Originally Posted by
d.vader123
Hello. This is my first post, but I've been reading the comments here and found the discussion interesting.
I am wondering if you could share info regarding your overall height, (effective) top tube length, and stem length. I know that stem length and dimensions are personal and may not apply to everyone, but I would like to get a rough idea.
Thanks.
Since you asked, here are my stats: total height 5'11.5", leg length 35" (89 cm), wing span (fingertip to fingertip) 6'0". My ride is a M/L Giant TCR with 57 cm top tube, 17 cm head tube, and 175 mm cranks. My stem is a 13 cm Ritchey (-6), my bar a Ritchey WCS Curve, 44 cm. I'm comfortable with considerable drop, about 9-10 cm, because of arm length and being able to ride with a straight, flat back (no hump). Credit years of exerting myself with a horizontal torso in swimming pools. Also, the bar came down a centimeter or two when I started using modern "compact" bends. The brake lever height has remained unchanged but the top of the bar came down a bit.
In my opinion, the most important element of fit on a road bike is feeling athletic but balanced and relaxed in the position you spend the most time in.