I need some help understanding what I should be feeling when fitting a new cross style bike. Here's the deal:
Been commuting 5 - 10 miles/day on an inexpensive mtn bike for the past two years. Thoroughly trashed the components and have decided to purchase a new Novara Big Buzz (www.rei.com: search for big buzz) due to it's road components and weight, but mtn bike style frame and bars.
I have never ridden a road bike and test drove the bike today. I'm 95% sold on the bike as it was relatively comfortable and so much faster than my mtn bike. The problem is I'm not used to the feel of the bike and I'm not sure if it's because I haven't ridden that style bike before or if it's because the thing just doesn't fit. I'm 6'3" and the biggest size the bike is available in is 20", same as my mtn bike. THe only real size issue I noticed was that it felt a little more cramped than my mountain bike, but not uncomfortably. Is this to be expected on a bike like this?
And for a commuting bike like this, what areas are most important in fitting and what should I look out for?
The bike on rei.com is essentially a mountain bike frame with road wheels. You should in no way feel any more cramped than you did on your old mountain bike. If you do feel cramped, then you need to find a company that makes a bigger frame. Real road bikes are measured in centimeters and would be sized to fit you like a glove. The bike you looking at seems a little over priced to me. I think you should at least get a front shock for that kind of money...look around some more.
I'll check the fit some more, thanks. Another piece of the puzzle is that I get 10% off the bike as an REI member, so that helps the decision a bit. My current mtn bike I had to adjust the seat a beat on the seat rails to get it to fit just right. That might be an option as well.
In terms of the shock, I'm not sure I agree with you. If I wanted shocks, I'd go with a standard mountain bike. But that's added weight I don't want to have to deal with. This bike is purely on the road, no trails, etc. I prefer the flat bar as it allows me to be a bit more comfortable while commuting and carrying my bag.
I'm 6'3" and the biggest size the bike is available in is 20", same as my mtn bike. THe only real size issue I noticed was that it felt a little more cramped than my mountain bike, but not uncomfortably. Is this to be expected on a bike like this?
And for a commuting bike like this, what areas are most important in fitting and what should I look out for?
Thanks,
Nick
Nominal size is meaningless.They may be measured differently ,TT may be different length and stem may not be the same length. Measure the MTB and compare.
My son is 6'3" and rides a 25" road bike. It lets him stretch out. He looks like a bowling ball on a rollerskate when he trys to ride my 20" MTB. I'm 6'0 and can get away with riding a smaller bike. My road bikes are 22" and 23".
