Deciding if cutom geometry is necessary.

[hockeyteeth]

What measurements do you folks use for determining ST and TT length?

My torso is rather short when compared to my legs so I have to make an uncomfortable compromise in frame size. At the proper saddle height on my 58cm frame I have approx. 5cm of saddle to bar drop even using 30mm of spacers and a 90mm stem with 7 degrees of rise. A 60cm frame makes me feel far too stretched out.

[nitropowered]

You'd be a good candidate for custom. I generally use rider feedback to determine TT/ST lengths. Yes formulas work but I rather ask the customer which bikes he/she has ridden, which ones they like/dislike, what kind of fit they are looking for, the style of riding, etc.

In your case, I'd lengthen the head tube (and possibly slope the top tube based on your leg length/standover) and shorten the top tube so you end up using a 110-120 stem.

[hockeyteeth]

Thanks for the quick response.

Any particular reason you prefer longer stems?

[superhotbug]

I feel that 110 stem length is normal for setting up a geometry?

[Peterpan1]

100 for 56, 110 for 58, 120 for 60 according to a Specialized chart I have.

I think you could go a bout it several ways:

Problem - in my case the stock geometry makes the bike too tall so I need to solve that problem. I also have disabilities that I have to work around.

Conceptual - I'm and x and a y so I need a special frame, though the frames I have riden don't give me any apparent problems. But maybe one is compensating with the stem etc... and not getting to the level of fit one otherwise might.

My feeling is that fit is important and complex and probably isn't easily solved by any one stab at it, so if you don't start working on it, you probably won't get the actual answer. Working on it requires trying some tailored frames, if that is possible.

I have worked with fit issues around golf and now cycling. I have a fairly dim view of even well known and respected systems. To really fit a person properly can require the knowledge of a coach, builder, and fitting specialist. Few people have the tripple competency. But good results can come up relatively quickly with a trial an eror approach though it is unaffordable for most unless they have access to a lot of product.

[Peterpan1]

100 for 56, 110 for 58, 120 for 60 according to a Specialized chart I have.

I think you could go a bout it several ways:

Problem - in my case the stock geometry makes the bike too tall so I need to solve that problem. I also have disabilities that I have to work around.

Conceptual - I'm and x and a y so I need a special frame, though the frames I have riden don't give me any apparent problems. But maybe one is compensating with the stem etc... and not getting to the level of fit one otherwise might.

My feeling is that fit is important and complex and probably isn't easily solved by any one stab at it, so if you don't start working on it, you probably won't get the actual answer. Working on it requires trying some tailored frames, if that is possible.

I have worked with fit issues around golf and now cycling. I have a fairly dim view of even well known and respected systems. To really fit a person properly can require the knowledge of a coach, builder, and fitting specialist. Few people have the tripple competency. But good results can come up relatively quickly with a trial an eror approach though it is unaffordable for most unless they have access to a lot of product.

[arshak]

Best way of accurately measuring seat tube and top tube length is to measure from center to center. Seat Tube would be measured from center of Bottom bracket to center of intersection of Top Tube and Seat Tube. Top Tube would be measured from center of Head Tube to center of Seat Tube) You did not mention how tall you are or what your leg inseam is. if you have a shorter torso, then a custom frame makes sense. Hope that helps.

[maddog17]

i'm like you, long legs and short upper body. i had a custom frame built for me by Ted Wojcik. he watched me on the bike i had at the time and noticed how stretched i was up top. we did the usual measurements and came up with a 59cm frame with a 57.3 cm top tube. i was reusing the parts off the old bike so the stem i had, which was a 120, was used pretty easily with no real worries. i think using a certain stem based on TT length may be wrong for some. one thing to consider is tire overlap with your feet when turning. if you have big feet then what? if your only solution is to go to a bigger frame, now your just pushing a new problem with saddle height. in the end, if you think or know you don't fit a certain brands standard geometry, then it's time to go custom. all small framebuilders offer custom frame sizing, some free some charge. luckily for me, a lot more brands offer shorter top tubes now for their 58-59cm frames, either 57-57.5. when i first started almost 20yrs ago, everyone stretched you out, aka Merckx and Lemond, the century gemometry. but since my racing consisted of crits, what good is a stretched geometry? now they all realize this and changed their tune. good luck finding a new ride, but i'd look into a local framebuilder if you can or contact someone about a fitting.