Riding a small size bicycle
05-17-05, 04:33 PM
#1
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Riding a small size bicycle
I have an inseam of 79 cm and I might have a chance of getting a 48 size tri specific bike (650c wheels) for really cheap.
Would I be able to ride the bike ?
What should I do (stem, seat post) in order to ride it ?
Would I be able to ride the bike ?
What should I do (stem, seat post) in order to ride it ?
05-17-05, 04:45 PM
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Why do you want such a tiny bike with a 31" inseam? I have a 32" inseam and ride a 56-57cm. Disregard ALL the advice you get insisting you have some magical minimum amount of crotch clearance over the top tube. This is a completely incorrect way to determine frame/bike size!
Follow the Fit Kit or Lemond (or others like Wrench Science) fit advice to determine your ideal bicycle dimensions. Don't sacrifice fit for clearance over the top tube. Although top tube clearance is nice to have, I'd rather have a bike that fits me while I'm RIDING it. People say, "What about if you hop off all of the sudden or crash?" Well, I don't spend much time just standing over my bike. When I used to line up for a race, I'd rest my thigh on the top tube with one foot clipped in and the other on the ground. And if and when I crash, I have lots more to worry about than the top tube! Hitting a tree, car, or whatever at 30mph is what I'm worried about! The top tube is the least of my worries.
That being said, the compact road frame design offers good fit with additional top tube clearance. That should make a lot of "aggro" mountain bike riders out there happy.
Follow the Fit Kit or Lemond (or others like Wrench Science) fit advice to determine your ideal bicycle dimensions. Don't sacrifice fit for clearance over the top tube. Although top tube clearance is nice to have, I'd rather have a bike that fits me while I'm RIDING it. People say, "What about if you hop off all of the sudden or crash?" Well, I don't spend much time just standing over my bike. When I used to line up for a race, I'd rest my thigh on the top tube with one foot clipped in and the other on the ground. And if and when I crash, I have lots more to worry about than the top tube! Hitting a tree, car, or whatever at 30mph is what I'm worried about! The top tube is the least of my worries.
That being said, the compact road frame design offers good fit with additional top tube clearance. That should make a lot of "aggro" mountain bike riders out there happy.
05-17-05, 06:31 PM
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Wrong size is the wrong size. You can't really mess with the seatpost and stem to compensate, If you can get it real real cheap, you might want to consider stripping the group off the frame if you can score an appropriate sized one elsewhere.
05-18-05, 05:06 AM
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I am a short guy and I always have problems finding road bike frames. The frame size that suits me is a 48. Recently I started playing arround with costum bicycles and I use to fit 26 wheels on 24 wheeled frames. This combination is perfect for me. So, I also suppose you may use this 48 frame, find the right seat post and stem and try to fit 700c wheels and you may assemble an excelent bicycle.
