Persuade NYC
12-12-03, 06:16 PM
Any tips on getting a bike to fit better?
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Bike Fit?
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MKRG
12-12-03, 07:06 PM
Try it on...and don't put it in the dryer. You might shrink it.
roadfix
12-12-03, 07:24 PM
...depends..... what kind of fitting problems are you having now???
jimv
12-12-03, 07:44 PM
Any tips on getting a bike to fit better?
Hi Folks...
This is another area I spent alot of time with this past summer. I'd just like to say that this is the stuff that works for me so feel free to ignore any of it.
I think the first thing to decide is the proper seat tube angle. For me, if the geometery is too steep I end up with too much weight on my hands and wrists. Unfortunately the correct seat tube angle is function of your body's center of gravity. Well ... a triathelete or time trialist might disagree but I'm talking about normal day-to-day riding here.
Regardless, measuring the body's c.o.g. is difficult to do so a simpler way is to try different frame geometries.
What I did was to cut 3 little cardboard triangles of 72, 72.5, and 73 degrees. Then I went to an LBS (recycled cycles) and sat on a bunch of frames. I found that for me, the most comfortable was 72 degrees. That's pretty slack but I have a high center of gravity (not because I'm built like Ahhhh-nold but because my legs are short for my height and I have a gut).
Once the seat tube angle is known then the top tube length is a good next step. There's lots of sites (see below) that'll help you figure that out....for me it was 61 cm (C-C) with a 120mm stem. Finally, seat tube length can be determined.
Having said all that, I've found that there are ways of fudging a decent fit. I have a Surly Steamroller that should be painful for me to ride due to its 73 degree seat tube angle and too short for me top tube, but its not. I have long seat rails and when push back, it not only effectively slackens the seat tube angle but increases the top tube length too. I also found that by raising the bars (or angle of bullhorns) I can make an otherwise uncomfortable ride ...rather sweet.
If you have 100 bucks to burn, a fit-kit/size-cycle session at an LBS is a good way to nail down the right fit for you.
Below are some interesting sites. Bike fit is a bit like religion, these sites conflict in several areas. Check them out and figure out what works for you. As simple as it is, the Cycling Tech Center site is a good place to start. The BSN site will require alot more effort on your part but there's alot to be learned playing with their calculator.
Peter White Cycles (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm)
BSN online fit calculator (http://www.bsn.com/Cycling/ergobike.html)
Cycling Tech Center (http://www.kvanproductions.com/cycling/frame_sizing.htm)
Anyway this is what has worked for me ... good luck
Thanks
JimV
Hi Folks...
This is another area I spent alot of time with this past summer. I'd just like to say that this is the stuff that works for me so feel free to ignore any of it.
I think the first thing to decide is the proper seat tube angle. For me, if the geometery is too steep I end up with too much weight on my hands and wrists. Unfortunately the correct seat tube angle is function of your body's center of gravity. Well ... a triathelete or time trialist might disagree but I'm talking about normal day-to-day riding here.
Regardless, measuring the body's c.o.g. is difficult to do so a simpler way is to try different frame geometries.
What I did was to cut 3 little cardboard triangles of 72, 72.5, and 73 degrees. Then I went to an LBS (recycled cycles) and sat on a bunch of frames. I found that for me, the most comfortable was 72 degrees. That's pretty slack but I have a high center of gravity (not because I'm built like Ahhhh-nold but because my legs are short for my height and I have a gut).
Once the seat tube angle is known then the top tube length is a good next step. There's lots of sites (see below) that'll help you figure that out....for me it was 61 cm (C-C) with a 120mm stem. Finally, seat tube length can be determined.
Having said all that, I've found that there are ways of fudging a decent fit. I have a Surly Steamroller that should be painful for me to ride due to its 73 degree seat tube angle and too short for me top tube, but its not. I have long seat rails and when push back, it not only effectively slackens the seat tube angle but increases the top tube length too. I also found that by raising the bars (or angle of bullhorns) I can make an otherwise uncomfortable ride ...rather sweet.
If you have 100 bucks to burn, a fit-kit/size-cycle session at an LBS is a good way to nail down the right fit for you.
Below are some interesting sites. Bike fit is a bit like religion, these sites conflict in several areas. Check them out and figure out what works for you. As simple as it is, the Cycling Tech Center site is a good place to start. The BSN site will require alot more effort on your part but there's alot to be learned playing with their calculator.
Peter White Cycles (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm)
BSN online fit calculator (http://www.bsn.com/Cycling/ergobike.html)
Cycling Tech Center (http://www.kvanproductions.com/cycling/frame_sizing.htm)
Anyway this is what has worked for me ... good luck
Thanks
JimV