Bike appears small and the head tube has been cut a bit short, so you're probably crouched. Also there is too much drop for a newbie. Forks are kind of expensive, else I'd suggest a new fork with aluminium steerer so you could get a couple of inches more in height until you get some miles in, or one of those super ugly near vertical stems for a few months anyway to raise those bars up a bit.

San Diego

whoa easy there pardna


yep

I think what you pointed out is the likely culprit because that's quite a jump to make. I run about that much saddle to bar drop but that didn't happen overnight, it's only after years of riding and I still remember having the quill stem on my Bianchi (first road bike after riding a MTB for a few years) high up when I first got it.

eyeheartny: It's going to be tough to diagnose fit issues with just a pic of the bike and the dimensions you quoted because there are a lot of factors to consider and not seeing you on the bike makes it all shot-in-the-dark guess work. It's possible that you just need to get used to that position because typically urban commuters have a much more relaxed geometry that positions you in a relatively upright position. I always recommend people use online fit calculators to help them get a general sense of what frame dimensions they require, and while it's not completely precise it helped me dial my fit in. I do hope that bike can work for you but if you need less saddle to bar drop you might be out of luck given that the steerer tube was cut so low. Good luck!

That's an option-- one of those awful stems. If it really is too small, I feel like it might be best to sell it (someone just emailed me an offer that would net me $200 profit, amazing) and start over with a less fancy frame but a better fit. Meaning, a proper fit from a good shop.

The steer tube was cut down too much for you, really. You need to get a really jacked up stem to give you more height. You got a used bike that was a 58, but not the right bike for you.

I'd be a hell of a girl at 6'2" and 190...

Sell it. Get out while you can. This was not for you. Steer tube way too short.

umd agrees "he should take that offer"

No one said that you couldn't be a WNBA player wanting to do some bike riding...

Oooh, arent you the cool one!

OP - it is hard for anyone here to say for sure. Given your size, you shouldnt feel too far stretched out on a 58. You could try raising the handlebars using a spacer/riser stem and also reducing the length of the stem. If that fails, take the bike to a shop and get a proper fit done.

You should be able to make a 58 work for you, though. I am 6'0" and ride a 56 with a 90mm stem.

V.

Just emailed the buyer to set up a time for tomorrow. Fingers crossed it goes quickly and smoothly.

If you decide to keep it or the sale falls through, make sure your saddle is setup right. It seems odd that you would have it slammed forward when you are fairly tall for that size frame. If you are able to bring the saddle back, you'll also need to lower it, so you will be more stretched out and give you'll have less drop.

you don't think that was a long post? It was too long for BF.

Steer tube was cut too low. No room left for any spacers. OP needs to unload this bike and get a new one.

he could also buy a new fork if he so desires, but with a potential buyer lined up, selling would be best.

op, i went from a flipped up stem w/ 5 spacers below to a -17 with no spacer. in the process, the drop increased by 2.5 inch. so with time, you can get a lower position, it may take you a year to get that type of change

Meh. The same people that ***** and moan about the noise in the 41 also end up being jackasses when there is a serious post asking for help.

If it really was "TL;DR", then dont bother posting. This is about as asinine as the guys that post their ignore list. There's plenty of posts I find dull, uninteresting or whatever - I dont go about posting my opinions there.

Yeah, I saw the photo after I had posted. Didnt notice that the thread was 3 pages, for some reason which I am sure is completely unrelated to my hangover.

Personally, I'd get a 30 degree high-rise stem and give it a shot on getting the fit dialed in on this bike and then use this knowledge later to either get a different fork or a different bike.

V.

Don't flip it.

And what use does this post ^ serve?

sounds like you just need a professional fit in order to properly adjust your new bike to your body.

ya think?

Wow.

We're about the same size, though I have ten pounds on you and probably a few years (I'm 59). I also have a lower back injury from 33 years ago, as well as a 58 cm bike. I just went for a high-end fitting session and the end result was that my bars were raised and seat lowered, and was told the bike was too small for me. It was my first road bike too, so we have a lot in common.

With the steerer cut down that much, you're probably SOL on getting that bike to fit you. I'm not a fitter, but just looking at it hurts my back. I'd recommend getting what you can out of it on a sale and trying a different bike with a relatively long head tube.

Carbon is nice, and my next bike will have a carbon frame, but a new, aluminum frame bike is probably the best possible resolution at your price point. Two bikes you might like to check out are the Cannondale Synapse aluminum bike and the Specialized Secteur, maybe the Giant Defy as well. They share a "relaxed" geometry that's easier on your back without losing the other benefits of a road bike.

Best of luck on the search!

First, I do fittings and sell road bikes.

Second, there's no "around a 58". The reason is that, unknown to you there are multiple ways that manufacturers measure a bike frame size. Center to center, center to the top of the top tube, center to the top of the seat tube...and these are different sizes. Some compact frame manufacturers have a totally different method.

I looked at your photo. Frankly, since the steering tube is cut you don't have a lot of room here to reduce the drop other than putting a ridiculous stem on it. In your defense, you truly did not know what you were doing and would not know to look for something like that. I think I read in your post you had back issues? If I was selling you a bike I'd sell you one with a less aggressive geometry (taller head tube relative to the race geometry and a longer wheelbase with a more plush rear triangle) that would be less harsh feeling and also more upright.

At your height you'd think you'd need a bigger bike, but if you have a longer torso (without any real solid data supporting this from you) generally you'd look at a smaller bike with a longer stem. This is done so that your standover (the ability to stand over the top tube) does not turn you into a soprano. Based on what I read, it sounds like the top area may be too small for you in that you can't "get down" into the riding area as it is too short. Also, I have no idea how fit and flexible you are. A really fit and flexible person can ride a bike with a lot of drop. Someone less fit and flexible cannot, regardless of what they see pros riding. If you like this bike, you could actually look at a new fork and have the bike fit for you with a longer steerer tube and a longer stem. Remember that reducing the drop can also reduce the length. Especially stems, it's a circle so the more rise the less length so that also has to be considered.

I have no idea if this bike really fits you and you chould chase fit with a lot of money and still not have it be right. In my case some manufacturers fit me better than others. I can make the frame that does not work as well fit, but I also understand how to do this. You either need to start over, or get someone to do a full blown computer fit and get the bike you own dialed in. Otherwise you will always be trying to find a place to sit comfortably.

One more thing...handlebar width reach and drop also need to be considered when fitting the bike and my guess is you've not heard those terms before. A recent new bike for me fit properly, but the handlebar had a short reach and drop and was too narrow. Getting the right bar finished my fit without doing anything else to the bike, like change the stem. I also have been riding for a long time, so I know exactly what I need and why which is why a new rider to this type of bike needs really good advice and facts.

My suggestion is to sell this one and see your friend and do it right. In the long run you'll enjoy riding a lot more. But make sure that you are shown facts on why a particular frame fits you best and what the setup needs to be for you. Everyone's unique.

Oh, and don't worry about what pros ride. It has no impact on you.

Hope that helps and that you get it all sorted out.

What's the problem.

Good grief, first I have to see that idiot Steve Forbes on CNBC, now I have to go at it with you. That's not a good way for a Democrat to start the day rw.

^^^Good post roadwarrior! Great advice...
(Damn! Pcad you beat me!)

I was impressed.