Yet Another Fit question
 

1. Yes, I've used the fit calculator, my results are below, though I think the leg region is off.

2. The most comfortable bike I own is a size "51" BMC Teammachine, which has a 510mm seat tube and a 535mm (effective) top tube.

3. My 52cm Cross Check has a 547mm effective top tube and it is, frankly, too long. I had to put a -10mm shorter stem on it to make it fit. Vertically it's as comfy as my BMC, though.

4. Given the above and the below, which would be a more likely fit (STxTT), a 499STx525TT, or a 524STx540TT ? I'm thinking it would be easiest to compensate for a 525mm top tube with a +10mm longer stem.

(I'm kinda kicking the tires - again - at this point, so I'd rather not name frames just yet)


The Eddy Fit (cm)
Seat Tube Range c-c: 55.6 - 56.1 cm
Seat Tube Range c-t: 57.3 - 57.8 cm
Top Tube Length: 52.8 - 53.2 cm
Stem Length: 9.7 - 10.3 cm
BB-Saddle Position: 73.2 - 75.2 cm
Saddle Handlebar: 52.1 - 52.7 cm
Saddle Setback: 6.6 - 7 cm

The Competitive Fit (cm)
Seat Tube Range c-c: 54.4 - 54.9 cm
Seat Tube Range c-t: 56.1 - 56.6 cm
Top Tube Length: 52.8 - 53.2 cm
Stem Length: 10.8 - 11.4 cm
BB-Saddle Position: 74 - 76 cm
Saddle Handlebar: 51.3 - 51.9 cm
Saddle Setback: 5.4 - 5.8 cm

The French Fit (cm)
Seat Tube Range c-c: 57.3 - 57.8 cm
Seat Tube Range c-t: 59 - 59.5 cm
Top Tube Length: 54 - 54.4 cm
Stem Length: 9.9 - 10.5 cm
BB-Saddle Position: 71.5 - 73.5 cm
Saddle Handlebar: 53.8 - 54.4 cm
Saddle Setback: 6.1 - 6.5 cm

Well, what sort of riding do you want to do with the bike? More steady long distance and relaxed or fast and sporty? French is more upright with the handle bar about even with the saddle, Competitive goes more aggressive with a lower handle bar, and the Eddy fits somewhere in the middle. Personally I go for the French or Eddy styles because I like to ride distance at my own pace without a care in the world about my heart rate or watts.

Most likely running around town, maybe as far as the train station (about 11 miles from my apt., stupid Arlington), or even all the way to Fort Worth (~17 miles) or Dallas (~25 miles), but it might be nice to be able to hit the longer (100k+) rides in the summer, if I get a wild hair to do it. My Surly is probably close to the "French" fit, and it feels too long. I''m leaning toward the "Eddy" or the "Competitive" fit.

I'm also of the long legs/short arms/torso type. In this case I'd go with the larger frame size because it will have a higher head tube which reduces the effective reach.

I've checked the geometry charts for the frames I own, and now I'm more confused.

2014 BMC TeamMachine SLR02 - 505st x 535tt - The most comfortable.
2010 Fuji Track Comp - 520st x 539.5tt - Feels too small (wat?!)
2008 Surly Cross Check - 520st x 545tt (547.1 effective) - Feels very slightly too big, like a shorter stem or bars with less reach would probably shore it up.

Not that I understand how, but the seat tube angle and the head tube angle likely have something to do with the differences in fit and position you feel on the bike.

Other variables in geometry and set-up of the individual bikes might be causing them to feel different. Also, if you're looking to pin down something exactly with regards to frame geometry, you may want to measure them yourself. I've found that geometry charts can sometimes be a bit like pants sizes.

i would add reach into the mix. Once you know which reach is working/comfy it is relatively painless to pick and fit your next N+1