Originally Posted by
NewbieCommuter
I do agree that a 56 frame is way to big for my size. I actually do clear the top bar. Yes, I'm one of those women with extremely long limbs and close to no torso. There's just one more store that I need to check out to see if they might have a CrossCheck or a Volpe in my size. Given that these were just test drives I had to make due with what the LBS had at hand.
One of you mentioned a "slightly steeper HT" I don't have all the lingo down just yet. What does that mean?
I was referring to the heat tube angle. The volpe is 72.5 degrees and the Crosscheck 72 degrees. It's not a big difference, but it will effect the handling of the bike.
Clearing the top-tube is great, but its not determinative of fit. In fact, I wouldn't go to a shop that fit a bike based on whether or not you could clear the top tube. In terms of comfort, the top-tube is more important -- after all, most of the time on the bike is spent riding, rather than standing.
I would recommend a 52cm or MAYBE a 54cm frame -- then just adjust from there.
edit:
Rivendell fits are very... anachronistic. I think they tend to favor a method of fitting a bike that coincides with their philosophy in spite of major shortcomings.