Fitting question
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 135
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From: SE Wisconsin
Bikes: 2002 TCR 2 w/ Shimano 105 5800
Fitting question
I recently purchased an old 60cm trek road bike as a commuter/trainer. I'm 5'11 with a 33in inseam and slightly long arms. I have the seat most of the way down, but when I'm on it I'm as comfortable as can be. Arms/legs arnt over extended, I have roughly an inch of standover clearance, and am not too upright or slouched forward. The reason I'm posting is that I stopped in my LBS and the guy there said it was a huge frame for me. I just wanted to know if I should be looking for a smaller bike, or if there are any hazards to this even though I'm comfortable on the bike? I've always ridden a hybrid bike and this is my first road bike so I want to make sure I'm riding something I should.
#2
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 819
Likes: 95
From: Upstate New York
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
It sounds big, but if it feels comfortable to you, stick with it.
I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm 5'10", have a 33" inseam, and a 33" arm length as well. The most comfortable of my 4 bikes has a 23" frame.
I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm 5'10", have a 33" inseam, and a 33" arm length as well. The most comfortable of my 4 bikes has a 23" frame.
#3
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
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From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Another thing to think about is head tube length.
You said you were used to riding hybrid bikes. That says more upright riding position to me. I'm thinking the taller head tube and handlebar position will feel more like what you're used to riding.
You said you were used to riding hybrid bikes. That says more upright riding position to me. I'm thinking the taller head tube and handlebar position will feel more like what you're used to riding.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,794
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From: Orlando, FL
Bikes: litespeed, cannondale
It sounds as if your leg extension, stand over height and arm position are fine. I would think that all you need would be a little tweaking - like possibly lowering or raising the handlebars. Another tweak that works well is changing the distance of the handlebars from the seat.
Now if you were buying a bike new, you would get the "right" size. But you are in a strange situation. You have long arms and long legs, so a standard fit might not work that well. Remember, the basic fit suggestions usually assume a pretty standard body.
There are some sites on the web where you can enter in your personal dimensions. The fit calculator will kick out an optimized fit that works pretty well.
Now if you were buying a bike new, you would get the "right" size. But you are in a strange situation. You have long arms and long legs, so a standard fit might not work that well. Remember, the basic fit suggestions usually assume a pretty standard body.
There are some sites on the web where you can enter in your personal dimensions. The fit calculator will kick out an optimized fit that works pretty well.
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mukman
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