Originally Posted by s70rguy
Leave it to the professionals at Gazelle for a more definitive solution: a 75 cm frame. (wishbone seatsays too!)
Been there. Done that. 20 years ago. Note extended HT.
Of course now it has an even taller stem with less extension
Originally Posted by Sammyboy
The other trick is to buy a bigger frame size. Bars above seat doesn't mean needing 9 miles of stem!
Done that too. Sold my 22" DL-1 and bought a 24" since there is no practical way to raise the bars with rod brakes. My '58 Raleigh RRA Moderne is a 23" though a 21" would be a better fit. My plan is to make a taller clone of the original stem. When showing it off, the stem will be all the way down to the butted part of the long steerer. But it will look like the stock stem at max. height. Fortunately the Brits used to ride large frames, with little seat post showing, so it won't look too odd.
But in most cases I'd rather have crotch clearance at the cost of another 2 inches of stem.
Originally Posted by joe v
I see what you mean and respect your views, but isn't it then better to buy a citybike - much easier to adapt AND with a much more appropriate geometry?
Not when one has a passion for old British iron. (Remember, this is the Classic & Vintage forum.) A modern "Made in China" city or "Comfort" bike wouldn't satisfy that. If comfort were my only criteria, I've got 5 recumbents.
But I do think that those comfort bikes are "Plan A" for a large segment of the population.
Originally Posted by joe v
My point with the 'stempicture' is simply that here's a roadbike (designed to go fast - that's the point, isn't it) with a completely ruined geometry.
Given the equipment and the cheap looking frame I don't know that he's "ruined" much, and he's done nothing irreversable. I assume it suits him better than it used to.
However, geometry is a valid concern. As the bars go up, the seat should go back. My Taylor wasn't as nice to ride with the high bars as my as 3 speeds with their shallower angles. When I figured out why, I went to a stem with less extension and a Brooks B-67, which can be mounted rather far rearward.
If you start with a lightweight touring frame, the longer stays mean that moving up and back won't screw up the weight distribution, as would happen with racing frame.
BTW I will be selling my Paramount track bike. Even I agree that there's no justification for putting high rise bars on that.