derek.fulmer

Trek's performance fit has a slightly longer head tube compared to it's Pro Fit, thus a more upright riding position. It's only 3 cm, so I can't see how there is a great deal of difference, but I haven't been on a bike that has the pro fit so I can't compare.

With a bike that a 21 cm head tube, as opposed an 18 or 17 cm head tube, are you going to be hindered in a race and or group ride? I'm athletic so I feel like I could handle a more aggressive positioning, but with just starting out in road cycling, I think I might benefit from something more relaxed.

Felt, as do most brands, have models geared toward a slightly more upright/relaxed riding position. But, in all honesty, is it that noticeable in the long run? Can you perform just as well on one geo as opposed to the other?

entukay

Not hindered at all... I raced 2 seasons on a performance fit Madone. However, now that I ride a frame with a much more aggressive geometry I can have a little more fun crouching lower and throwin' the bike around a bit more.

Does the shorter head tube make me faster? Absolutely not. Did the Performance fit hinder my riding at all? Not one bit.

If its more comfortable for you then by all means go for it, I'm flexible so the shorter head tube suits me fine, but race geometry isn't for everyone.

lazerzxr

I think all that stuff about it being for less flexable people and not for racing ar whatever is silly. If you have my proportions, very long legs and arms and shrt torso you will get a low position on any bike. My bike is a 58 frame with 205mm HT and I have a saddle to bar drop of 130mm. That is way more than most people achieve with a short HT because they have short legs. Get whatever geometry fits you. If I ride a 58 madone pro fit ( I just fit with the seat on the max limit) then I end up with about 150mm seat to bar drop which is silly for the riding I do.

Measure your existing bar drop and then buy the bike that can be set up to fit you

PS there are pro riders riding longer head tubes because it fits them better. Id rather have a long HT and no spacers than a short HT "race frame" and a stack of spacers under it making me look like a noob.

rollin

It's going to make no discernibly difference in a Cat5 race.

derek.fulmer

Your responses were what I was thinking. I couldn't see any real reason it would hinder my riding, especially in an entry level race. I do have trouble trying a ton of different bikes out because shops near me and within a certain radius are limited stock or are mostly special order. It's a hassle. I'm really happy with what I've seen from Trek as well as the shop I'm working with now, they've been incredible and I want to give them my business, but they only carry Trek/Gary Fisher and don't really feel like traveling and shelling out gas money to try out a few bikes in a small shop that I'll probably not return to.

derek.fulmer

Also, I'm 6 foot 3 three inches tall. Long legs and fairly long torso and long arms. I'm disproportionate. The 60 cm trek 1.5 in performance fit I rode I loved.

DinoShepherd

I like this style of fit for racing.

It gives me the opportunity to get high on the tops for climbing. But then I run a set of deep drop bars, which puts me in the same position as a "race fit" bike with the more conventional shallow bars.

Best of both worlds.

Felt notes that many of their pro riders choose their Z-series bikes, which are analogous to the performance fit Treks.

-Z

PeddlingPilgrim

correct. i just had the bike shop cut off some of the steerer tube and flip the stem on my performance fit. i probably have another cm that i could cut off and get another stem with less rise, which i will probably do.

af2nr

OP what part of WV are you in? If you are in this area then the shop you are dealing with should be VERY helpful. As for your question you shouldn't be in any real negative position by going with the Performance fit, and may possibly be in better position overall. Good luck and if you are in this area maybe I'll see you on the road soon!

derek.fulmer

I live in Huntington but I am in Charleston quite frequently! I'm originally from Parkersburg, which is where the LBS is that I am dealing with. I was going to go check out the CAAD9 4 that Charleston Bicycle Center has in stock today, but I got called into work.

derek.fulmer

Another note: I was looking at the Felt Z series and they seem to have a real sloping head tube, which I don't like the look of. I feel like that alone would give you a more relaxed fit, then add the taller head tube, it just isn't for me. Trek seems to have the same geo in their 2.1 as their Madone series, which is what they advertise as well.

MDcatV

no diff at all. i'm a cat 2 and raced on a madone 5.2 frame with the performance geometry for 2 seasons because it fit me better. that being said, i'm currently on a caad9 and prefer it to the madone, for some reason the cdale geometry just works better for me.