First, if you came to this newsgroup for "expertise," be advised that there's usually very little of
that here. Unfortunately, I've found very little of it in bike shops as well.
It would help to know how you intend to ride. If you intend to just casually ride around the
neighborhood a couple of times a week, then what you've done is probably fine. If you intend to get
into daily training and want to do weekend centuries (100 mile rides), you may have made a mistake
-- but probably nothing that can't be corrected with some stem, saddle and seatpost adjustments.
I probably ride a good bit more than the average person I see posting here -- I generally ride 250
to 275 miles per week year round. To endure that, I've had to learn how to really dial in the fit of
the bike. There are all kinds of theories and formulas out there. I've learned to take from each one
what works for me and to try to gleen the essence of what they're all trying to accomplish. You need
to have a certain amount of leg extension for the knees to be comfortable and for maximum power. But
too much is not good. You shouldn't have to rock side to side in the saddle at the bottom of the
pedal stroke. You need to have a more-or-less flat back for comfort. You need to try to balance your
weight distribution between your hands, feet and butt.
Very little of this has to do with your height. I'm 5'7" tall. My training partner is 5'7" tall. We
can barely ride each other's bikes. He has long legs and a short torso. I have short legs and a long
torso. It makes a huge difference. Also, standover height, or your ability to clear the frame with
your crotch is almost completely irrelevant. I've probably ridden 50,000 miles in the last 5 years
and not once has my crotch ever come in contact with the top tube. What's WAY more relevant is the
top tube length -- it should be long enough that with a 10 or 11 cm stem you are laid out with a
flat, comfortable back when you reach for the bars. Some compensation for a too-short tube can be
made with a longer stem, but you can compromise the handling of the bike.
For a good general discussion of bike fit, go to www.coloradocyclist.com and look for the link to
bike fit. Greg Lemond's book has some good info. Also, there are quite a few websites on the
subject. Just do a search on bike fit.
As someone else said, the most important thing is that it's comfortable enough to keep you
riding it.
But one last thing. If you're new to cycling, you may find that a "correct fit" doesn't feel right
for a ride or two, but starts to feel great with a little time. Kinda like a golf swing.
Bob C. "ac29593" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:Thanks for the response guys.
When I look at the bike standing next to it, it looks like it could be a bit small, but def. dont
feel like Im a giant next to it.
The frame is only about two inches from my crotch when I stand over it, and I heard that around 1
inch was the ideal height. Not too bad I guess.
I raised the seat about a half inch more today and didnt like it, so i brought it back to
where it was.
That answered my question I guess, because I liked it lower like I thought and have the room to
bring it higher if needed.
I feel better now that I have some advice along the lines of "Im the one riding the bike so I
should be comfortable".
That was what I was hoping people would say.
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Quoted message said:--------------------------<
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