Originally Posted by
gulfcoast
I am 6'1 and my measurement are quite unique. I have a long inseam (35.5) and a short torso and arm length reach. This makes finding the right frame fit challenging. With the frames I have marked off my list, the top tubes in comparison to the seat tubes that are my size are too long and leave me way too stretched out over the bike. The usual suggestion are just to use a short stem, but I would have to shorten to the point of affecting the steering. The other would be size down the seat tube length and add spacers to the steerer to get the right height. Well doing this would require more spacers than I would like or put me at an awkward over aggresive angle.
These are the fit characteristics of frames designed for female riders, who are typically longer in the leg and shorter in the torso -- and thus are uncomfortably stretched forward on a frame designed for the prototypical male build. Men tend to be relatively long in the torso for their corresponding leg length, and hence when you put a woman on a man's bike that fits her inseam, the top tube is way too long for her upper body. As you note, the typical response of the bike industry (at least until Georgina Terry came along) has been to prescribe a short stem and/or saddles shoved forward on the rails. You may only truly find satisfaction on a well-designed custom frame. Short of that, you may have to live with the short stem solution or maybe look at a frame designed for a tall woman -- or go with a hybrid or mountain frame that is designed with that short cockpit length to achieve an upright riding position. (btw - I certainly mean no offense in making the comparison).