kosciuszkod1

I was gonna buy a jamis renegade exploit (steel) bike for light touring/bikebacking but then found bikesdirect. Since I have back issues despite being only 28, I require a more upright position and was told to consider the renegade size 58 cm. But how would the motobecane century fit? I'm looking at the 58 cm as well, but the wheelbase is smaller. Anyone know where I can find the stack measurement? Any advice would be appreciated. I am 5'11.

boomhauer

I'm 5'11" also.
I like sitting upright, also.
58cm is too big in my opinion. You will be leaning way over.
I would consider a size (or two smaller) and change the handlebars from drops to uprights or trekking bars.
You also might need a stem extender if the stems comes cut too short. Again, to keep from leaning over too much.
Try a bike shop test ride on something similar. (one with 58 cm effective top tube length. You will probably see what I mean.)

kosciuszkod1

Thank you boomhauer! So I do plan to use a headtube extender, but the renegade has a carbon steerer, so I guess that means to should go with the 56cm motobecane which has a alloy steerer? Also, I am about to test ride the renegade 58 cm later today so I will keep in mind what you told me. The reason I was considering the 58 is because I paid to get an advance fitting, which I regret, and the guy said I could do a 58 and would have a more upright seated position. But I like what you said about just raising the head tube. Seems much more logical. Could you tell me what you think of the motobecane if possible? Thanks again!

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...brake-road.htm

kosciuszkod1

How about flat bars for mtb? WHy do you suggest not using drop bars? I figured they'd be good for all the climbing I plan on doing. The link below is a mtb bike I may consider. What do you think?

Save Up to 60% Off Plus FREE SHIP 48 STATES ON ALL BICYCLES FREE SHIP* Motobecane NEW Fantom Boost Ti PRO 27PLUS NEW Boost 27PLUS Titanium Bicycles, 27PLUS Mountain Bikes

jefnvk

Depends on what you actually mean by "upright" and how you are personally proportioned. I'm 5-10, have a long torso, have my seat and bars pretty much level, and prefer bikes in the 57-58ish range. If you are normally proportioned, or by upright you mean back straight up and down, it likely won't work. My avatar is me on my 57cm Peugeot (my other two roadies are 23"), very much not bent over.

The best answer, if you have injury induced fitment issues, is to visit your local bike shop, where they can properly fit you (and make sure they can fit you, if their fitment is pulling one out and asking you to stand over it, run away). No, you won't get the cheap BD bike that way, but no bike is a deal if you are uncomfortable on it. Fit is very personal, sizing guides should be only taken as a guide to start at and work from.