Originally Posted by
dksix
Changing out stems (and seat post and saddles for that matter) isn't really a work around but rather part of the fitting process. From what I understand it's one of the common benefits of buying from a LBS, they often will swap out those parts from free as part of the basic fitting with the sale of the new bike.
I'm a newbie too when it comes to buying online, fitting and understanding the sizing. It's amazing the difference 10-20mm of stem length and or seat adjustment does make. Like I said I went from a 60CM to a 61CM and that 10mm difference is huge when it comes to the roominess on the bike but it's 2 different frames so every proportion is different so it's really an apples to oranges comparison. The effective top tube difference between the 15 and 17 size of your bike is 16mm and the head tube is 10mm taller. Swapping out your stem for this one
SPP Bicycle Stem 25 4 x 1 1 8" x 95mm 25 Degree Rise Steel | eBay is probably going to do more for moving your bars up and forward than the 17" sized bike. (if I'm missing something I'm sure someone will correct me.
I'm not trying to talk you into changing your mind on going to the bigger frame just wanting to offer my thoughts on possible options. It's the general consensus that smaller bikes can easily be made to feel larger but little can be done to make a bike that too big feel smaller.
Thanks so much. I appreciate all responses. It gives me something to consider. I guess I just thought I could order a bike and if too small could make alterations...i.e. lift the handlebar up, lower/higher the seat and that type thing. I didn't realize if I wanted to change the handlebars, I'd have to buy more parts. I asked the guy at Nashbar yesterday what a bar extension would cost. He quoted anywhere from 40.00 on up. That ain't cheap. Might be cheap for others here that are more into biking for hours and hours a day and competing but not for me. I also have to buy a kick stand and now something that holds my phone/music/water. What I had on old bike doesn't fit new one so lots of expenses that I hadn't considered.
All these sizes in mm and cm slow me down. I'm having to go to a conversion table to figure out what everything is in inches. I always thought bikes came in a child size and adult size for men and women. All this measuring this bar and that bar and tires and handlebars and seat and pedals and this and that is a bit overwhelming especially in meter sizes. A lot of time ya'll mention a part that is Greek to me so I spend a lot of time Googling. I probably should have just gone to Walmart or Dicks and bought one, but everyone said they are no good and pieces of junk. I guess my budget supported junk better. lol
When I have more time I will have to reread these responses, get out a conversion table, look at links and attempt to figure all this out. Right now I need to get in my workout.
Thanks so much again for the responses.
dksix, would that part in link you posted work on my bike? I could afford that especially with Ebay bucks and existing gift cards. How would I know what to order?