how to overcome smaller size bike

pasteurisedmilk
pasteurisedmilk Posts: 13
edited January 2010 in MTB beginners
Hi everyone,

This is my first posting here. My bike just finished last night. It's a Scott Scale 40, year 2010, size M or 17.5 as the seller said, got it from my local bike shop and built it on other bike shop.

After fitting my bike, it was end up that it has 5 spacers between the headset and stem. Some guys, the riders and the mechanic at the shop informed that 5 spacers are too much, I might break the bike during the ride, unless I ride it on the road. But an MTB on the road??

The reason, they said, the frame size is too small compare to my height (172 cm).

if anyone have suggestion for me, because I couldn't do a major change I.e. Buy another frame that fast. I was thinking to change the fork from 100 to something longer or change my flat bar to a riser.

What do you think?

Regards,
Scott Scale 40

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    nothing wrong with 5 spacers.

    as long as they are not 15mm tall each.

    the bike size sounds about right.

    what about moving some of the spacers above the stem and then get the steerer cut when you have the right position.

    the shop did cut the steerer down to size didn't they?

    Oh and pictures please.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • pasteurisedmilk
    pasteurisedmilk Posts: 13
    Hi nicklouse,

    Yup, the bike shop has cut the steerer.

    I haven't taken the picture yet. I will upload as soon as I had it.

    Anyway, thanks for the advise just now.

    Cheers‎​
    Scott Scale 40
  • richg1979
    richg1979 Posts: 1,087
    what way is it small? reach? seat tube?
  • pasteurisedmilk
    pasteurisedmilk Posts: 13
    Hi Rich,

    Because they see that may seat post is way up too much and they have to adjust the stem position by inserting 5 spacers. However, seems my position is still like on a road bike.

    regards,
    Scott Scale 40
  • freeride-mike
    freeride-mike Posts: 553
    can u not just re-cut the steerer tube to remove 2-3 spacers the get a new stem with a decent rise so that u get the same handle bar hieght without the extra stress on the steerer under the stem??
    CUBE ltd 2012,reba sl, XT, saint, DMR, spank, current xc/am ride

    GIANT boulder, marzzochi EXR, LX/alivio, DMR, spank, retro build
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    pasteurisedmilk wrote:
    Hi Rich,

    Because they see that may seat post is way up too much and they have to adjust the stem position by inserting 5 spacers. However, seems my position is still like on a road bike.

    regards,

    not true.

    please get some pictures.

    also have a look at the pics of the bikes in the Your MTB section to see how many bikes are set up.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • richg1979
    richg1979 Posts: 1,087
    the scale is a full xc bike so will be quite near to the riding position of a road bike with a high saddle and low bars to keep you aerodynamic.

    when you have your seat post set at your riding height how much post is left in the frame before you get to maximum limit marker?

    it seams your trying to adjust the bike to ride like somthing that its not.
  • pasteurisedmilk
    pasteurisedmilk Posts: 13
    This is the image of my bike after built:
    http://img697.imageshack.us/i/copyofimg ... 01161.jpg/


    This morning, I decided to move 2 spacers above.
    http://img684.imageshack.us/i/img00082201001171943.jpg/
    Scott Scale 40
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Looks fine to me.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

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  • andyrm
    andyrm Posts: 550
    Agreed - looks absolutely spot on, exactly like 90% of the guys' I ride with's hardtail positions.

    You've got absolutely nothing to worry about with that setup from what I can see.....
  • pasteurisedmilk
    pasteurisedmilk Posts: 13
    Ok, I've check also the Scott's web site, I saw that the position of the rider is almost the same to what I have. I've ridden it this morning for about 1 hour on the road, I think I'm ok, no pain at all.

    Anyway, thank you for all the advise....
    Scott Scale 40
  • pasteurisedmilk
    pasteurisedmilk Posts: 13
    Ok, I've check also the Scott's web site, I saw that the position of the rider is almost the same to what I have. I've ridden it this morning for about 1 hour on the road, I think I'm ok, no pain at all.

    Anyway, thank you for all the advise....
    Scott Scale 40
  • Kiblams
    Kiblams Posts: 2,423
    If you want a more upright position, a steeper stem is the easiest way to do it IMO. I did it for my OH to give her more confidence downhill, managed to bring the bars closer and raise them by at least an inch for her.
    HandsomeDog - OrangeCommuter
  • richg1979
    richg1979 Posts: 1,087
    lol i was expecting the seat to be a bout 12" above the bars,

    that looks quite calm compared to some. mine sits about 5-6" above my bars when ive got my seat at sprinting height.

    id leave the 2 spacers above stem, you could get front end grip probs if you have your stem to high.

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