Sportive geometry

BeaconJon

Hi folks,

Just after some advice. I'm looking to do a few sportives next season on top of the club TT's. Thing is my lower back gets a beating on my S Works E5 above 40 miles so I was wondering what type of geometry I should be looking for in more comfortable frame.

Cheers, Jon

Monty Dog

Two inter-dependent variables that often get confused:

Position / geometry is the optimum position for your morphology / flexbility - 'sportive' geometry typically means shorter toptube and longer headtube to create a more upright position.

Comfort is a combination of a wider group of factors including rider position, frame materials, contact points but probably most significantly wheel/tyre choice and pressure.

If you're really uncertain, get a bike fit to determine your optimum riding position and base your bike/frame choice on that information.

BeaconJon

Appreciate the info, very interesting. I was aware of using a shorter top tube but I hadn't thought of a longer head tube, quite logical really.

I'm reluctant to get fitted as I want to build the bike myself with my choice of frame rather than getting pushed onto whatever they stock at the shop, I guess swallowing the fitting charge could pay dividends though as the bigger miles go by.

Berk Bonebonce

I'd try a saddle with more padding and lower pressures in your tyres before buying a new bike.

BeaconJon

I'm currently running Michelin Pro Race 2's at 120psi on Zondas (clinchers).

My saddle is relatively cheap but seems to fit my backside ok although it's not really in-keeping with the spec on the rest of the bike. Maybe I need to get fitted for a new saddle first.

manxshred

Get fit by a pro and they won't force you into any brand. Even the brand specific ones don't force you to buy anything. You do the fit, and go away and find the frame that fits your numbers and your eye.

I used Cadence Sport for a independent bike fit. Very good, although after the fit, I have had to reduce the number of bikes I was looking at due to their geometry.

BeaconJon

Sounds like the way to go.

Hope you don't mind me asking but what was the cost of the fitting?

Monty Dog

If you go to an independent shop they'll often discount the cost of the bike fitting from the bike or frame if you buy that from them. You're probably running your tyre pressures a bit too high which will contribute to the firmness of the ride - 5.5-6 bar is usually the point of diminishing returns and likewise a 25mm tyre provides a bigger air pocket for better comfort and handling.

manxshred

Cadence Sport was £120.

Also, way too high pressure in the tires. Higher will be faster on a perfectly smooth surface. On the road, they will just skip and jump and will feel faster due to this. Dropping the pressure will increase comfort and could increase speed due to better traction.

BeaconJon

Again thanks. I'll drop the pressures at the weekend and see how it goes.

BeaconJon

Again thanks. I'll drop the pressures at the weekend and see how it goes.