frame too big

If 73cm is your actual inseam measurement and not your trouser inside leg then the frame size does sound rather big.

Check out wrenchscience.com and use their bike fitting facilty.

You will need to input various body measurements in, but it will tell you ideal frame size, saddle height, overall reach etc. This still may not be spot on for you but should get you pretty close to an ideal position if the frame size will allow it.

This may help you position your saddle correctly (could help with knee problems) and possibly fit a shorter stem to reduce the overall saddle to bar reach which may increase comfort (I'm guessing the frame might be a bit long for you as well).

If you still can't get comfortable, you may have to get a smaller frame I'm afraid.

Good luck.

Cheers, will (re) set up the bike tomorrow. I'm going for a long spin on Sunday, so that should tell me if I've got it right. Incidentally, if you think 54's a bad size for me, i used to ride a 58!
:eek: No teaching me!

John,

before you buy shorter stems to try, consider a zero offset or reverseable seat post. Look for an effective seatpost angle up to 76-78 degrees before considering the frame too big. Also at your height, check the crank lengths, say 165mm, then pedaling at higher cadences may be more natural.

Ok, I raised the saddle a good bit and st it forward. I also flipped the stem over to raise the handlebars a bit. i went on a long group ride on Sunday, 150k or so, and no knee pain afterwards. Handling was a little dodgy on descents with the raised bars though, and I felt the saddle was just a little too high for me to spin comfortably while climbing. Still, an improvement. Thanks for the input folks, will just need to tinker with it a little more I think.