Setback Seatpost: The Solution?

sansabar said:

My question is this: Will a setback seatpost help me solve this issue by giving me a little more horizontal adjustment?

Scott

Sometime after warming up, you are becoming more flexible and thus have to scoot back. If that's the case, it seems to me that a fitter would look at either a setback seatpost or a longer stem to solve your issue. Even saddle height might be a factor. A fitter at a LBS should be able to help.

strider said:

Sometime after warming up, you are becoming more flexible and thus have to scoot back. If that's the case, it seems to me that a fitter would look at either a setback seatpost or a longer stem to solve your issue. Even saddle height might be a factor. A fitter at a LBS should be able to help.

I feel good on the forward end. I am not comfortable leaning out any more. I was told by my LBS that a LeMond would not be for me because of the extended top tube (they sell them but did not have a 53 cm). I found it to be very comfortable and natural. In fact the stem on the bike has a bit of extension, too. In my perfect position on this bike I still feel the need to move back just a bit - and I have (off the saddle). I guess I am just outside of the standard bike fitting measurements.

First thing first, you shouldn't ever have to run your seat all the way back in the rails, ever. I have a feeling even a set-back post might not help you enormously, if it's that far back. What size did you get, if they didn't have any 53s?

Strange you mention this fit issue, as I've had the very same issue with a LeMond of my own, '02 as well, a Tourmalet, so really just about the same frame as you. I think the shop I bought from dumped me into a too-small size (a 53), and I went with it at the time, being a long time lay-off from cycling, and not knowing any better. And like you, I felt good with my stem length, in fact feeling a little twitchy and lacking control with a longer stem. My seat is in the "ideal" position in the clamps, but I use a non-set-back post. Of course, looking at it now, I think I mostly started noticing the fit issue when I started getting into better shape, but back to the topic at hand, I also feel a little cramped on it now and much prefer to ride my new bike, which at a 54 is basically, supposedly, the same size, just measured c-t rather than c-c. LeMond touts the long top tube thing as unique, but I'm not so sure it's any longer than many other bikes.

Edit: Measuring both of my bikes' "effective" top tubes (one has a sloping top tube) just now, the Specialized's is nearly 3/4 of an inch longer at a comparitive point. I have a 90mm stem on each, and a post with only marginal set-back on the Specialized, but I feel great on the bike. I have about an inch and a half of length difference from center of seat clamp to center of handlebar clamp on the two bikes, the Specialized the longer, which could be explained by geometry. LeMond pushing a load of hooey on us about comparitive top tube length, perhaps? Ahh, marketing ploys. Gotta love 'em. I have a sneaking suspicion you're riding the wrong size for you.

WP33 said:

What size did you get, if they didn't have any 53s?

I bought a used 53. They only had 55cm LeMond's but they had plenty of 54cm Treks. I bet if they had a 53cm LeMond it would have been fine for me then!

WP33 said:

Edit: Measuring both of my bikes' "effective" top tubes (one has a sloping top tube) just now, the Specialized's is nearly 3/4 of an inch longer at a comparitive point. I have a 90mm stem on each, and a post with only marginal set-back on the Specialized, but I feel great on the bike. I have about an inch and a half of length difference from center of seat clamp to center of handlebar clamp on the two bikes, the Specialized the longer, which could be explained by geometry. LeMond pushing a load of hooey on us about comparitive top tube length, perhaps? Ahh, marketing ploys. Gotta love 'em. I have a sneaking suspicion you're riding the wrong size for you.

My stem is a Bontrager Race Lite 100mm, an upgrade and a bit longer from factory, with a 1.5" difference in seat rise. The position is very comfortable. My initial complaint was the width of the bar, also a Bontrager Race Lite which is 40cm - too narrow for me. I feel like I am compressing my chest while riding. I have a 44cm on the way.

I am 5' 8.5" with a 31.25" inseam. I can be a challenging fit. The standover on the LeMond could be more but then I would be going to a smaller frame and making my setback issue worse. I can honestly say that I have never been more comfortable on a bike EXCEPT for the feeling of a need for setback - not much, maybe 1/2"+. This could be a seat issue, too. I have a Thomson setback post on the way as well as a Selle San Marco Rever Saddle to replace the worn and sometimes painful Selle Italia Flite. I'm real close to being "right". Regardless, I have really enjoyed getting back in the saddle!