Road Cycling - Litespeed Vela

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Ritalin
10-11-02, 09:04 PM
So I finally got a road bike. Weeeeeeeeee.

Litespeed Vela. Seems like a pretty nice ride so far. There was a customer in the shop he said "you don't want to ride that thing" "why?" "you'll buy it" and he was right! Out of the 5-6 different bikes I rode it seemed to have the best feel (to me) for the money.

I guess companies are going to fewer frame sizes now and you have to get a fit with different components. I feel like I need a shorter stem, but I don't know how much shorter. How does one know what length to get? Anyone else ridden this bike or know anything about it? I looked for some stuff on it and I guess since it's an '03 no reviews or anything are out yet.

Well I'm so happy that I think she's going to sleep with me tonight. Weeeeeeee. :beer:

roadbuzz
10-11-02, 09:32 PM
There's the Litespeed (http://www.litespeed.com/english/bikes/vela.html) site. I guess it's still a new model, introduced last year.

The rule of thumb is that when you're riding in the drops, looking down at the axle of your front wheel, the handlebars should block your view of the axle. It's just a rule of thumb, but it's pretty good and gives you a starting point. Anyhow, if the axle appears behind the bars, your stem may be too long. An alternative adjustment is to shift the seat. If the seat rails will let you slide it forward, you can shorten your reach that way (but change your knee/pedal relationship in the process).

Sweet ride! :thumbup:
khuon
10-11-02, 11:56 PM
Originally posted by Ritalin
I feel like I need a shorter stem, but I don't know how much shorter. How does one know what length to get?

If your LBS/FBS (F = Favourite) doesn't have one, fine a shop that has a Fit Kit. Have them prop the bike on a trainer or something, have them install the adjustable stem from the Fit Kit (or many different stems if they have them) and spin for a bit. The shop know-hows should be able to suggest to you a correct stem size after that. The alternative is a collection of stems of various sizes and shapes. I have a bin of old stems because I didn't ever care to get correctly fit at the shop and just tried winging it myself for a while.