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Finding suitable TT length
Hi guys, is there a chart that correlates top tube length to torso length?
I mean, subtracting inseam from your height would give you the length of your body, which will run horizontally across the TT; that is the essential measurement to deduce the TT length suitable for the rider's body. Am I right? Is there a chart on a site somewhere? |
Not a chart person .. after decades ,Ive noted when my bike fits well I can look down and see straight thru the line of the steering Axis
Handlebars Hide the Hub, another check .. top tube is Your Butt upward of course.. Torso + Arms. computer centered types may have generated some chart, and they may chime in .. play with stem lengths till you are happy since you are not getting a Custom Build, If you were the Builder may have a set of Guidelines. |
The rules of thumb that work for me:
- On the hoods, look down, bar top should roughly appear to cover the front hub axle - In the drops, go low until your forearms are horizontal, the angle of your elbow should be roughly 90 f2f |
Good advice guys, for a road bike. TT bikes are so different for proper fit. Yes elbows around 90 deg. Depends how comfortable for the rider. I personally like to be stretched out. Check out this site maybe it will help.
Tri Bike Fit Good luck, trial and error. What might sound right, might not feel right. |
Originally Posted by Drewol
(Post 17485113)
Good advice guys, for a road bike. TT bikes are so different for proper fit. Yes elbows around 90 deg. Depends how comfortable for the rider. I personally like to be stretched out. Check out this site maybe it will help.
Tri Bike Fit Good luck, trial and error. What might sound right, might not feel right. |
Not a chart, however the Competitive Cyclist calculator has you punching in your torso length, along with quite a few other measurements, to come up with a range (min to max) of top tube lengths, depending on your riding style.
Based on my riding style I chose just under the max length recommended. After a couple of years riding my bike, I feel that an ETT about 7mm or so shorter, would be the sweet spot. So I think their sizing guide isn't too bad. |
Originally Posted by Drewol
(Post 17485113)
Good advice guys, for a road bike. TT bikes are so different for proper fit. Yes elbows around 90 deg. Depends how comfortable for the rider. I personally like to be stretched out. Check out this site maybe it will help.
Tri Bike Fit Good luck, trial and error. What might sound right, might not feel right. top tube measurement has some correlation to torso but flexibility, bike (as opposed to frame) reach and stack also has input into it. further, your last post referred to elbows at 90 and you prefer to be stretched out. That is incorrect, when you are riding ITT, TTT, or triathlon, you will want to utilize your skeletal structure to carry your weight rather than "be stretched out" using musculature. It's not necessary 90 but the measurement is usually 100> angle >87 |
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