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Bike Fit, Last Hope
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prattzc
Nov 10, 09 14:08
Post #1 of 19 (650 views)
Bike Fit, Last Hope
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I have been to 4 bike shops and have gotten 2 different answers to my fit.
I currently ride a 2007 Felt DA 54cm. I've been told by numerous people that it's too big for me.
I'm in the market for a Look 596. I'm either an extra small or small frame size.
Numbers:
Overall Height - 5'8.5"
Inseam - Floor to Crotch - 31.5"
Torso - Crotch to Sternal Notch - 25"
Arm - Outside Shoulder to top middle finger knuckle - 26"
Femur - 18.5"
For all you bike fitters out there.....what Look 596 size am I?
Please, this is driving me insane.
http://zachpratt.wordpress.com/
jackmott
Nov 10, 09 14:16
Post #2 of 19 (635 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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what exactly is bothering you currently?
can you not find a shop to actually sit on both sizes of the look?
if I was being driven insane by fit issues I'd want to actually test them out first
----
What is good in life? - To crush your enemie's dreams, see them dropped behind you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!
Sunglasses:
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Tri Gear:
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Cheap Disc Wheel -
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Tire Crr Data -
http://www.biketechreview.com
SeasonsChange
Nov 10, 09 14:19
Post #3 of 19 (624 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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the top tube is too long.
a 51-52cm would fit you better probably. im not a fitter but my 54cm cervelo is just so slightly too long even with the shortest stem, and im taller than you.
prattzc
Nov 10, 09 14:27
Post #4 of 19 (610 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [jackmott]
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That is my problem, I went to a few places and sat on both sizes. One fitter was caught inbetween XS and Small, but thought better about it and went with XS after some more measuring. Another fitter thinks I "should" be a small. Both bikes felt the same to me.
I have bought all my bikes used, this will be the first "new" bike. Like a virgin on prom night, I want it to be perfect.
Also, I am focusing on 70.3 distance for all of 2010 with a sprinkle of IMLP. So the fit has to be about comfort as well as the most aggressive position I can get.
Then again, will it make that much difference? We are talking 53cm (small) versus 51.5cm (extra small) for the top tube.
http://zachpratt.wordpress.com/
cdw
Nov 10, 09 14:43
Post #5 of 19 (586 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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Then again, will it make that much difference?
NO!
The obsession with perfect fit just kills me. If you are one or two cm too far forward or back it will not make or break your ride. Come on. It is 1.5 cm. Your current bike is probably fine. As JM asked, what is wrong with your 54cm right now?
Chad
SeasonsChange
Nov 10, 09 14:47
Post #6 of 19 (576 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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the xs is probably going to fit you better. anyways, trust your fitter and not slowtwitch.
KarlEtzel
Nov 10, 09 14:55
Post #7 of 19 (562 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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Does neither fitter have a sizer bike to get your contact points dialed in, then work backwards into the frame spec? That's the only way to make a purchase like that. And no bike fitter worth their salt will make a determination for you based on those body coordinates you provided ;)
Stack is virtually identical on the Sm & XS (~2mm difference). The Small just gets longer. I have no idea what the implications of that are
for you
. But it is worth noting.
Enjoy the bike, they are rad.
Silicon Valley Cycling Center
http://www.svcyclingcenter.com
Premium Road & Tri Bikes (Parlee, Cyfac, Lynskey, Look)
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rruff
Nov 10, 09 15:00
Post #8 of 19 (550 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [cdw]
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NO! The obsession with perfect fit just kills me.
Small differences in fit can be important, but the thing that kills me is thinking that the *frame* dimensions must be precise. Don't seatposts, saddles, stems, and bars have a great deal of adjustability?
To the OP... your current frame is *not* too large unless you need a downward angled stem to get in your preferred position.
ericM35-39
Nov 10, 09 15:03
Post #9 of 19 (541 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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these numbers have NOTHING to do with triathlon bike fit
rruff
Nov 10, 09 15:05
Post #10 of 19 (535 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [SeasonsChange]
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the xs is probably going to fit you better.
If someone who is 5'8.5" tall needs a XS frame, then what do the short people ride? Do they have an XXXXS for perfectly normal 5'2" women?
SeasonsChange
Nov 10, 09 15:10
Post #11 of 19 (528 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [rruff]
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48cm bikes or custom.
i would prefer if my elbows were directly under my shoulders for the skeletal support, but my elbows are slightly out in front.
cdw
Nov 10, 09 15:17
Post #12 of 19 (520 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [rruff]
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Small differences in fit can be important
Exactly how? Let's say you religiously believe that having a 90 degree FIST position is important. Move that armrest position 1-2 forward or back, ride for a week and you will have adapted. 1 cm forward or back on the seat rails. Same, same. Now, 1cm of seat height can be noticeable, but most folks are already a cm to high so dropping a cm might be an improvement.
Chad
TriathlonLife
Nov 10, 09 15:32
Post #13 of 19 (494 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [ericM35-39]
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In Reply To:
these numbers have NOTHING to do with triathlon bike fit
This is a true statement. Look, Prattzc, if you're going to spend that kind of money on a new bike, find a certified F.I.S.T. fitter. He/she will work with you to get your fit coordinates. From that point you'll be able to know which frame fits you. And in the process, you will learn.
What you're experiencing is exactly why Slowman developed the F.I.S.T. protocol to begin with. I wont even attempt to tell you which frame you should get without fitting you.
Sorry it's not the answer you probably wanted to hear, but it's the right answer...
"Be inspired, inspire others"
F.I.S.T. Certified & use Exit Fit Bike
www.triathlonforlife.com
Pensacola, FL
rruff
Nov 10, 09 15:37
Post #14 of 19 (487 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [cdw]
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The point is that it is surprisingly easy to get *exactly* the same fit over a wide range of frame sizes and dimensions. So obsessing over the frame size makes no sense. IMO if you want to optimize the aerodynamics, then whichever head tube length with horizontal stem puts you at your preferred pad height would be the best... since the bike frame is more aero than an exposed steerer or up-angled stem. Seat position and reach have huge ranges of adjustment... way beyond the little differences between frame sizes.
prattzc
Nov 10, 09 18:08
Post #15 of 19 (402 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [rruff]
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RA Cycles is where I went to get the best opinion and was setup for an XS Look. I really trust their judgment, I guess I'm just pandering for reassurance. I've never spent that kind of money on a hobby before.
I don't even deserve a bike like the Look 596, but I REALLY want it.
I guess with the amount of adjustments, there really is no reason why an XS can't be made 0.5cm bigger for me.
http://zachpratt.wordpress.com/
inaba116
Nov 10, 09 19:20
Post #16 of 19 (367 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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I was in the same boat when I bought my 596. Even as a bike shop employee with some fitting knowledge I still had a difficult time figuring out which size was appropriate for me.
My height and inseam measurements are pretty similar to yours at 5"8.75" and 31.7. I am currently riding an XS 596 and really could have gone either with an XS or S. With one race season on this bike under my belt and after reviewing power data I believe that I went with the right decision.
I still want to try it with the 105mm stem but have never found the time or patience to contact LOOK to swap stems or however they would want to do it.
jackmott
Nov 10, 09 19:23
Post #17 of 19 (363 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [cdw]
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well he said they CAN
I know for me there is a point wherein if I bring my elbow pads closer together, just a little, one setting on my vision pads, madness ensues and I hate riding.
similarly on my road bike, a couple CM lower on my bars, and lower back pain ensues.
we all have those little thresholds somewhere.
of course these aren't that hard to figure out if you go BUY AN ALLEN WRENCH and adjust things on your own a bit.
In Reply To:
Small differences in fit can be important
Exactly how? Let's say you religiously believe that having a 90 degree FIST position is important. Move that armrest position 1-2 forward or back, ride for a week and you will have adapted. 1 cm forward or back on the seat rails. Same, same. Now, 1cm of seat height can be noticeable, but most folks are already a cm to high so dropping a cm might be an improvement.
Chad
----
What is good in life? - To crush your enemie's dreams, see them dropped behind you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!
Sunglasses:
http://www.framesdirect.com/sunglasses
Tri Gear:
http://www.atctrishop.com
Cheap Disc Wheel -
http://www.wheelbuilder.com
Tire Crr Data -
http://www.biketechreview.com
OriginalJ
Nov 11, 09 14:31
Post #18 of 19 (274 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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Look's XS would fit you best. You're about my size and I used to ride a size Medium TTX and then switched to a 52cm top tube TT bike and it fit infinitely better.
---------------------------------
Julian
mmrocker13
Nov 11, 09 16:44
Post #19 of 19 (215 views)
Re: Bike Fit, Last Hope [prattzc]
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I had a similar problem when I was looking at a new Felt. Couldn't decide, shops disagreed, etc.
So I bought a Specialized instead. No quibbles there on what size was right, got a good fit, and I'm very pleased to be on a bike I didn't INTEND to be on, but found through happy accident. Sometimes what we WANT isn't what we NEED (relatively speaking, and all.).
All that being said, of course...your best bet is to pick a shop/fitter you trust, and let them fit you on a bike in a way that meets yoru needs and wants (your own balance of cost, comfort, aerodynamics, and power--which is probably different for everyone, no matter how similar their measurements are).
--------------------------------------------------------
This country has far too many special interest folks who think that every human is just one hug away from redemption - when the fact is that some humans are just a burden to society. --R10C
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