posted by John on february 05, 1998 at 16:55:14:
in reply to: re: re: re: Hmmmmm...wondering about an Extra-Light....... posted by Scott Tominovich on february 04, 1998 at 12:36:16:
Good eye Scott, but that wasnt a typo - I'm 5'9.5 with short legs and long torso - VERY short femur (misspelled?? - aka thigh bone) and my riding style is more that of a sprinter (knee forward of pedal axle).
Additionally, I've had lots of lower back pain over the years due to well, er, cycling (poor postioning and riding habits)....go figure. I prefer the 51cm (c-c) size of my Merlin and especially the 74 degree seat tube. I have a 110mm stem to stretch me out - I'm very comfortable on this combination.
Size and fit is a very personal thing, and I didnt realize until late in my cycling "career" how geometry was affecting my comfort (getting old is hell!!). I've been "sized" professionally since my back started acting up and have been directed to smaller frames - its really made a difference - I highly recommend Serotta's Size Cycle and the FIT KIT to anyone purchasing a new bike (good "starting point" ).
My Marinoni is a 52 cm frame, 74 degree seat tube which is very close to the Merlin. In contrast my old Serotta CRL was a 54 with 55 top tube - I had back pain every mile I rode that bike (sorry Ben). Going "smaller" has placed my knee in a true neutral position, and then I adjust seat for/aft from there. Seats have typically been pushed as far forward as possible on larger frames.
Finally, my girlfriend is 5'6" and rides a 56cm - very long legs, yet I'm quite a bit taller.
Although somewhat off the main topic that Don started, I'm interested to hear from others about bike sizing and fit.
John