller is better than not riding at all. The LBS should be able to make enough adjustments to get you in the ballpark.

[moderncyclista]

Catrin:

Steel soaks up vibration better than aluminum - so it shouldn't matter that there are no "isozone monostay thingys" in the frame. Steel won't need it. You will probably be more hunched over (yet more upright than a road racer) on a touring bike. Keep this in mind that short distances won't feel funny - longer distances in this position are difficult for some. (hopefully you have no pre-existing back problems) Most touring is done with hands on top of the bars (holding onto brake hoods) and not in the drops. The drops are there to provide an alternate hand position on really, really long rides (and for downhills, etc.)

the 51cm 520 has a top tube of 21 inches and the 48cm a 20.5 inches. That is only a half inch difference. Seat Angle on 520 is 74degrees (51) and on a FX bike it is 75 (15inch) degrees (or 74.5 for the 17 inch or 74 for the 19 inch) The standover on the 520 51 vs. 48cm is 29.0 vs 28.1. You have a 7.6FXWSD or something similar right? The top tube is 21, 21.2, 21.8 for the 15,17,19 inch sizes on a 7.6 FXWSD. Some people feel more streched out on touring bikes. I would want to test ride the exact size I'd need or be put on something with comparable geometry to test ride. I don't know about riding the wrong size. It may work, who knows? Stranger things have happened. Good luck in finding your next bike Catrin.