ssman

How do I know if I'm overstretched? As in my stem and top tube are too long. I've read a bunch about fit, but there are so many different methods that I'm confused. I read Andy Pruitt's fit book, and he talks about one thing, then you have the computer calculators, etc. etc.

ridethecliche

Try a shorter stem. If it feels better, then you were over stretched.

ssman

it's already a 90

rollin

Do you feel over stretched?
Is there any pain involved?
Have you been fitted by a qualified fitter?

roshea

Look at yourself as you ride past reflective surfaces. How does your position look compared with other riders you see?

gsteinb

ummmm pics?

wrobertdavis

I am not an authority, but I can relate my own experience which went from riding a bike that was too big for two years to one that is a huge improvement. I rode with the sense that I was having to reach too far for a long time. The balance between weight on my hands and saddle was very sensitive and lead to what seemed like constant tweaking of the saddle tilt and position to get it right. I bought shorter and shorter bike stems.

I tried the fitting calculator on competitivecyclist and thought it was way off. It told me I needed a 54cm frame, and I was riding a 58cm (too big).

Unfortunately, many bike shops orient their fit assistance around fitting you to an existing bike, rather than taking your measurements and determining what would be ideal. They are, after all, driven by commercial realities. I think that any fitting assistance from a local shop that is provided for free might be suspect. I finally paid the money ($125) for a fitmaster fit and got results very close to what the competitivecyclist calculator said. The dealer set up seven bikes using measurements generated by fitmaster. Everyone of these bikes felt "right" - amazingly so. It was very, very clear that my current bike was going to have to go. There was no way to adapt it. I ended up buying a new 54cm frame bike and have been totally satisfied with the new fit. I feel better riding and I am much less tired at the end of a 50 mile ride. Interestingly enough, my saddle is more comfortable, as well.

Bob