posted by Precise Fit on april 07, 1997 at 21:34:31:
in reply to: Merlin,the ultimate hardtail? posted by Helmut Koch ,Germany on march 30, 1997 at 11:07:53:
Dear all ye Expert Cyclists,
I am a 5'9"/174.5cm novice with a cool XLM steed and a bag of
questions.
HERE in Hong Kong, folks tend not give too much attention to bike-fit.
I have been bombarded with different (sometimes conflicting) "advices"
from well meaning fellow recreational MTBikers.
So, I decided to seek Higher Intelligence to get it right
I pray therefore, for all ye seasoned riders' to inpart thy wisedom
and let the truth set me free!
I think I have a long torso(140cm measured from sternal notch to
ground),
and arms(67cm measured from deltoid to pencil in fist perpendicular to
arm), and shortish legs(inseams-80cm/31.5").
My hardtail, XC setup bike has a 22.38" top tube length and handlebar
reach(saddle nose to my 135mm stem/handlebar junction)of 56.5cm/22". Seat tube is
16.25"(Ctr to ctr), with about 2.5" of standover clearance with bike
shoes.
Head tube angle is 71 degree and seat tube angle is 73.5 degree.
I was asssured by the manufacturer that 2" of standover clearance was
ample but all the bike-fit articles I've read advised more( 3"+)
Most of the bike "show-down" articles I've read ususally don't
reveal test pilots' height, only tested frame sizes.
And, it is upon reading constantly that a medium size bike with less
than 23" top tube length usually deemed as "cramped at the cockpit",
with
preference to a roomier cockpit as conducive to long ascends' comfort,
that lends to doubts as to how well fitted my bike is for my built.
As you'd have deducted by now that I am somewhat of a perfectionist.
I would like to know if I am worrying over nothing or if perhaps
it would be best in the long haul for me to get a bike with a roomier
cockpit and standover clearance?
In adition, would a 150mm stem be too long for control?
Thank you and looking forward to your reply.
Happy trails,
C.M. Rivers
Sound Engineer
Second year MTBiker