Need bike better suited for my height

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Liz on November 8, 2010 at 6:56pm

My commuter and I have the opposite relationship. The standover is a bit higher than I would normally go for, but the effective top tube length is the same as my road bike top tube with a much lower standover height. The road bike is a womens specific model and is proportioned differently than the 1980s touring bike I use as a commuter. Different types of bikes will have a different geometry and fit.

Also keep in mind that swapping stems or raising/lowing them can impact the fit of a bike. If your bike is a off by a small amount getting a longer stem for your current bike may also be an appropriate solution.



Duane Waller said:

Standover height has very little to do with true fit. I ride a frame that many would consider "too small" (I'm 6-1 and ride a 57-58cm), but I do not like the feel of being "stretched out" on my bike (which a 60cm frame tends to do). Check this, if you have a lot of time :)

Permalink Reply by Missy Hixon on November 8, 2010 at 7:25pm

I was wondering about this. The bike is not that far from being acceptable however I think I prefer a bike that a little on the high side. Is the stem the part connected to your seat? Don't laugh at me!


Liz said:

My commuter and I have the opposite relationship. The standover is a bit higher than I would normally go for, but the effective top tube length is the same as my road bike top tube with a much lower standover height. The road bike is a womens specific model and is proportioned differently than the 1980s touring bike I use as a commuter. Different types of bikes will have a different geometry and fit.

Also keep in mind that swapping stems or raising/lowing them can impact the fit of a bike. If your bike is a off by a small amount getting a longer stem for your current bike may also be an appropriate solution.



Duane Waller said:

Standover height has very little to do with true fit. I ride a frame that many would consider "too small" (I'm 6-1 and ride a 57-58cm), but I do not like the feel of being "stretched out" on my bike (which a 60cm frame tends to do). Check this, if you have a lot of time :)

Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on November 8, 2010 at 7:35pm

The stem is the piece that connects your handlebars to the frame.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSo9CAFgXaEOS5u5xiq3orlyH3z...
(The part that says Easton)
Missy Hixon said:

I was wondering about this. The bike is not that far from being acceptable however I think I prefer a bike that a little on the high side. Is the stem the part connected to your seat? Don't laugh at me!


Liz said:

My commuter and I have the opposite relationship. The standover is a bit higher than I would normally go for, but the effective top tube length is the same as my road bike top tube with a much lower standover height. The road bike is a womens specific model and is proportioned differently than the 1980s touring bike I use as a commuter. Different types of bikes will have a different geometry and fit.

Also keep in mind that swapping stems or raising/lowing them can impact the fit of a bike. If your bike is a off by a small amount getting a longer stem for your current bike may also be an appropriate solution.



Duane Waller said:

Standover height has very little to do with true fit. I ride a frame that many would consider "too small" (I'm 6-1 and ride a 57-58cm), but I do not like the feel of being "stretched out" on my bike (which a 60cm frame tends to do). Check this, if you have a lot of time :)

Permalink Reply by Missy Hixon on November 8, 2010 at 8:02pm

Oh. Thanks.


Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

The stem is the piece that connects your handlebars to the frame.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSo9CAFgXaEOS5u5xiq3orlyH3z...
(The part that says Easton)
Missy Hixon said:

I was wondering about this. The bike is not that far from being acceptable however I think I prefer a bike that a little on the high side. Is the stem the part connected to your seat? Don't laugh at me!


Liz said:

My commuter and I have the opposite relationship. The standover is a bit higher than I would normally go for, but the effective top tube length is the same as my road bike top tube with a much lower standover height. The road bike is a womens specific model and is proportioned differently than the 1980s touring bike I use as a commuter. Different types of bikes will have a different geometry and fit.

Also keep in mind that swapping stems or raising/lowing them can impact the fit of a bike. If your bike is a off by a small amount getting a longer stem for your current bike may also be an appropriate solution.



Duane Waller said:

Standover height has very little to do with true fit. I ride a frame that many would consider "too small" (I'm 6-1 and ride a 57-58cm), but I do not like the feel of being "stretched out" on my bike (which a 60cm frame tends to do). Check this, if you have a lot of time :)

Permalink Reply by Missy Hixon on November 13, 2010 at 9:24pm

I got my bike today based on your tip. Went to shop you suggested just north of Irving. I love it. 1976 Raleigh Sport 3 speed for $145.

Thanks for the tip!

Mike Zumwalt said:

There's a used bike shop at Halsted and Irving Park? open after 12 noon and have some decent bikes.
I ride a 1970-ish Schwinn, a 70-ish cruiser and a 1990-ish Trek.
I'm 6'5" so... Just find a bike that fits you and you fit on then start pedaling.

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