Originally Posted by
diff
Saddle - Put a book on top of the saddle and marked the wall along the bottom of the book = 98cm
As Dave said, measure from the center of the crank along the seat tube to the top of the saddle. You should be near 76cm.
Originally Posted by
diff
Stem length = Measured from the center of the headcap? screw to the centerline of the handlebars = 11cm
Center to center is right, 110mm on a 56cm is within normal, maybe a bit long. If you feel stretched out after everything else is adjusted, consider a 100mm stem.
Originally Posted by
diff
Also just rotated my handlebars a bit so the drops are parallel with the ground and that put me closer.
Also if I change my posture a bit that changes everything. If I bend my arms a tad more the hub is blocked. I don't know why, but my natural position is pretty much locking my arms and then a slight bend. It seems the more I bend, the more stomach muscle is being used.
Your arms should not be almost locked or locked. Your core should hold up your upper body, not your arms. This could also mean you have too much reach. You want to control the handlebars with your arms, not be supporting your upper body with your arms.
Originally Posted by
diff
Just like this guy, so seems my natural position is OK, and better than forcing a position that doesn't feel right. And I'm not fat, but my stomach now is probably the weakest it's ever been in my life, I am sure it will strengthen over time and my posture will change.
Biking requires more core strength than it allows you to build. You need to do core exercises.
Originally Posted by
diff
So based on everything I have said, regarding the frame? Just ride it and forget about all this nonsense? Adjust the stem? Change it in for a different size? etc.
I also realized that the stem has writing on the other side, looks like it could be turned over.
Stems are "flipped" and are denoted in angle in addition to length, i.e. +/-17 degrees.
p.s. Listen to Dave