Originally Posted by
HillRider
Wow, that's disturbing. I feel sorry for the for the 5'2" woman or man who bought one of those thinking it would fit. I guess that's why they sell 40 mm stems. I hope no other maker followed the same design book.
I think other manufacturers of older steel-framed bikes did the same. I don't have another Schwinn to compare against, but the top tube length on my 1988, 56 cm Schwinn World Sport measures 54 cm - a full 2 cm SHORTER than my 50 cm Nishiki. And I'll admit, it feels a slight bit more precarious (i.e. less comfortable) than the 50 cm Nishiki. It's not a bad thing, really, if one can make a shorter bicycle frame fit a larger human frame so well. And you are correct; a quill stem with a longer stem length, combined with an extended seat height, makes all well again. Best. DB