Calc

Ok, first time poster....so I ride a 96 Cannondale R600(?) around the college that I go to. It's a size 58, and I'm right under 6', but it's still a little small. Fine around campus, but rather uncomfortable on longer rides. What is the best way to give myself a little extra length? I'm considering either a setback post or a quill stem-threadless conversion, or both. Also, the bars are super narrow compared to all the modern bikes I've ridden, would adding a wider bar help make the riding position more comfortable? I'm in the market for a more modern carbon fiber bike for longer rides but am going to keep the Cannondale for my campus commute. Any input is welcome, thanks!

rpenmanparker 

Seatpost setback and stem length are completely independent of each other. You need to get in the right seat position relative to the cranks first and then determine how much stem length you need afterward. Don't mess with both of those at the same time.

Is your saddle high enough? Raising the saddle also moves it back so that would help if a higher saddle is needed. Also make sure your saddle is level to start. If tilted forward, it will make you feel like you are falling into the handlebars. That could feel like the bike is too small.

Good luck.

Doge

Hard to fit from that but...
Look at hoods and bar angle. Hoods down and bar down may stretch you out. It may also be goofy, so I just said look at it.

Also see if you can ride with elbows bent so much forearms are parallel to ground with hands resting on hoods. That is harder to do on a longer frame, but more aero and likely a better fit. That might mean higher stem. I see more bikes too long than too short. If a 58 is small for you @ 6' your legs are long which means your torso is not so long. You arms may be. I' 6'2" and fine on a 58/59 (with long stem). It is very proportion, position dependent.

Dan333SP

I had a '99 R300 with a threadless stem adapter plug. Assuming your saddle is in the right position and you want to stretch out more, I'd suggest going the threadless route and trying longer stems. That would also allow you to get modern, wider bars.

Calc

Wow, thanks guys! I lowered the hoods and then rode fifteen miles around town, that helped a lot. Still think I might do the quill/threadless conversion but we'll see. But are these old cannondales even worth upgrading? Or should I just try and get rid of it and buy something modern. I'm afraid the shifters are going out..

goenrdoug

put the bike on a stand and spray the hell out of the shifters with WD-40.. Really get it into their inner workings and run through the gears up and down, spray more, etc.. Youtube video search on flushing STI shifters with WD-40 will likely return multiple hits.

Also, a photo of the bike in question might provide us with plenty of information and result in some good ideas...

Calc

image1-4.jpgAlright, here's a picture (hopefully). That's exactly what the told me to do at LBS today..a project for this weekend. Rode again tonight and the shifters were horribly sluggish.

dksix

Since you have a bike that you're wanting to get a more roomier fit to I have this saved from some time back, that has some pretty good but basic information. It's a quick read and gets you in the ballpark. https://cyclingtips.com/2010/04/scie...-bike-fitting/

merlinextraligh

slightly under 6 foot, its highly unlikely a 58cm frame is too small for you, unless you have some seriously odd proportions.

Dial in you leg extension and position over the pedals by adjusting the seat height and fore aft positon of the saddle.

once that is dialed in, then adjust reach and drop by selecting the right length stem, and setting its height correctly.

You might need to swap out stems, but that bike should be relatively easy to make fit you.

dksix

best I could do with the little picture.........

photo host
certificity.com

rpenmanparker 

Exactly, and maybe you will need more setback on your seat post. If you have a 25 mm setback post (which used to be standard) you won't likely need anything else. While you are setting the saddle position, don't worry about whether the saddle rails are centered on the seat post clamp. Just get everything right. Later on you can perhaps change your post if you aren't happy where the saddle is on the clamp.