mindbogger
08-21-03, 10:14 PM
ive tried to search teh forums but ive found nothing..... just wondering whats the proper way to see if the bike is a perfect fit. Is there some kind of kit or something or is it whta you feel comfortable on?
Mountain Biking - Bicycle Fit
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Chi
08-21-03, 10:33 PM
Usually, the general way of telling for mountain bikes is standover height. See if you get 1-3 inches of clearance from the top tube under your crotch. The next step is to ride it around and see if you're comfortable.
bikeme
08-21-03, 11:59 PM
I saw an article online about both road and mountain bike fitting a couple years ago on, I think it was, Bicycling Magazine--do a search for bike fitting and see. Also, Colorado Cyclist has a page or two on their site.
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
Over time, you'll know what feels best as far as stem reach/height, saddle height/fore-aft positioning, etc. I had my road bike pro-fitted by a USCF certified coach--I had him look over my existing ride before I bought a new bike. He then adjusted the new one to proper ergo. From what I felt on the road bike, I then adjusted my mountain bike to a similar feel (allowing for a complete different use obviously).
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
Over time, you'll know what feels best as far as stem reach/height, saddle height/fore-aft positioning, etc. I had my road bike pro-fitted by a USCF certified coach--I had him look over my existing ride before I bought a new bike. He then adjusted the new one to proper ergo. From what I felt on the road bike, I then adjusted my mountain bike to a similar feel (allowing for a complete different use obviously).
a2psyklnut
08-22-03, 08:51 AM
Standover being critical is a bit of misconception. Especially with some of the new crop of sloping top tube or full suspension designs.
The CRITICAL measurement is TOP TUBE LENGTH!
IOW, how cramped or how stretched out you feel on the bike.
You should find a bike that is NOT either of these two (cramped/stretched) without having to do any funky mods, like a 150mm stem or moving the saddle all the way forward on the rails...etc.
As with almost everything, there are exceptions to every rule and fitting is very subjective to each individual rider. I'm 6'0" shorth legged, long torsoed, ex-BMX racer, so I like a SMALLER frame than what I should ride.
The thing to do is test ride as many different bikes as possible, keep track of the top tube lengths, stem length, bar rise..etc., of bike that feel comfortable.
Buy the bike that "feels" the most comfy!
BTW, is your Zurich the silver and blue one? I've got the 2000 or 2001, (can never remember) it's the Blue and Yellow one. It's a 55cm, and I should fit on a Large Mtn frame, but choose a Medium. Go figure!
L8R
The CRITICAL measurement is TOP TUBE LENGTH!
IOW, how cramped or how stretched out you feel on the bike.
You should find a bike that is NOT either of these two (cramped/stretched) without having to do any funky mods, like a 150mm stem or moving the saddle all the way forward on the rails...etc.
As with almost everything, there are exceptions to every rule and fitting is very subjective to each individual rider. I'm 6'0" shorth legged, long torsoed, ex-BMX racer, so I like a SMALLER frame than what I should ride.
The thing to do is test ride as many different bikes as possible, keep track of the top tube lengths, stem length, bar rise..etc., of bike that feel comfortable.
Buy the bike that "feels" the most comfy!
BTW, is your Zurich the silver and blue one? I've got the 2000 or 2001, (can never remember) it's the Blue and Yellow one. It's a 55cm, and I should fit on a Large Mtn frame, but choose a Medium. Go figure!
L8R
bikeme
08-22-03, 11:25 AM
Mine is the blue and yellow with blue Rolfs, maybe it's a 2001? I thought it was a 2002--who cares?! LOL. You are so right about TT length, that's why I went to a 59 cm size. It was the only way to get the right TT length. I don't have too much leeway on standover but enough I am not in fear of being an alto when I stop at lights. My seat post doesn't stick out too much so I don't look as cool as a pro but the fit is awesome.
a2psyklnut
08-22-03, 12:09 PM
Does yours look like this, only bigger?
L8R
L8R
bikeme
08-22-03, 12:29 PM
That be it!
a2psyklnut
08-22-03, 01:03 PM
Hey bikeme, I did some searching to be sure! It's a 2001!!!! Now you know!
L8R
L8R
bikeme
08-22-03, 01:10 PM
Profile info changed accordingly, thanks