Size help: I'm freaking out. I am going to get an RT700. Bu I can't figure out what size.
5'7" , 30 inch pant inseam.

I currently ride a 52
BD, when emailed, suggested a 51
but their chart on the order page says
52cm = standover 29" fits most riders 5'4" to 5'6"
54cm = standover 30" fits most riders 5'7" to 5'9"

AAAARRRRGGGGGGG.

If I can't figure out what to do I'll end up getting.....nothing.

Hints?

I have pretty much the same measurements as you. My road bikes typically range from 51cm to 52cm. I went with a 53cm recently, and the longish 540mm tob tube proved to be a bit too much. I am going with the 51cm RT700, mostly based on the 525mm top tube length. I ride a relaxed sport setup these days, so the 53cm's 425mm will be too far for me to stretch. The caveat going with a smaller frame is that I need to make sure the handlebar rises far enough (relative to the seat height) for me to be comfortably upright. Building from the frame up with an uncut steering tube allows me to set the bar height, so I should be okay.

There is no one right size-up for every rider. You'll have to go by your riding style as much as your body measurements.

BTW, thanks for posting that official announcement. I regreted bringing up the subject, but now it is nice to know both companies are on the up and up.

Damn!
I always thought I was 5ft 8.5in, I just did the fit on competitive cyclist, and to be on the safe side, measured my height, I"m only 5 7.5!! damn.
Anyway, I'm glad I did the fit, it turns out I am suited to a 51 in the rt700, gotta e-mail Mike and cancel the order on the 53.
I would highly recommend to anyone who has never done it, to do it, it's free and has three fits to go with three styles of riding, I am going with the Eddy fit.

That's an odd comment. I've made offers to several forum-members to pre-buy their Le Champ SL frame (aluminum) when they were just looking for the build kit and wheels.

Go back and read the post I was replying to.

Somebody needs to talk me out of (or into) buying the Bottechia frameset which seems deceptively inexpensive. But if I want it to be a real upgrade over my current setup (105/Tiagra mix, aluminum frame) it's going to be fairly spendy.

Damn bikes.

Somebody needs to talk me out of (or into) buying the Bottechia frameset which seems deceptively inexpensive. But if I want it to be a real upgrade over my current setup (105/Tiagra mix, aluminum frame) it's going to be fairly spendy.

Damn bikes.


The price on that frame is amazing. Way cheaper than the last group buy. I was going to get one of the Kestrel frames but ended up getting on of those instead. For the money, I just dont see a better deal coming along anytime soon.

Did that help?

Size help: I'm freaking out. I am going to get an RT700. Bu I can't figure out what size.
5'7" , 30 inch pant inseam.

I currently ride a 52
BD, when emailed, suggested a 51
but their chart on the order page says
52cm = standover 29" fits most riders 5'4" to 5'6"
54cm = standover 30" fits most riders 5'7" to 5'9"

AAAARRRRGGGGGGG.

If I can't figure out what to do I'll end up getting.....nothing.

Hints?

Try http://www.bikesuperhub.net/bikefit/form2.html

If you know your current bike setup and the measurements of a new frame size, it will help you calculate the correct stem length, stem angle, spacer height and seat tube length for the new bike.

Except there is no teacher and its just a race to beat the other guy.

I hate that guy.

Go back and read the post I was replying to.

Go back and read the post you were replying to. Did you think he wanted someone to give him a frame/fork?

Go back and read the post you were replying to. Did you think he wanted someone to give him a frame/fork?

Since you're jumping all over me about something you misunderstood, I'll just repost it for you:

If anyone wants the build kit on the Ti frame, let me know. i really just want the frame/fork.
Mighty generous of you.

Since he does not at any time mention that he'll be selling the build kit, I made a joke about the fact that it almost sounds like he's giving it away, and keeping the frame and fork.

So you can just back off a bit now, thanks.

abeyance and I will be buying the bike together, he will take the frameset and I will be taking the buildset. Don't be such ninnies.

John

Don't be such ninnies.

John

Haven't been around here long eh? Enjoy the show. We're actually at intermission right now.

abeyance and I will be buying the bike together, he will take the frameset and I will be taking the buildset. Don't be such ninnies.

John

I'll let it slide this time, since you're new.

Brian

Try http://www.bikesuperhub.net/bikefit/form2.html

If you know your current bike setup and the measurements of a new frame size, it will help you calculate the correct stem length, stem angle, spacer height and seat tube length for the new bike.

For the RT700 I wouldnt necessarily count on the BD site. Kestrel is using odd numbers.

http://www.kestrel-usa.com/bikes/rt700.php I'm about your height (5'6.5'') and I'm going for the 53

Don't be such ninnies.

I will continue to be a ninny, thank you very much. You can't boss me around.

I will continue to be a ninny, that you very much. You can't boss me around.

By the way, nice avatar. Ninny.

'Ninny'?

I'm surrounded by Wussies.

'Ninny'?

I'm surrounded by Wussies.

Hanging out with family again. ;)


El - fair enough.

Will the wheels in this group buy be suitbale for Time Trials?

I am not that familiar with them.

You can not buy this kind of entertainment. Thanks for the hall pass this time Brian.

John

For the RT700 I wouldnt necessarily count on the BD site. Kestrel is using odd numbers.

http://www.kestrel-usa.com/bikes/rt700.php I'm about your height (5'6.5'') and I'm going for the 53

You might want to double check the geo's. Kestrel lists the standover height (not as important as TT) as 30.5 inches. I'm 5'8" and I was going to get a 53 but my cycling insame is just 30.5" so I might go for the 51 and get a 2cm longer then what I normally use.

With not getting atleast a solid half inch over stand over I'm waiting to make up my mind on the 53 v 51.

You can not buy this kind of entertainment. Thanks for the hall pass this time Brian.

John

Did you wash your hands?

You might want to double check the geo's. Kestrel lists the standover height (not as important as TT) as 30.5 inches. I'm 5'8" and I was going to get a 53 but my cycling insame is just 30.5" so I might go for the 51 and get a 2cm longer then what I normally use.

With not getting atleast a solid half inch over stand over I'm waiting to make up my mind on the 53 v 51.

I'd worry less about your overall height, and compare sizing to a bike you own. Inseams can vary for a given height. I'm over 5'10", but I think my legs are a bit on the short side, as my inseam is only 32".

I'm waiting to make up my mind on the 53 v 51.

51 - Save the boys



Will the wheels in this group buy be suitbale for Time Trials?


Magic 8 Ball says Yes

--

No, they smell so sweet after scratching the boys.

For the RT700 I wouldnt necessarily count on the BD site. Kestrel is using odd numbers.

http://www.kestrel-usa.com/bikes/rt700.php I'm about your height (5'6.5'') and I'm going for the 53

I'm about an inch taller than you and I'm getting the 51, do you currently ride a 54?

I'm about an inch taller than you and I'm getting the 51, do you currently ride a 54?

Hmmm...good point... my torso is a bit longer/taller than my legs (or so my LBS says) ... I'm currently riding a 54 Trek XO-1 CX bike and the post looks a little short (that I should have probably gotten a 52 (but they were out of stock) ... 54 is a little big but for the most part it is still ridable....

No doubt!
If I didn't already have a pretty nice XC bike, and hadn't just done the Pedal Force deal, I'd probably be picking up a Ti somethin' or other. Those prices are killer.

Yeah, I'm thinking maybe it's time to get a mtb...

Didn't realize the galleries were up of the built Ti road bikes other than the Team until just now. I still like the hollow decals better but not by as great a margin as I thought I would. The solid decal bikes look great, too. Nice work, Mike.

I'd worry less about your overall height, and compare sizing to a bike you own. Inseams can vary for a given height. I'm over 5'10", but I think my legs are a bit on the short side, as my inseam is only 32".

Yah, I ride a trek 54 and was trying to compare it to that. The TT length of the Trek 54 is in between the 51 and 53. But the standover on the 51 and 53 is still longer then the 54. So was worried about being on the 53 and even being comfortable standing over it.

Can't wait... Bottecchia frameset and tubulars order placed. Price too good to pass

I just got back from taking my kids to Disney World
Wow - 85 degrees in Orlando on Dec 7th

anyway, Kestrel had sent an Evoke frameset straight to my house
so here are my pictures [not great photos - BUT a better looking frame than I expected - very nice]

Later - there will be better photos posted by my staff
including the example bike build up

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t213/bikedoctor/evoke1.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t213/bikedoctor/evoke2.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t213/bikedoctor/evoke3.jpg

Mike, do you know where I could get an Aero RT700 seatpost? I ONLY could find them for $180 on team cyclist... And that's WAY too much for a seatpost.

If I wasn't broke I'd be after those clinchers. Dang.

That first Kestrel has very pretty graphics too.

MTB Review website has about a dozen reviews of the Alu Fly hardtail MTB, all raves. I do think this bike will be a very sweet hard tail MTB. I can't find anything comparable for less than double that price. My LBS says 'but some Taiwan Ti frames haven't been so great'. Whatever. As long as BD is in business, they're backing it up with a lifetime warranty on the frame. At that price if I get a few seasons out of it it won't owe me anything. I get the feeling it will last forever. Besides, I don't hammer my MTB nearly as often as my road bikes. My 1999 Jamis Dragon looks brand new.

I just got back from taking my kids to Disney World
Wow - 85 degrees in Orlando on Dec 7th

anyway, Kestrel had sent an Evoke frameset straight to my house
so here are my pictures [not great photos - BUT a better looking frame than I expected - very nice]

Later - there will be better photos posted by my staff
including the example bike build up


Looks great. It looks like a darker red on the Kestrel website. This read looks to be easier to match with a new saddle. I can't wait to see this built up.

By later do you mean Monday :)

Thanks to all who offered sizing advice. I listened, I did the online thing and indeed, the 51 seems right. So I ordered one.
Kinda takes the fun outta Christmas, New Years, Martin Luther Kings Birthday, and maybe Presidents day. I'll just be marking the calender.....

Does it seem there is a little too much cable set up on this bike? Seem all could be a little bit shorter. RD is fine but the rest are huge!
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/images/rt7bike_gallery/images/02rt7bike_frt3q2.jpg
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/images/rt7bike_gallery/images/13rt7bike_seatcluster.jpg
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/images/rt7bike_gallery/images/9rt7bike_saddle.jpg

Its like BD is giving away free cable!!! ;)

Mike, do you know where I could get an Aero RT700 seatpost? I ONLY could find them for $180 on team cyclist... And that's WAY too much for a seatpost.

I will try to get them in the spring
and of course, I would be pricing them at an aggressive price

I will try to get them in the spring
and of course, I would be pricing them at an aggressive price

Thanks Mike! That Aero seat post is sweet! Would that be an item we would find at Bike Island when they come in, or would you make an announcement on the forums when they come in or preorder? I figured out another advantage to the aero post is your seat will always be straight on the bike:D

Thanks Mike! That Aero seat post is sweet! Would that be an item we would find at Bike Island when they come in, or would you make an announcement on the forums when they come in or preorder? I figured out another advantage to the aero post is your seat will always be straight on the bike:D

+1, not having to worry about seat alignment would be a plus. Also the seatpost enables you to move the seat further up if need be by switching the seat clamp rails...

Crydee and Field3,
I went and got fitted at my LBS today, Bicycle Depot in New Paltz, Mike set me up on the trainer with my current Kestrel Talon (52cm with 53.3tt), He took a look at how I was on that bike, then compared the geometries to that of the RT700. The main measurements he goes by are top tube and head tube, the head tube on the RT is longer than that of the Talon, and I am running a 100mm stem, flipped up on the Talon. When I get the 51, I can go with a 100mm stem, flipped down and it will give me the same cockpit as my current set up, but I can get more drop on it.
He definitely said the 53 would be way too big for me.
When I was there I picked up a cyclops trainer, can't wait to get on it. I feel bad that I am not buying the bike from them, but will pick up a saddle, water cages and other bits and pieces. They didn't charge me a dime for the fit, Great service and attitude, Kudos to Bicycle Depot!!

Thanks for the experience irish pat, I'm definately going for the 51cm also...

Evoke frame was 2.6 lbs on my scale
and the fork with a huge streering tube is 420grams

so the entire bike should be about 16.5 or so
as spec'd

Mike, the Evoke frameset will ship in Febuary, correct? Do you know what part of Febuary and is the ship date pretty much guaranteed. meaning can you meet the demand. I am about to order an Evoke frameset, but I really cant wait till March or April.
Thanks.

I can't wait to see more pictures of the Evoke. I'd love to see it built up with Silver components(stem, seatpost, cranks, brakes) but no ones really doing it anymore but I think it may look really good considering the paneling.

I got the go ahead from the wife to put the deposit down this week. Woohoo.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/jimfeil/EvokeRedDA.jpg

You're missing out on a big market.



Unfortunately for you tall dudes, high end bikes purchased by people over 6'2" tall is about .000000001 % of the bicycle market.

Mike, the Evoke frameset will ship in Febuary, correct? Do you know what part of Febuary and is the ship date pretty much guaranteed. meaning can you meet the demand. I am about to order an Evoke frameset, but I really cant wait till March or April.
Thanks.


I am not sure
as I am saying Feb due to the schedule being more like January
But after a few decades of imports you get the feel that things can slip a bit
So I am hopinmg these will ship by Feb 1st or so
all things running as forecast

Evoke frame was 2.6 lbs on my scale
and the fork with a huge streering tube is 420grams

so the entire bike should be about 16.5 or so
as spec'd

Mike, just so we can compare apples to oranges, how much did the RT700 frame come in at? Thanks

Evoke frame was 2.6 lbs on my scale
and the fork with a huge streering tube is 420grams

so the entire bike should be about 16.5 or so
as spec'd


What size was the frame? From what I've found usually 56s come in around 1175-1180, and each size is obviously a little lighter.