Originally Posted by
cyclezen
One can talk themselves into anything.
'Average' numbers are not consistently found, relative to 'cycling' numbers - like cycling inseam. Sure, there have been studies, but those mostly of accomplished riders - not really for a large enough poll of 'general population. You claim the average ratio used is 1:2.2 - 2.5 that's a HUGE variance. As commonly used is 1:2.17 & change (or 46-47% ratio).
You're talking yourself into the 'perceived' problem of 'fit' due to a quite normal situation which is not being in the middle of the bell curve of body proportion.
Lets qualify a few things... You, I, many others could ride any range of Frame sizes - S/52, M/54, L/56, XL/58+ - all numbers and can be a significant variance from one brand to another.
setup on any size will be different from another...
So what am I sayin?
Your 'M'
Your 'position' and posture is the main consideration - your Merida in M is actually on the smaller side (smallest side, maybe smallest...) for your basic dimensions . How you set it up is the important process.
Arched back, flat back - an important consideration, relative to a rider's spine structure, which is the starting point for much of fit/posture.
As a comparo - I'm 176 cm, 88 cm inseam, so quite long legs (and arms) and quite short torso. I ride I Spec Tarmac 56/L (which is 'larger' and 'longer' than your bike, by far) with a 120 stem; it fits great.
I have many significant back issues which COULD make fitting a real problem, but they're not a problem, cause I have my position and posture set to work with these. With 58 yrs of performane/race riding under my saddle, I love a good 3 hr ride with some fast riding, fun climbing (all relative to this bag of organic matter), and have no real complaints on comfort nor fit issues.
So what am I sayin? 2 things. Adjust your current bike - start 'adjusting' your body (by improving it's capabilities- structure wise)
You need to 'adjust' your bike to fit your current body situation. If the fitter hasn;t been able to do that, they have not figured you out...
Arched back/flat back - or something in between. You decide what works for you... If a 'flat' back works for your riding, all good, fit and posture around that.
Normally I'd list all the things to qualify what I'm sayin, but I'm gonna get out on a ride, before the heat sets in. So, just the 'beef' without the bun...
Most beginner riders set their saddle tooo low. Many riders with a modicum of riding under their belt, and NOW feeling totally 'Roadie', set their saddle height too high....
Without any numbers, but what you claim... numb hands, less comfort...
Make sure your saddle is mostly 'flat' not pitched greatly forward, and certainly not pitch back.
Set your current saddle height goal = 1 cm LOWER. Don;t do it in ONE adjustment - do in 3 adjustments - 3,3,4 mm ea. ride 1 week/7 rides between adjustments.
After your last 7 day riding with the 1 cm lower, bring the saddle height back up 3mm - ride for a couple rides then decide which of last 2 adjustments feels best at end of ride.
Move your saddle setback - BACK 5mm.
Leave your bars where they currently are... report back on hand numbness after the 27 days of riding.
Start working on core strength and flexibility... That's really the key to riding comfortably on any bike for any length and difficulty of ride.
FYI... if you go to a S/52 in your Merida, and keep all the same settings, your bars will automatically be 2cm LOWER relative to saddle height, than your M...
... you could also chase the elusive 'fit', by buying more bikes...
Ride NOW
Yuri