Originally Posted by
rms13
I am looking for a new modern steel frame to build up. I'm deciding between Wraith Hustle (top of my budget):
The Hustle | Wraith Fabrication
and Soma Smoothie (not as nice but half the price)
Smoothie | SOMA Fabrications
.
I'm about 5 10 1/2 with cycling inseem of 33" I used the compative fit calculator and got this
Seat Tube Range c–c:
Seat Tube Range c–t:
Top Tube Length:
Stem Length:
BB–Saddle Position:
Saddle Handlebar:
Saddle Setback: 54.3 - 54.8 cm
56 - 56.5 cm
54.7 - 55.1 cm
11.2 - 11.8 cm
71.8 - 73.8 cm
53.7 - 54.3 cm
5.6 - 6 cm
For frame of reference I have had a CAAD frame in both 54 and 56 and both "fit"
https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/file...033a8945f1.gif
. I like a somewhat aggressive fit and found the 54 with 120mm stem to work very well. 56 with shorter stem was comfortable but probably as big as I would go. I have owned other bikes including bigger frames closer to 57-58 and felt they were way too big. I also have a traditional steel road bike in 55x55 which fits pretty well.
I really like the idea of the Wraith bike as a really nice steel frame that I could have the rest of my life but the fact that they have only 4 sizes and big jump from M to M/L scares me. The M with 540mm top tube seems like it would be pushing my limit on aggressive side. The M/L has a 565mm top tube and I've had a couple of bikes that size that felt like I was driving a Cadillac The 578mm seat tube on the M/L also makes me think I would need the saddle pretty low. But the Wraith seems to have tall head tubes for the size and I know that can shorten the top tube so maybe the M/L reach would feel closer to a 55 cm top tube? And more importantly would the M with 54 cm top tube feel more like a 52? Any thoughts? Unfortunately these are both sold as frames only so I can't really test ride. The Soma has many more small size increments and I think the 54 Soma Smoothie would fit close to a 54 CAAD and 56 would fit close to 56 CAAD.
Keep in mind that ride quality is inversely related to tube length, the shorter you go the worse it gets. You can't replace the flexibility and resilience with stem length. My former steel stead a 57cm (56cm using more modern methods) had a long top tube and 10cm stem to serve up a comfortable all day ride. It just plain fit.
If you're on the fence, go with the smaller frame. That's the usual advice. It is certainly good for lighter riders that will benefit from the climbing weight. In this case, I'd argue to allow yourself a 10cm stem and see where that puts you. If you're thinking 56cm w/12cm stem, that sounds neat and tidy too.
I don't exactly know what you get towards performance with the Wraith bike but it sure is a looker. If you can talk your way into one, who am I to talk you out? I'd get the M/L and go with the 10cm stem. If you're looking at your riding calendar more than your fantastic new bike, I think the Soma Smoothie is a solid value. I'd be even tempted to look at what's available for around $300 and leave myself $150 for a nice fork.
Edited to add: Oh Oh Smoothies on sale for $400.
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...hie-road-frame