Old 05-10-13 | 01:04 AM
  #3  
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stapfam
Time for a change.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,913
Likes: 7
From: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England

Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.

Welcome.

No set rules on size for a height so it's a bit of suck and see.

Can't compare Manufacturers on sizing so the the globe at 55 and the Sequoia at 56 are nothing to go by either. But one good way is on adjusting the saddle. Can you get it to the suggested "KOPS" measurement? First of all set the saddle height so that there is just a bit of bend in the knee with the crank at it's lowest point. May not be what you are used to but this is the height that is efficient for most. Then "For and Aft" on the saddle. With the height right then "For and Aft" position of the saddle with the cranks parallel to the ground- then the knee should be vertically above the centre of the forward pedal axle. Bit basic I know and someone will probably post a link for the set up of a bike using "KOPS" but if you can get into this region on saddle position for the legs then you are in the right ball park.

Next stage is height and stretch to the bars. Main thing is comfort here but as this is your first road bike it may seem strange. Once again there are systems to set up efficiently and hopefully someone will post a more definite set up for the bars. In general most "NEW" roadies have the top of the bars level with the saddle. Some have them lower and some higher so no hard rules here. Stretch is a different matter and lots of suggestions will be made. Other than comfort (Which will alter as you adjust to the bike) I do it visually on the bike. Hand on the top of the bars and the angle of the torso and the arms should be around 90 degrees and looking the top of the bars- the front wheel hub should be obscured.

These are only guides but the saddle position is the main one to get near right. The bar length and height are more YOU critical for comfort but are easily adjusted with a better fitting stem.

Bike fit is important but there is a problem with your First road bike. All it is there for is to tell you what your second bike is going to be. You may be lucky in that in a years time the bike will fit perfectly- the components will be exactly what you want and it will be the ideal bike for riding with the local racing club on their 50 mile rides--at 25 mph--up mountains Or whatever type of riding you want to get into but One of the things that happens in N+1. You may not need a new bike in a years time but "Want" will overtake everything else.

Good luck
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