New 55cm bike

shfcook
shfcook Posts: 347
edited January 2008 in Workshop
Have just bought a De Rosa Ti2 bike; I have ridden a Colnago Dream 58cm for the last 4 years; this bike is 56cm ctc, and 56.3cm along the top tube (11cm stem); this De Rosa is 55cm ctc seatpost and 55cm along the top tube;it feels absolutely fine although I will lengthen the stem from it's current 10cm, and lower it slightly. I've been to a local tri shop and they have had me on a turbo trainer to look at my position and they were happy; I'm just a little paranoid that the great deal made me too greedy and that really I look a bit too big on the bike. I've attached a photo, any comments welcome.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22445390@N04/2161441561/

Comments

  • gundersen
    gundersen Posts: 586
    The bike looks fine under you.
    Good size

    I learnt to race the italian way and they told us that the frame has to be as small as possible.
    North europeans like bigger frames.

    Very nice ride , I must say.
  • shfcook
    shfcook Posts: 347
    Forgot to mention, I'm 5ft 11in, with a 85cm inseam, predicting a 55.25 ctc frame. Have I been riding bikes that are too big all these years?
  • gundersen
    gundersen Posts: 586
    I'm 181 cm and ride 55c-c
    sometimes 54c-c
    passport says 182 cm but I don't think that true
  • shfcook
    shfcook Posts: 347
    By the way the bike came with black Veloce ultra torque compact on; I'm thinking of replacing with Chorus, so will be selling most of the Veloce groupset...
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,573
    I think it looks a bit small for you but if you're happy with your position and feel comfortable then I wouldn't worry about it. Getting the saddle height and layback right and the stem length right is all that matters really. For the record, I'm an inch or so taller than you and usually ride a 58 cm centre to centre frame.

    Lovely bike btw, I've got a Ti De Rosa which I bought back in 1999. It's still going strong and remains a delight to ride. I hope you enjoy yours as much.
  • shfcook
    shfcook Posts: 347
    I knew someone would say this! It's rekindled my insecurities....
  • sloboy
    sloboy Posts: 1,139
    I thought it looked a bit compact too ! But actually, I wonder if it just looks a bit small, cos you have the saddle lowish and your pedals level.

    If its only got a 10 on it now, I reckon it'll be fine with an 11 or 12.

    I reckon I'm a shade shorter than you and currently riding a total length of 67.5 which is just a bit too much, I think. So for my next buy, I'm targetting bikes around a 55-55.5 top tube so that I can ride it at 66-66.5 total.

    Of the online calculators, I've found the Wrench Science one seems very good. In that it confirms my prejudices :wink:
  • shfcook
    shfcook Posts: 347
    just used the wrench science calculator and it recommended a 55 ctc frame with a 10cm stem; I'm going to fit a longer stem....
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    It looks OK to me. Can you pinch the stem off the Colnago and see how that feels. As Andyp says getting the saddle position right is most important, followed by the stem.
    My Fleet.
  • shfcook
    shfcook Posts: 347
    First thing I'll do tonight, maybe even post a photo...
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,573
    sloboy wrote:
    I thought it looked a bit compact too ! But actually, I wonder if it just looks a bit small, cos you have the saddle lowish and your pedals level.
    That's a good point actually - with your pedals level in that picture you're going to look a little bit hunched up. If you're going to do another pic then try and get one with your leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke as that should show us armchair positioning experts a better view. :wink:

    However, it's a top quality frame and if you can get the stem length sorted and the saddle height right then you'll have hours and hours of fun on it. Given how close it is in size to your previous bike then that shouldn't be a problem.

    An acquaintance of mine is in his late 60s and his been riding for 50+ years. He has an awful position on the bike and always looks so uncomfortable I swear I get aches and pains watching him ride. He's had a lot of pleasure from riding though so position isn't everything.
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    looks fine to me, i agree generally with erring on the small side if caught between two sizes for all the obvious reason. a longer stem usually makes for a better handling bike.

    I'd suggest you try a 13cm stem on that frame and see how it feels.
  • campagchris
    campagchris Posts: 773
    Nice bike.I like the way your pony tail is blowing in the wind :roll:
  • shfcook
    shfcook Posts: 347
    that's a light fitting behind my head, if only my hair was that abundant... I particularly like the sylvanians in the foreground keeping watch.
  • campagchris
    campagchris Posts: 773
    I know was just jesting with you.On a more serious note,your saddle looks a touch too far forward,although hard to tell by the angle.Its better to go smaller in a frame than larger in my experience.
    Still a nice bike. :wink:
  • wastelander
    wastelander Posts: 557
    I'm just a touch shorter at 5' 10" and after a fitting session was recommended a frame with the same 55cm top tube/down tube dimensions along with a 110mm stem. I'm sure that with a slightly longer stem it will only need minor positional tweaks, if any at all.

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