So you 71" Tall, what size bike do you ride?
 

I've got a 56 cm Caad 8 and with the 120mm stem it's too long, so I got a 80 mm stem, and that solved that problem a bit. But the seatpost has less than an inch to go before its at the most it can expose. So my saddle to bar drop is huge... what I'm trying to say, is the frame itself seems like the reach is too far, but the height is too low. So I can't decide if I should go 58cm.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/HPIM1531.jpg

I'm 6 feet tall, and I ride a 56.

If you're comfortable, what's the problem?

I rode a 58, but it was set up for TT's, not a roadie. And it just seems like it fit me better, just hard to compare since they're different.

I'm confused about what your problem is.

Can you proof read your OP perhaps? It doesn't make a lot of sense.

@ 5"10", short legs, I ride a 55cm CC.. ( = 56ct) IDEALLY, can ride old 23" frames OR 21" depending on my mood. AND you are not stating the size , model and stem on YOUR bike. Most of what you state isn't consistant.

Alright, I see what you guys meant. Fixed it.

What size is your current bike? If it's a 60, then yes, I would go with a 58, or a 56 (my choice).

If your current bike is a 56, then you should try a 54.

That seems like the opposite of my problem. That would shorten the length, right, BUT it would make the seat even lower which isn't good. I can always get a shorter stem, but not a longer seatpost.

...rotate your seatpost 180 degrees.

Yep, the seatpost is on backwards.

Yeah, seatpost is backwards.


I'm between 5'11" and 6'.... but I'm on a 58cm. It's fairly comfortable for me with a 110mm stem and the standover height seems about right. I run a 19" mtb as well.

Looking at the way your bike is setup, I think you could ride a 54. Another inch on the seatpost is a lot, and will make up for the different between 54 and 56 seat tube.

It sounds like you have really long legs (for your height) and really short arms.

You may be a good candidate for a custom frame, but you definitely have enough special considerations that I would consider paying for at least a cursory fitting at a bike shop.

He has his seatpost flipped around because he was trying to fix his reach problem (I'm assuming).

If it gets his fit correct, it's not "backwards". That said, I doubt his fit is correct just looking at it. Probably WAY too forward of the pedals.

I'm 6'1" and ride a 56 cm frame. I also have reach problems (short torso). I have a 100 mm stem but it's flipped up 8 degrees. Maybe try flipping up the stem? That'll reduce the saddle to bars height difference.

Anyhow, my seatpost is 25 cm from clamp to saddle top.

I'd like to see you on the bike.... I would imagine that you have a very short torso/arms and long legs because that cockpit looks cramped. Either that or you have it set up wrong.

54 felt and 54 cervelo... i think my fuji is a 55

And I thought I had some odd proportions.

It's hard to tell, but it seems like you need a smaller frame with a long zero setback seatpost, and a long steerer and/or high angle flipped up stem.

YES . sorry guys but some of you have it wrong ... The ONLY thing you can do to raise the h. bar is to increase the fram size. No amount of stacking within reason will raise that threadless stem significantly.. OK .. so changing your bike is no short order .. SO .. you've gone with a short stem. Now you need to get a rise
www. universalcycles.com has a good selection, you can find stems elsewhere but I got a stem from them. Anyway, focus on the Ritchey or Salsas, these are among the only Co.s offering the short stubby higher stems. You'll get an inch or so more height which is significant. Your post is about maxed-out now .. right.. so think about it, where are you going with a smaller frame. I'm not criticizing, I've made myself mental in such situations which is why I'm being assertive. I've done it on 2

^ You contradict yourself. First you say the ONLY way to raise the bar is to use a larger frame, then you say a stubby high rise stem will do the trick. Both will work, but in such case, neither can be the ONLY way.

I am 5 ft 11.

I can't say what "size" my bike is as I buy customs.

What I can say is that every bike I own has a top tube between 56 and 57 cm

The seat tubes are different but I would guess that depending on how you measure most of them would be around 56 or 57 in normal "sizing"

I am more concerned about the top tube. If the top tube fits, chances are the rest of the bike fits.

Read it again ... aside from getting a different bike .. which also answered the smaller frame theory.

PLAN B aka NOT changing bikes, the answer is the stem .. got it ? In any case a smaller frame can not be higher in the front.

All of which is a trying to "make" a bike fit.

It is possible that the OP is one of those people that really should talk to a custom builder. Amazing what can happen to fit when the bike is built for the rider. A longer head tube would work wonders.

I reread it and it's just unclear what you're trying to say. Maybe it's just the improper grammar that's throwing me off. Sorry.

Agreed. I know someone who had a custom frame made with a huge head tube and he loves it.

I'm 6'3 and I ride a 60, so I dont think thats the best choice for you.