gkieser

Problem is that a bike that fits me while riding is VERY iffy on standover height. If this bike is too small, then I'm in trouble: it's the largest frame size.

seymour5000

I'm not as up on my bikes as you guys, but not all hybrids are MTB/Road. You can get a hybrid of Road/Comfort. That's what the Trek FX is about. I would love to ride a drop down road bike, but I can't afford one and I'm not ready to physically ride one. So I got the Trek Soho 1.0. I was also looking at the Trek 7.5 fx, but liked the style and set up on the Soho better.

LarDasse74

Just because it is the largest size from one manufacturer doesn't mean another manufacturer doesn't make a bike in a larger size (or the same size but just fits better).

I'm not saying a hybrid isn't a good idea, just that you might be throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

wrk101

Given the amount of seat post you have showing in the picture, and the near vertical stem, the frame looks too small by a lot. I like the one handful rule that someone has on seat post. You have probably three handfuls showing, if not more.


For what it is worth, I basically have zero clearance on standover. Its just one criteria on frame size.

gkieser

Every bike I've ever owned had the seatpost set at minimum insertion. The bike could well be too small, but I hope a larger size does not mean longer. I ride a bike on patrol at work, a really big Raleigh MTB, which fits great, but I'm not sure the size. FWIW, a lot of hybrid bike did not seem to require as much seatpost length.

LarDasse74

I looked at the picture you posted and two things jumped out at me.. one - your seat is very high, and two - your saddle is pointing nose down.

A saddle pointing nose down is the most common cause of sore hands and arms. As you ride your weight slides forward and you subconsiously push youself back from the handlebars. A level saddle or slightly nose up saddle will allow you weight to slide back onto the wider back part and support your weight better, and also allow you to use your hands to control the bike instead of support your weight.

The saddle is also very high. I have a 36" inseam also, and I ride a 60 cm (24") touring bike and my saddle is not as far out of the frame as yours (as near as I can tel from the pic you posted and holding a ruler up to the screen ). I can't make comments on you position without riding with you, but make sure your saddle is at the right height. When you are riding with the ball of your foot over the middle of your pedal, and the pedal is at its lowest point your foot should be roughly level and your leg should be almost completely straight. If you have to extend your foot or rock your hips at all to reach the pedal then your saddle is too high.

Also, having your saddle too high makes is uncomfortable in your ummm.... crotchular region. Many people think the way to counter this is to tilt the saddle nose down, which causes other problems (see above). If you havn't traded the bike in yet, see if these changes help with your comfort.

The reason I am suggesting trying to make this bike fit is because the most versatile bike, in my opinion, is a drop handlebar touring bike. Touring bikes have better brakes and are generally built tougher, while still being light, fast, and efficient like a road bike. Consider trading this bike for a touring model instead of a hybrid.

nymtber

just looking at what youve done to the Sequoia, I cant pretty safely assume the bike is NOT YOUR SIZE or anywhere near it. Not trying to make fun or poke jokes, but did you just walk into a store and buy the bike without getting fitted? You probably need a much bigger frame. If thats the largest size specialized has (61cm) maybe you just need to find something more comfortable. That thing must handle like garbage with the stem up at such a steep angle!

I actually like a road or mountain bike more than hybrid/comfort bikes. I like the bent over feel, better handling as well. I seriously think you need to go spend time/money on a proper bike fitting if your going to buy another bike. You will be happier in the end! mountain biking i could get away fine with a 16" and have better standover, but an 18 inch bike fits me better and is more comfortable.

somone who is your height might have a better idea, Im only 5'8

gkieser

Well, I've decided to sell the Sequoia. Based on the feedback, at the minimum the bike is too small for me. bummer, it's a nice bike. Anyone know a bike brand that sells bikes bigger than 61cm?

Antelope 70cm

Don't give up on the Sequoia line just yet. My Dad's 61cm sure looks bigger than yours. They have a new frame style now. I would go to Specialized website and look up the geometry of the new style and compare measurements with yours. Also call around and see if someone has a 61 on the floor. It was hard to find my Dad's but we found it.

schnee

You sound like the perfect candidate for a custom frame. You're just outside of the frame sizes the major bike manufacturers make.

Have you looked at Zinn Cycles? He specializes in big dudes.

PS, I ride a 60cm and I'm only 6' 2-1/2". You definitely need bigger.

LarDasse74

I agree... I looked around on several websites and the 61cm sequoia seems to be the biggest mass produced bike around - even if some others are selling 63 cm frames, the sequoia is going to have a bigger fit.

Have you checked to make sure your saddle is level and legs not overextended? Having your saddle too high could be causing some discomfort. Having your saddle pointing nose down definitely causes discomfort.

wrk101

Trek 1.5 comes in a 64 cm. I only single it out as it is the first bike I looked at (low end Trek road bike).

My 1973 Schwinn Supersport has a 26 inch frame = 66 cm.

Go to bikepedia and start searching their database. They have most of the manufacturers and bikes listed.

https://www.bikepedia.com

LarDasse74

The problem with most bikes is probably going to be that the sequoia is built to be an upright position road-sport bike - it has a massive headtube that most other bikes do not... I bet it would even be difficult to get a replacement fork with a long enough headtube for a 61cm sequoia. The trek has a 25cm headtube while the sequoia has a 29cm headtube. The Trek also has a 61cm eff. top tube, compared to the sequoia's 60cm... the trek would have a lower bar with a longer reach.