Originally Posted by
Big Pond
Both measurements use the crank spindle as an reference point. So, reach is the distance from the B.B. center to the center of the headtube, for example. Frame angles and sloping tubes add complications. It’s easy to measure but hard to guesstimate.
[MENTION=554]doug[/MENTION]
The suggestions from competitive cyclist are wonderful if you are a 16 year old racer. If you are utterly new it can be an ok reference, but I find even the most generous suggestion puts one on a bike a few sizes below what I would recommend, but I’m not nearly as Gumby like as I once was.
As to trustingly Wabi to fit me, well, they once told me I could make a 49 frame work with enough post. I’m about 6’. To their credit they offered to buy the frame back if it didn’t work out, which is mind blowing.
Anyway, I know how I like to fit on a bike, just need a few details to see which frame will work best for what I have in mind.
What I found interesting about competitive cyclist is they offered three different fits: the "Eddy Fit" (meaning Eddy Merckx), the Competitive Fit, and the French Fit. I found the Eddy Fit to be pretty consistent with my preferred measurements based on bikes I've owned.
Rivendell emphasizes that most people are on bikes with seat tubes that are too small. That is why they start with pubic bone height (PBH). Getting my PBH measured jumped me up from a 55cm frame to 57cm, which was a great move in terms of my pedal efficiency, comfort, etc. But for Wabi, I started with the standover height and built from there. My PBH measurements suggested their 55cm frame.