Planet X - Bike Purchase Help / Advice

Caligari_uk

Hey guys - I've been looking for a decent road bike for a month or so now, and I'm being drawn to the Planet X bikes - mainly because I hear so many good thing about them on this forum, and also because the price (and what you get for it) seems rather excellent in comparison to the more expensive brands.

I am a complete noob when it comes to road bikes - which is why I keep getting very confused when going through their bicycle order section.

For example, the SL Pro Carbon Ultegra Light Build:

Would the XL frame be large enough for someone who is 6' 2"?

What size 'Superlight Team Oversize Clamp Road Bar' should I be ordering (out of the four options - 40, 42, 44 and 46cm)?

'Planet X Superlight Team 3d Forged Stem' - once again I'm not sure what I should be ordering from the six size options.

There are just so many options, but there are no pictures or descriptions that seem to explain the differences to help the customer.

t0ph0id

If all of the four different frame sizes only came with one stem length and 1 handlebar width they wouldn't fit many people. Everyone is a different size/shape.

I just ordered a small frame on Thursday, as i'm 5'7" I'm at the top of the recommended size range and also want to use it for triathlon, so went for a 110mm stem to get me in the right position for my heigh/reach and the riding style I want to achieve.

You can also roughly base it on what you currently ride, check the top tube length and stem length and adjust to suit.

I also use the http://competitivecyclist.com/ fit calculator whcih agreed with what I went for.

Obvioulsy the best bet is to go to the store and get fitted out properly. For me this wasn't convenient in the slightest as it's many miles away.

Monkeypump

Caligari - not sure where you are located, but Planet X are able to measure you up if you can get to them. If you can, they may also let you ride whatever built-up bikes they have in stock, but this varies day to day.

Alternatively, Geoffrey Butler in Croydon stock Planet X bikes/frames and are vey helpful.

Caligari_uk

Thanks for the speedy replies, guys.

Unfortunately I'm stuck way out in Norfolk, so it would be rather difficult for me to actually visit one of their stores.

I'll have a go with that 'Fit Calculator' in a mo, though - hopefully that'll give me a better idea as to what size I should be going for.

skyd0g

According to the Planet X size guide the XL suits riders from 6'1" to 6'6" so this should be fine for you at 6'2".

The width of the handlebars should be the same as the width as your shoulders - measure the distance between the "bony notches" where your shoulder pivots in cm. The bars should be the same width (ie. 44cm)

The length of the stem will determine how stretched out you are on the bike - 110mm would be a good starting point - shorter if you want a more relaxed, upright position, possibly longer if you want a lower racier position.

Caligari_uk

Thanks Skyd0g.

Okay - I'm very close to putting in an order, as it just seems a stupidly good price in comparison to the 2010 models.

I'm still a little bit 'worried' about the whole 'ordering a bike without being able to try it out' scenario.

Decisions decisions.