Originally Posted by
billsmetro
Bear in mind I am new to road biking but it seems to me that though careful trial and error and using small changes and evaluating how these changes feel and improve or degrade your ride you can get very close to a perfect fit.
Why re-invent the wheel?
The process of fitting a road rider for optimal handling, power delivery and comfort has been well trodden since the safety bicycle was invented. Take advantage of standing on the shoulders of the great and save time, $$$ and mistakes.
Fitting proven by decades of experience at the highest professional level, such as the Classic period Guimard/Lemond system, are available to you in"Greg Lemond's complete book of Bicycling". Chapter 4 goes into full detail on "How to fit your bicycle". Start there, how can you go wrong if you have a position similar to a World Champion & three time TdF winner? Fine tune after riding a good long while to adjust to the position.
I've never used it but this on-line tool w/ three choices of fit has been recommended in the C&V forum and will no doubt pop up here as well:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
Professional fitting by experienced coaches using the latest tools and systems is always an option but understanding and using a proven fit system will get you close to optimal and you will know how and better yet why. You don't have to be on your own making it up as you go along.
-Bandera