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Old 05-08-11, 10:14 AM
  #10  
tsl
Plays in traffic
 
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971

Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4

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I'm about the same size and ride a 56, 57 or 58, depending on the maker. (Actually, I pay more attention to the top tube length rather than the "size" which is seat tube length.)

I have two words to summarize: Size matters.

My first bike was too small. I didn't know, and apparently the LBS didn't care. While I put 4,000 miles on it, mainly around town, I was never comfortable on it. I always felt cramped. It was awful climbing, sketchy descending and on the flats I felt I couldn't get low or long enough.

OTOH, a bike that first is an absolute joy to ride. My current four bikes all fit and all disappear beneath me as I ride. I'm not squirming around on the saddle, or pushing and pulling myself on the bars. My knees never collide with my elbows (or the bars), and I don't feel trapped between the saddle and the bars at stoplights.

If you're buying a price, that's a good price. If you're buying a means of transport, skip it.
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