Choosing a TT frame based on your body
04-08-10, 11:38 PM
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Choosing a TT frame based on your body
I'm currently looking for a new TT frame to replacing my aging aluminum one. After comparing the geometries of the popular manufacturers, I'm surprised by how much they vary in proportions. Cannondale and Scott seem to be short and tall frames, while Cervelo and Felt seem to be long and low, for example.
How does one choose a TT frame based on one's body proportions, flexibility, riding style, etc?
I appreciate the help.
How does one choose a TT frame based on one's body proportions, flexibility, riding style, etc?
I appreciate the help.
04-08-10, 11:41 PM
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I'm currently looking for a new TT frame to replacing my aging aluminum one. After comparing the geometries of the popular manufacturers, I'm surprised by how much they vary in proportions. Cannondale and Scott seem to be short and tall frames, while Cervelo and Felt seem to be long and low.
How does one choose a TT frame based on one's body proportions, flexibility, riding style, etc?
I appreciate the help.
How does one choose a TT frame based on one's body proportions, flexibility, riding style, etc?
I appreciate the help.
Test ride several bikes...the one that is the most comfortable to you and fastest as well....mark its Geo...and buy based on that. JMO
04-08-10, 11:45 PM
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Seems pretty hard to judge a frame based on a test ride, since each bike comes with different control components (esp. aerobars) in different configurations.
04-09-10, 12:06 AM
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Not an expert, but as per slowtwitch.com, if you have long legs/short torso, you'll go for a taller bike with a shorter reach. Check out the "stack and reach" section on their website - there are a lot of detailed articles there, explaining this.
04-09-10, 12:14 AM
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Understood I thought the same thing after my post. Hopefully someone will guide you to a bicycle Mathematics experts site for your need.
04-09-10, 12:42 AM
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the "long and low" bikes are good if your toso is proportionally longer than your legs. the shorter toptube bikes are for those with longer legs.
I'm torso-y and I ride a Cervelo TT bike.
I'm torso-y and I ride a Cervelo TT bike.
04-09-10, 09:56 AM
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Ok, some good recommendations. Is there a "normal" proportion of legs to torso length, so I can compare myself?
04-09-10, 11:11 AM
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You said you currently have a time trial bike, what is it? Do you like your fit on it? Do you want to ride really low or more upright?
04-09-10, 11:12 AM
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Another thing to bear in mind is whether the bike is primarily geared to triathalons or UCI type TT's...
My wife ran into this issue with her Triad. On paper the bike should fit her, but when setting it up for a UCI TT (5cm saddle setback) the reach was just a tad too long. It could have been resolved with a shorter stem, but the shop was able to get a smaller frame in which negated that. It also allowed her to get lower in front so it was a win win.
If she was only planning on doing non-UCI events she would have been ok because we would have set the saddle further forward to get her in a better position.
My wife ran into this issue with her Triad. On paper the bike should fit her, but when setting it up for a UCI TT (5cm saddle setback) the reach was just a tad too long. It could have been resolved with a shorter stem, but the shop was able to get a smaller frame in which negated that. It also allowed her to get lower in front so it was a win win.
If she was only planning on doing non-UCI events she would have been ok because we would have set the saddle further forward to get her in a better position.
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