Fit vs Style
 

What would you do?

I have a '79 Paramount Track that'll be ready by spring. Not that it needs much, but what's the point in dressing it out to not ride it in MN winters....Anyway, it's probably 2-3cm too big for me. I could live with it, but it'd never fit just right, or I could sell the frame and use the Campy Pista bits on, say, an IRO or something else around the value the frame brings in ($200 to $400 I'd guess).

I really (REALLY) like the red P'mount, lugs and style and all, but the fit will always bother me.

So - Fit or Style?

Both. And stick with the lugged steel.

It really all depends on how high you roll up your jeans. What kind of messenger bag are you using?

Does it have a pie pocket?

Pie pocket - Yup. Teflon, too. No-Name records last one.....

If it's not comfortable to ride, sell it. I had a similar problem with a beautiful 70something Windsor. Pretty paint job, chrome lugs, light for the vintage. It was too small though, even for a track bike. Small enough that I couldn't ride fast tucked because it hurt my arms, shoulders, and I couldn't expand my ribcage. I sold it to a buddy, bought a new frame and now we're both happy. A proper fit makes cycling so much more enjoyable, even if you don't look quite as cool. However, to quote a popular hipster fashion magazine, "To look good, you have to be at least a little uncomfortable."

what size is it?

"What size is it?"

Dunno - it could prolly hold a 1/4...

Oh - the bike?

60 or 61cm I think - Honestly I've only measured it by fit. I'll make it legal tonite and put a tape to it.

I have the feeling that it is exactly my size. I'll just go ahead and PM Colinm my address...

c'om! on! it'll look all styles and cool inside your apartment where
it'll sit forever. That's totally lame. If you're already going to splurge
on Campy Pista parts then shell out a few more and get a frame that
won't split you in half if you fall. The chicks (or dudes)'ll all be
drooling.

jeff

Function before fashion.

Fit is more important. Go for fit on a new frame with *****in' style.

The 'mount came with all Pista / Record, (50x16, OUCH!!) and really, I'd just pull everything but the headset for use on another frame. (Leaving the Record headset seems fair to the buyer, if I decide to sell)

Once I get clincher rims for the hubs, build the wheels, mount rubber and ride it, I'll really get a feel for the fit. As it is, even with flat tubulars, the standover is about 1/2" too high - flatfooted it really splits the beans. Put tires/air in the picture and it'd be too high for sure.

I feel your pain, Colin. I bought a Frejus frame which is just too big for me, and I've been freaking out over the last few days trying to figure out what to do. Ultimately, of course, I know it's too big for me and there's no way to change that so I just have to get rid of it and wait for something to come along that's the right size.

Just go for the right size, if your busting your nuts standing over it it's obviously going to ride like a tank for you - and at some point you're going to hop forward without thinking and just nail them on the top tube. Not worth it. If it were too small for you that would be a different story - I'd ride the Frejus if it were 50cm (my size is 52~54, it's 56.5ctc/57.5ctt).

And to make it a little worse, too big is harder to adjust properly than too small...

If the Paramount doesn't fit right, all the style points you get for owning it are just moot! Sell it and get yourself a proper fitting frame!

I could just hang in on the wall...looks better than anything on tee wee right now, and it's a long winter comin'.

Come spring, methinks someone will have a shot at it. Thanks for the opinions.

It helps if you sell it to someone you know, you won't have to let go as much. (you'll get visitation)

Thanks SBL, I feel better knowing that's possible, never thought of it. But the sad part is, I can't even GIVE a bike away - nobody I know gives enough of a crap to ride. And I'm the tallest person I know.

*sigh*

Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. Bummer.

I'm able to see my old Schwinn Varsity when I ride with Trekkie820. It worked out for the both of us. (frame was also way to big for me)

Standover isn't everything. At the risk of gross oversimplification, it's all about crank reach and KOPS (knee over pedal spindle). With a track frame, you're probably going to have a greater standover height anyhow. My Fuji Track definitely gives me a pill check if I hit the TT flat-footed, but it's otherwise comfortable.

Build it up and ride for a while. If it feels bad, then sell the frame.

I've got a few friends who would be plenty happy to get their hands on a 61cm paramount. I'd like one myself if I hadn't just built up a new ride.

Good point. I'll build it, ride it, then spend a few weeks wrenching my gut over it. In the meantime, I'll hop on the LBS's bike fit thing and see where I am on paper.