Touring - Fuji Touring.... Help!

Hey Guys!
If anyone has some advice to offer I would greatly appreciate it! I've been car-less and biking for years but on a low budget so I've never hooked myself up with a proper bike. I've gone on a handful of long distance trips but on pretty inappropriate bikes. I spotted a Fuji Touring 07 at the local bike shop for $500, great condition. I feel pretty uneducated to make this decision so I would prefer ya'll just did it for me..

The previous owner changed out so many of the parts. He put a carbon fork on that I feel doesn't make sense on a touring bike? The owner said he could probably get the original fork back. Also, I feel like I've never rode a bike that is my correct size so I can't tell what it should feel like. I've only had road bikes so the set-up feels a bit different when I test ride. My inseam is 86cm, exactly half my height, 5' 7.5". The frame is a 58cm. If anyone has some insight on this model and sizing please school me!
Thank you so much,
Deirdre

58 sounds like it might be too big for you.

Note that your inseam length is shorter than the stand-over height.

It's a decent bicycle (the wheels when new might need to be retensioned). Other than easily-fixed issues with the wheels, owners are quite happy with them.

I'm assuming that the swapped-out parts are better than was original.

http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/touring The MSRP is $1049.

This bike is supposed to be the same one (note that you'd have to get it put together).
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm

oh no, I can stand over it just fine... about an inch clearance.

oh no, I can stand over it just fine... about an inch clearance.

Maybe, but the top tube will probably be a little long for you and you will need a very short stem. Generally speaking, someone less than 5'8" would need about a size 54 or maybe 56 at max. Have someone who is unbiased and knowledgeable look at you on it.

I love my Fuji Touring. However, I'm 5'11" and mine is 56cm. The stem that came on it was too long for me and I had to switch it for a shorter one.
I think this bike might be a bit large for you.

oh no, I can stand over it just fine... about an inch clearance.

Standover is easy. It's the effective horizontal top tube length that is more important. (See Robow's post at 4.)


I've only had road bikes so the set-up feels a bit different when I test ride.
There's important related information that you (ideally) should provide. What are the horizontal top tube lengths (and associated stem lengths) of these? (Don't care about the seat tube size or standover)

Maybe, but the top tube will probably be a little long for you and you will need a very short stem. Generally speaking, someone less than 5'8" would need about a size 54 or maybe 56 at max. Have someone who is unbiased and knowledgeable look at you on it.

Agree. I'm 5' 8.5" in socks and generally ride a 54cm frame. Specifically, I look for bikes with an effective top tube that's 535-545mm long. My touring bike has a 540mm top tube and a 100mm stem. My road bike is a bit more aggressive: 545mm top tube, 110mm stem, and fewer spacers between the headset and stem.

Can't imagine that a 58cm frame would work for the OP. A 52 or 54cm frame seems like a better bet...

Oh my mistake sorry ya'll.. went to check it out again today.. 56cm frame and the top tube is 565mm, didn't remember to check the stem length. Regardless, sounds like it is agreed I should look for even smaller? Thanks for your input, I really do value the opinions here.

Geesh you guys must have freaky long legs. I'm 5' 8" and my Windsor Tourist which is identical to the Fuji is a 49 cm and I have just a bit of clearance when I stand over it. I can't imagine riding a 52 much less a 54 cm. To the OP as I said the Windsor Tourist is the same frame as the Fuji. Some of the bits are different but its the same frame and its $599.00 new. If you have some mechanical skills you can assemble it yourself.

Oh my mistake sorry ya'll.. went to check it out again today.. 56cm frame and the top tube is 565mm, didn't remember to check the stem length. Regardless, sounds like it is agreed I should look for even smaller? Thanks for your input, I really do value the opinions here.

What is the horizontal top tube length of the road bikes you normally use?

I've been on a Cannondale for a few years... just measured it for the first time. A 60cm with about the same length top tube. Opps! That is definitely too large. I'm a yoga teacher, maybe I'm just stretching my bones longer who knows.

I've been on a Cannondale for a few years... just measured it for the first time. A 60cm with about the same length top tube. Opps! That is definitely too large. I'm a yoga teacher, maybe I'm just stretching my bones longer who knows.

The seat tube size (eg 60cm) is a nearly useless number unless all of the bikes you are comparing have a horizontal top tube.

My current bike is "52" but is the same size (basically) as a 56 cm bike with a horizontal top tube. And I'm using a shorter stem than what the bike came with.

Note that people do have different preferences as to how they like to ride a bike but people touring usually sit a bit more upright. That means that the HTT length will be a bit shorter than what would be appropriate when riding with a racing position.

thanks njkayaker, this is helpful. thank you to all who posted!

Deirdre, I imagine that there isn't alot of seat post showing above the seat tube on the Cannondale. :)

Which model Cannondale do you have as they also made touring frames?

Brad

Yeah, you are right! It's a 1990 cannondale criterium 3.0.

Dierdre, Yeah, I have an '89 3.0 Crit frame, couldn't be further away from my 3.0 touring frame's specs. :) One thing about a touring bike is they generally have larger tires than a road bike, making stand-over an issue for some. Look for one that's a 54 or 56 cm (touring bike sizes are also often advertized in inches, so convert) . Top tube length is my critical measurement, within reason it can be corrected with the steering stem.

Brad