George

Rocky Mountain Sherpa, Randonee, LHT, Ive been looking at these 3 bikes and being 67 years old I was wondering which one would be the easiest on my back, or give me the most upright position. The only one that I had a chance to ride was the Randonee, but most of the bike shops don't carry touring bikes and I can't get a chance to ride them. I'm thinking that the Sherpa would be the most relaxed looking at the top tube, but I don't know for sure. Right now I have a Jamis Coda Elite and it's a very nice bike, but I always have it in my mind there may be something better. The Coda I have is an 2005 model and the top tube is almost level ( 1/2 rise) and I don't have to much of a problem with that, but I have a riser with spacers in it and that brings the trekking bars up about 2" over the saddle. Anyhow I'm looking at getting a true touring road bike and I need a little help. I'm also thinking I may just be better off with what I have, I don't know. Thanks for any replys, George

The Smokester

George,
Really wish I could answer your question exactly. I have an LHT and the riding position with my hands on the cross bar (as opposed to the drops) is pretty upright. I think if you go to an LBS they will be able to adjust or change the stem on any of the bikes you mention to get it the way you want provided the bike fits you reasonably to begin with.

When I got my tourer, the LBS use a "fit cycle" (not a fitness cycle) to try out different geometries. This worked out really well and I would recommend this fitting process to anyone wanting a precise fit like you are.

NoReg

Upright doesn't necesarilly protect your back. I have a lower vertibre injury, and find drops on my touring bike to be the best bet. There may be a few days getting used to it, mostly at the level of my neck.

George

Thanks for the replys guys, I'm just about ready to buy and I'm trying to cover all the bases. I really hate buying a bike without riding it, even if I did get a good bike fit. I paid for a bike fit early in the year and I could hardly walk when he was done. The reason I kept riding it, I read stories that it may feel uncomfortible at first, but when you get use to it, it will be great, wrong.

Bacciagalupe

Have you considered a recumbent? No back problems at all with one of those -- other than occasionally lifting it, that is.

robmcl

There was a good article in the last issue of Adventure Cycling about using recumbents on tour. Very interesting.

kipibenkipod

Hey George,
You should think of getting 2cm more then you thought. This will allow higher bar, lower saddle and decreased saddle to bar length.
You should read here from rivendell how to pick your frame size, and I think that your case is in need for this article

George

Thanks guys, I went by Andy Pruitt's book when I bought the Jamis Coda that I have now. I ended up with a 58cm, ( the biggest they have) and now after reading the sizing on the Rivendell, I belong in a 62cm. I have a 35" inseam and I'm 6'2" at 200#. Man, it's like who can you trust, this is really getting to me. It seems like it's harder to buy a bike, than a car, and I don't like buying cars. If I went buy Rivendell,I'd be in bad shape, if I had to get a bike that big. I was thinking the Randonee or the LHT, or the Cannondale. I don't want to buy the LHT sight unseen and no test ride. I'm to big for the Randonee, as there biggest is 59cm and the Cannondales you have to order as well, because nobody stocks them. If I order the Cannondale and don't like it, or if it doesn't fit right, I'm stuck with it. I was also thinking about the Sherpa, but thats the same thing, it's largest bike is a 58cm. You know as I'm writing this I'm thinking about the Rivendell and what they are saying. They, and a few more, are the only ones that make a bike that big. I wonder if Pruitt isn't right.

kipibenkipod

Just go to one of the LBS's near you, and try riding a 62cm bike. See how it fits, how it handles, are you streached, is the possition really better then smaller bike.
After that I would ask the forum about custom options. I see you have hard time to finding a frame. I think this will serve you the best, and will make you enjoy every ride you will take.
I understand the price tag on custom, so if it bothers you, just keep asking and comparing the stock bikes.
Some people here don't agree fully with rivendell, so take rivendell or other gurus with a grain of salt.
LHT has 62cm frame that can fit you, and I know some people in this forum are about your measurements and had the 62 frame. You will need to ask them. The 62cm frame has 34.1'' stand over hight, so it can be a little small for you, but I'm really not sure.
Good luck, and keep us posted.

The Smokester

George,
But did he use a "fit cycle" so you could replicate actual bike geometries and ride them? It really sounds like you really need to ride (even if just on a "fit cycle") and adjust before you buy.

George

Thanks Smokester, but no, I can't get to first base with any of these guys. I have to say that Gene at Spicer cycles has worked with me but we're 500miles apart. I just called Canondale today and asked if they could get a measurement from the bars down to the floor and they said they would get back to me by Monday. I called the Randonee factory and they said they don't have any in stock to measure. I did ask both bike factories if they have specs on the bikes that I could go buy, they said no. Now how do they expect someone to buy a bike by looking at a picture. Even if you got measured, I think you would still want to ride the bike before committing yourself. Maybe I'm missing something or these bike shops think they got gold or something, but I'm just about ready to hang it up. Anyhow thanks for the replys guy. Maybe I'll see you out there on my Jamis Coda Elite, it is a nice bike by the way.

NoReg

I'm 6'1" with a 34 inseam, and ride a 58. In my case I could do with a little more length and a little less height. 62 doesn't sound right to me in a square frame.

kipibenkipod

Yep, this size should be checked at an LBS. Buying it from the net will not be good.