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Old 04-15-11 | 07:45 AM
  #9  
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tarwheel
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
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From: Raleigh, NC

Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia

I would use your normal bike fit as a starting point. No point in changing what works, particularly with regard to KOP. Higher handlebars, however, have several benefits from a touring standpoint. First, you are better able to enjoy the scenery in a more upright position. Second, a touring bike generally has larger tires that absorb more shock, so a more upright position should have little or no affect on saddle comfort. Third, being able to ride comfortably in your drops is extremely important while touring because you might have to pedal into headwinds, crosswinds for extended periods. I rode 263 miles at Cycle NC along the coast last weekend, including 101 miles on Saturday, in very windy conditions. I rode in my drops about half the time over the weekend and was very comfortable doing so because my handlebars are about level with my saddle height. That made a huge difference when riding in the wind. Most cyclists I have seen with large seat-to-handlebar differences never ride in their drops. However, if you are one of those cyclists who are most comfortable riding with a large seat-handlebar drop, stick with it. It's really an individual fit issue.
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