make this bike work or choose another?
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make this bike work or choose another?
I'm in the market for what I guess is best called an "urban" bike- flat handle bar, 700c wheels, rigid frame. I want something that I can ride on pavement, not trails, I would like it to be tough enough that I can occasionally hop on and off curbs on it, and I would like it's gearing to be conducive to speed as I only want to use it along the valley floor; no desire to do hills on this thing.
So far, the bike that best meets that description is the REI Novara Big Buzz. Here's a snapshot of it's web page:
https://66.218.69.11/search/cache?ei=...icp=1&.intl=us
The only problem is it's available size vs. my body's size; it's largest available size is a 20" and the REI salespeople have basically told me that it's too small for me. At 6'2" and with a 32" inseam, my standover height on the bike is around 4" and when I have the seat at its appropriate height (so that I have only a slight bend in my knee with the pedal at the bottom of its travel) the seat is quite a bit higher than the handle bars. That seat height has my body pretty leaned forward and during a long test ride, my back started to complain.
My first thought was to just use a different stem, but the salesperson instantly said that that would change the handling, as if that would be a disaster. As for the stem that comes on the bike, it looks pretty long and low to me (don't know the measurements, though ) and the handlebars are totally flat.
To finally get to my question, would it really be a bad idea for me to buy this bike and try to "make" it fit my body by using a riser stem and handle bar? Or should I just choose a different bike?
So far, the bike that best meets that description is the REI Novara Big Buzz. Here's a snapshot of it's web page:
https://66.218.69.11/search/cache?ei=...icp=1&.intl=us
The only problem is it's available size vs. my body's size; it's largest available size is a 20" and the REI salespeople have basically told me that it's too small for me. At 6'2" and with a 32" inseam, my standover height on the bike is around 4" and when I have the seat at its appropriate height (so that I have only a slight bend in my knee with the pedal at the bottom of its travel) the seat is quite a bit higher than the handle bars. That seat height has my body pretty leaned forward and during a long test ride, my back started to complain.
My first thought was to just use a different stem, but the salesperson instantly said that that would change the handling, as if that would be a disaster. As for the stem that comes on the bike, it looks pretty long and low to me (don't know the measurements, though ) and the handlebars are totally flat.
To finally get to my question, would it really be a bad idea for me to buy this bike and try to "make" it fit my body by using a riser stem and handle bar? Or should I just choose a different bike?
#2
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Originally Posted by thirdin77
To finally get to my question, would it really be a bad idea for me to buy this bike and try to "make" it fit my body by using a riser stem and handle bar? Or should I just choose a different bike?
Tim
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Rretrofitting a bike with a riser stem or a stem riser or something like that might work but it sounds like a "Plan B" kind of thing to me.
Since you're buying a brand new bike I'd recommend looking around a little more to find something that will work without such modifications.
Since you're buying a brand new bike I'd recommend looking around a little more to find something that will work without such modifications.
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Fit should be the first concern. You're at the time of year when dealers are starting to clear merchandise for '08 stuff--I'd look at Trek and Gary Fisher, too. Look at the least expensive hybrid that'll get you mechanical disc brakes.
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WTF is it with manufactures cutting off sizes at 20" and lower???!
I see more male cyclists around here hanging over too small frames. Is this just the latest in laziness after 'compact frames'?
I see more male cyclists around here hanging over too small frames. Is this just the latest in laziness after 'compact frames'?
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I'm pleased with my '03 Big Buzz but it fit me out of the box. Well...except I needed a longer seat post. It's rugged, the disc brakes are great, the gearing is appropriate for my riding (38/46 crank with a wide range cassette), handling is fine. I couldn't find any other comparable bikes locally in '03 so I bought mine online from Seattle.
Find a bike that fits - the selection is better now.
Find a bike that fits - the selection is better now.
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find another one. riding a bike that doesn't fit is no fun. (I know, I've done it)
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"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me