Did I get too big of a bike?
02-10-10, 07:27 PM
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Did I get too big of a bike?
I bought a used cannondale touring bike. He said it costs $1900 new and I bought it for $1000. When I sit on the seat my feet tippy toe to the ground but that might be how it fits but I dont know until I ride it tommorrow. A guy shorter then me was riding it just fine so I might not know how to ride the bike yet but I will find out. My feet barely tough the pedal when it is at the bottom but that might be how your suppose to ride. The guy said it was the right size for me when he made me put my arm by the seat. If the size is wrong how much would it be to get a new frame? or could I just trade for a smaller frame size? I was going fast when I rode for a little bit going home until the pack of dogs scared me into thinking they would make me wreck. My crouch is sore.
02-10-10, 07:33 PM
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tippy toe on the ground while seated is typical.
But, barely touching the pedal at the bottom of the stroke is not good. You should be able to put your heel on the pedal spindle at the bottom of the stroke (or there abouts - crank a little forward of bottom of stroke).
If there's room to lower the seat a bit, it's possible that the bike can fit properly. Check your reach to the bars, knee over pedal spindle and all that other fun stuff too.
But, barely touching the pedal at the bottom of the stroke is not good. You should be able to put your heel on the pedal spindle at the bottom of the stroke (or there abouts - crank a little forward of bottom of stroke).
If there's room to lower the seat a bit, it's possible that the bike can fit properly. Check your reach to the bars, knee over pedal spindle and all that other fun stuff too.
02-10-10, 07:35 PM
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Is the seat as low as it can go?
When you're on the seat, and the pedal (either one) is straight down, can you put your heel on it?
The first question is key; if you can't do Q #2, and the seat IS all the way down, you're on a bike that's too big for you. If it can be lowered, though, until you CAN do Q #2, then you're all right.
The 'tippy toe' thing to the ground is an indication that you ARE close......
When you're on the seat, and the pedal (either one) is straight down, can you put your heel on it?
The first question is key; if you can't do Q #2, and the seat IS all the way down, you're on a bike that's too big for you. If it can be lowered, though, until you CAN do Q #2, then you're all right.
The 'tippy toe' thing to the ground is an indication that you ARE close......
02-10-10, 07:37 PM
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If the seat's slammed, I'd get a different bike.
02-10-10, 07:39 PM
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I dont know if I can get a refund or not. I bought it at the www.bikeshoppe.com
It was his wifes bike.
It was his wifes bike.
02-10-10, 08:25 PM
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Like what 10 Wheels asked, "what bike is it"? You bought a used 'Dale touring bike, right? See what the rear der. says. You see a 105 or Tiagra?
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02-10-10, 08:33 PM
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It should have a T-1 or T-2 on the top tube near the seat.
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02-10-10, 08:50 PM
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I'm guessing he's talking about ye olde reach measurement of elbow against the saddle nose / fingertips touch the bar method. Something like that, I only vaguely remember it.
02-10-10, 09:00 PM
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You got any idea what model year it is?
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02-10-10, 09:17 PM
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If you're riding a bike like that with the seat all the way down then yes, it is WAY to big for you.
02-10-10, 09:29 PM
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The bike might be too big. See if you can take it back. If he won't let you at least exchange it for something that will fit, then I would suggest you consider fineing another shop for all future dealings.
BTW, what bike did you orginally have your sights on? I don't think this was your first pick, but a target of opportunity.
BTW, what bike did you orginally have your sights on? I don't think this was your first pick, but a target of opportunity.
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02-10-10, 09:32 PM
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A cyclocross but I didnt see any and he offered me a touring bike that his wife used to use. Im getting better at riding it but im gonna call him tomorrow about it.
02-10-10, 09:37 PM
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I get to pressured into buying something that I dont know all the details about. I should I have test drived it then waited a couple of days then I would have found out the bike frame was too big. I will ride it everyday if I cant do anything about it. If I get the money I will buy a new frame in one size smaller.
02-10-10, 09:40 PM
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I get to pressured into buying something that I dont know all the details about. I should I have test drived it then waited a couple of days then I would have found out the bike frame was too big. I will ride it everyday if I cant do anything about it. If I get the money I will buy a new frame in one size smaller.
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02-10-10, 09:41 PM
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So, while seated, does your heel meet the pedal when the pedal is down?