Bicycle books and informed opinion on frame size (and I am talking road bikes with dropted bars) all agree that the frame size must be right and numerous methods abound on the calc. Can someone tell me why ? I personaly have frame sizes from 19" to 24" all set up to give the same position (seat, pedals and bars) and I can comfortably ride and do ride 2 week 1000 mile tours on any. My custom built bikes are no more suitable than the others, is it a myth this correct size, that most repeat especially frame builders.
Can someone tell me why ? I personaly have frame sizes from 19" to 24" all set up to give the same position (seat, pedals and bars) and I can comfortably ride and do ride 2 week 1000 mile tours on any. My custom built bikes are no more suitable than the others, is it a myth this correct size, that most repeat especially frame builders.
I think you have your own myth regarding the same position for your bikes. With a range of 19" to 24" frame sizes, you do not have the same relative position amongst all the bikes. The linear distance between saddle and pedals, and saddle and bars, and bar height may be the same for all your frames. But you probably have 75% of your weight on the rear wheel of the 19" frame because you had to put on an extremely long stem and a very offset seatpost. And with your 24" frame, you probably have 75% of your weight over the front wheel because you have a no offset seatpost and a very short stem to get the linear distance right.
I would bet you can easily tell a difference in handling between your bikes. They may all be comfortable and correct for the linear distance between saddle and pedals and saddle and bars and height of bars.
"Russell Seaton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Can someone tell me why ? I personaly have frame sizes from 19" to 24" all set up to give the same position (seat, pedals and bars) and I can comfortably ride and do ride 2 week 1000 mile tours on any. My custom built bikes are no more suitable than the others, is it a myth this correct size, that most repeat especially frame builders.
I think you have your own myth regarding the same position for your bikes. With a range of 19" to 24" frame sizes, you do not have the same relative position amongst all the bikes. The linear distance between saddle and pedals, and saddle and bars, and bar height may be the same for all your frames. But you probably have 75% of your weight on the rear wheel of the 19" frame because you had to put on an extremely long stem and a very offset seatpost. And with your 24" frame, you probably have 75% of your weight over the front wheel because you have a no offset seatpost and a very short stem to get the linear distance right.
I would bet you can easily tell a difference in handling between your bikes. They may all be comfortable and correct for the linear distance between saddle and pedals and saddle and bars and height of bars
Ok you have picked the two extremes the 19" is a 1930 vintage when the fashion was small frames as now. With the relaxed frame angles my position is correct i.e. center of my knee over the pedal axle with cranks horizontal. The 24" is also set up correctly it is a 1950 vintage when the fashion was large frames. My custom bikes are 213/4" or 217/8" and set up correctly 2003,1990 1980 1970 vintage. I have many bikes of various sizes all set up for me and the frame size is not as important as it is made out to be IMO.
