Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Proper top-tube length

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malsr
06-14-09, 03:49 PM
Just purchased a frame with a 58cm seat tube and a 59cm top tube . I'm 6 ft tall and am comfortable with the seat tube length of 58 . But how do I determine if the top tube length is right for me without building the bike up?

adriano
06-14-09, 04:03 PM
try the competitive cyclist fit calculator.
Raiden
06-14-09, 04:08 PM
Compare the measurement to a current bike?

malsr
06-14-09, 04:29 PM
Wow, that fit calculator is awesome. Ok, so my top tube is about 1.5 to 2cm too long. Now what? Should I ditch the frame and look for a new one?? If I shorten up the stem to compensate for this what will be the result?
adriano
06-14-09, 04:52 PM
Wow, that fit calculator is awesome. Ok, so my top tube is about 1.5cm too long. Now what? Should I ditch the frame and look for a new one?? If I shorten up the stem to compensate for this what will be the result?

use the calculator as a guide. if you like the frame, two centimeters is close enough to build it up and give it a try unless you have reason to believe otherwise.
malsr
06-14-09, 06:17 PM
So the top tube is about 2cm too long. What are the ramifications of using a stem that is 2 cm shorter to compensate for this? Would this make the handling more twitchy?
adriano
06-14-09, 10:31 PM
So the top tube is about 2cm too long. What are the ramifications of using a stem that is 2 cm shorter to compensate for this? Would this make the handling more twitchy?

depending on your source, its preferable to not go under 70 or even 90mm, but see what works!
ALaS
06-15-09, 01:49 AM
Shorter stem is my vote. If you don't like it, sell and rebuild!