It's too small!

ST Colin

I've come to the conclusion that I have bought the wrong size of bike. I can't do anything about it because I've bought the bike on finance and I've obviously had it for 3 months.

I'm 6 2" and I bought a BeOne Aspire hardtail, 17" frame. I know I should have got the 19".

I have adjusted all the controls to get it as comfortable as I can. The seat has been pushed back on the rails and it feels okay but the clamp is getting too much stress.

If I was get a longer offset seatpost and maybe a higher stem, would this cure my problem? I know that going too far would upset the geometry.

I was also think about new forks next summer, could longer forks help?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Colin

ride_whenever

New bike really, or more cheaply, buy a new frame and move parts over.

You can make small changes, but ultimately you're just too big!

Longer stem and a layback seatpost will give you more space, but the steering will slow down and your weight will be a bit further back, making the front end feel less planted.

A little bit longer forks might be okay (check warranty) but won't really help, as it'll slacken the head angle and slow the steering more. whilst not giving you any more space.

Don't stick massively longer forks on as you'll rip the headtube off, frames are designed with a particular axle to crown height in mind.

ST Colin

It feels comfortable length wise, it's just i feel too short on it if you know what I mean. My thighs are level with the ground on the top of the crank stroke.

Maybe I'm being over critical. I couldn't afford to change right now, which would end up me owing finance.

ride_whenever

Oh i see, the bike fits, your seatpost is too short, how long is the current one? If short fit a 410mm thomson one, they can be got reasonably cheaply from aspire velotech in the states.

You want to set the saddle so your knee is almost locked with the heel of your foot on the pedal, then when you have the ball of your foot on the pedal everything is gravy.

ST Colin

Well, it's far from that. The angle is about 30degrees when I'm at the bottom of the stroke(from the straight of my thigh)

Longer seat post would probably work. My arms are a good length to the bars though.

batch78

Try looking here

www.probikekit.com

I've got a long, 400mm, Titec carbon post but can't remember where from, sorry, probably wiggle or chain reaction

zero303

Sorry dude - it is most likely too small for you - I'm only 5'9" and I ride an 18"

The best thing you can do is invest in a new frame - CRC can hook you up with an On-One for around £150...

ST Colin

Here is a photo of the bike:

Not sure I've got the seatpost as high as it goes though.

ride_whenever

Hmmmmmmmm, looks like you'll be pushing it even with a 410mm thomson post.... I'd buy one anyway, as they hold their value well and are inderstructable, see if that gives you enough leg-room and if not look at buying a replacement frame and flogging the old one on ebay or the like.

ST Colin

Bugger :oops:

I've been totally stupid, buying a bike without trying sizes.

ride_whenever

A little silly, yes!

But a new post is 45 quid and could fix your problems, if not I've got a large frame that might suit, just as a stopgap thing.

ST Colin

If I do change the frame, how much would I get for this frame?

ride_whenever

Not too much I'm afraid, probably £50 tops...

passout

Try a 410mm Thompson seatpost. If you get the lay back type it will stretch the riding position more too, which sounds like it will help. It's a good upgrade anyway. Merlin cycles do them cheap.

zero303

The problem with whacking the seat right up is you'll be getting vertigo looking down at your bars and the slightest decent will feel like hell on earth.

I'm really sorry for you but at the end of the day - a correct fitting bike is everything!

pdid

A mate of mine got a be-one last year and had to change the post cause it was too short, the only problem he had was the size. I don`t know if yours is the same but his post is very chunky which limited which brands he could replace it with.

Phil.

just read this back and had a little chuckle to myself, but i`m gonna post it anyway Looking forward to the "chunky post" jokes

ST Colin

Well, i'm gutted now really. I'll have to try a longer post but as someone said, it will make the riding position more awkward.

I'll just have to live with it.

ride_whenever

Well, a longer post shouldn't upset stuff too much, it'll put you a little futher back, but not much, also you might want to level off your saddle once you put it up!

ST Colin

I have moved my current seat right back, but last night it took a heavy impact from my backside and it's now pointing a little skyward!

When it is right back, it feels more comfortable to me.

I'd really like to try and make this bike work though, I love the frame too much to change it.

supersonic

I might be able to help you out. I have a brand new BeOne XC Pro Drone frame sat in my shed, 19 inch. Weighs less than 3.5lbs, as used by the BeOne team in 2006 and 07.

Make me an offer!

allthegearnoidea

titec used to do a layback post that was quite lay'd back if you know what i mean! i used to have a picture of the old bike with it but cant find it at the mo! i think it was a titec hell bent though, was a vague s shape on the post, might be ideal for you if its available in your frame size??

one of our guys in the club has a 410 post! i was shocked as it just kept coming out of the tube when he raised it!

supersonic

You have to be careful with some really long posts, as place a lot of stress on the frame, especially if on the limit line.

If it is too small, then have to bite the bullet I am afraid.

ST Colin

Well I went back out for a blast tonight and made a few more changes. Put the seat up to it's maximum marking, adjusted the pitch, and then turned the bars over a little more giving a little extra reach. Feels a little better again.

Oh, and I measured my height 6ft dead

Not realy sure where I got those other 2 inches from.

Bring on the re-quotes

supersonic

Must have been the exciting ride ;-)

allthegearnoidea

did you take a couple of good drops to compact your spine an inch or two!
a 6ft'er with a long seat popst on that frame should be okay i wouod have thought! (based on a 6ft4 chap being okay sitting on my bike which is a 19" after halfords telling him he would need a custom made frame to fit his size!!) just remember to hang your backside of the seat when going down hills!!!