Before I head to the shops

suzyb

I'm thinking of getting a new bike (again). So am looking around to see what bikes come in short @rse sizes.

What should I be looking for when comparing bike geometries. Different sizes of bike seem to have similar geometry, for example Cube's 47cm bike seem to have similar geometry to a 43cm Giant. How do I compare them to my current so I know it would be the right size.

greg66_tri_v2.0

suzyb wrote:

I'm thinking of getting a new bike (again). So am looking around to see what bikes come in short @rse sizes.

What should I be looking for when comparing bike geometries. Different sizes of bike seem to have similar geometry, for example Cube's 47cm bike seem to have similar geometry to a 43cm Giant. How do I compare them to my current so I know it would be the right size.

Ideally you need to find a geometry table that gives you the tube lengths and angles for each size in the manufacturer's range.

Otherwise: (a) lazy = go to the shop and sit on them til you say "this feels right"; (b) diligent = go to the shot with a tape measure and measure the down tube, virtual top top and headtube. Then compare to your existing frame.

Twostage

Most web sites have a sizing guide for each bike showing geometry. I'd suggest comparing your existing bike with what is shown on the web.
What's your current bike and size ?

suzyb

I don't think shops will have bikes my size in the showroom to sit on or measure. Which is why I want to do some research first. See what I think suits so I'm going into the shop with half a clue.

Current bike is a 2007 Giant SCR 3 size XXS.

I take it it doesn't matter if the geometry isn't exact (cause that's never going to happen), just as long as the lengths and angles are close it will be OK.

UndercoverElephant

suzyb wrote:

I don't think shops will have bikes my size in the showroom to sit on or measure. Which is why I want to do some research first. See what I think suits so I'm going into the shop with half a clue.

Current bike is a 2007 Giant SCR 3 size XXS.

I take it it doesn't matter if the geometry isn't exact (cause that's never going to happen), just as long as the lengths and angles are close it will be OK.

You can, more or less, change a few things to make a bike more like your ideal bike. Different stem, bars, seatpost, saddle layback, etc. can make most reasonable frames fit just fine. That said, there's usually a benefit in being nearer in the first place, as changing stem lengths, for instance can have noticeable effects on the handling.

Also, did you get some new wheels? They make a massive difference, more than almost anything else.

iPete

Having been asking about frames [n+0 thread] I would depending on what you want to spend look at a Titanium Burls frame or a complete build. The price seems reasonable for a custom frame that should fit and last a lifetime.

http://www.burls.co.uk/index.php

edit: quite a bit more than your Giant I should add but worth a consideration for perfect fit etc..

suzyb

UndercoverElephant wrote:

suzyb wrote:

I don't think shops will have bikes my size in the showroom to sit on or measure. Which is why I want to do some research first. See what I think suits so I'm going into the shop with half a clue.

Current bike is a 2007 Giant SCR 3 size XXS.

I take it it doesn't matter if the geometry isn't exact (cause that's never going to happen), just as long as the lengths and angles are close it will be OK.

You can, more or less, change a few things to make a bike more like your ideal bike. Different stem, bars, seatpost, saddle layback, etc. can make most reasonable frames fit just fine. That said, there's usually a benefit in being nearer in the first place, as changing stem lengths, for instance can have noticeable effects on the handling.

Also, did you get some new wheels? They make a massive difference, more than almost anything else.

Got new tyres but not wheels. Looked at them but the weight of the 650c options was the same as the weight I found quoted for my current wheels so didn't see any point getting new.

All the recent talk of more expensive being nicer to ride has made me curious and whilst I like my current bike I might as well upgrade whilst I have the money. Especially since I may be able to make it into being an n+1.

ddraver

What do you wan tout of a new bike? Is the old one uncomfortable at all? IF you can look up the geometry of your current bike then you can compare it to any potential new ones. For example if you feel like you could be lower but you can't drop the stem any more then get one with a shorter head tube, if the steering is too twitchy then look for a more relaxed head angle. That way you can narrow your choice down to a few frames and then decide

If your current bike is a perfect fit then try and find one that is the same geometry just made of fancy/lighter bits (e.g. Giant TCR)

Wrath Rob

iPete wrote:

Having been asking about frames [n+0 thread] I would depending on what you want to spend look at a Titanium Burls frame or a complete build. The price seems reasonable for a custom frame that should fit and last a lifetime.

http://www.burls.co.uk/index.php

edit: quite a bit more than your Giant I should add but worth a consideration for perfect fit etc..

Was also going to suggest a custom bike. When I had my bike fit it was clear that I'm not ideally suited for off-the-peg frame geometry and therefore to end up with a bike without stupid amounts of saddle set-back and a really short stem, I need something custom. I've decided that my next bike will therefore be a custom made frame.

Unfortunately since then I've been to Le Beau Velo and seen their bikes including some custom Legend frames in both carbon and titanium. The quality of craftsmanship is unreal. On the Ti bike you can't see any welds. Apparently the frame-builder makes them in an inert gas chamber using a diving mask for an air supply, as normal TiG welding isn't good enough. There's then lots of filing to get to a super smooth finish. Unfortunately you pay for that level of quality but they are beautiful machines...

iPete

Made sure I wasn't drinking any coffee before loading the prices. :shock:

hmmm It's only a mile away!

Cafewanda

Good luck with your bike hunt Suzyb. This short-arse awaits the results with great interest.

davis

What's your budget, and what are you looking for? Like what you've got, but "better"?

[edit] I can't find any geometry details of your current bike, and I've just looked through the Giant archive from 2007. Perhaps I'm missing something..

suzyb

davis wrote:

What's your budget, and what are you looking for? Like what you've got, but "better"?

[edit] I can't find any geometry details of your current bike, and I've just looked through the Giant archive from 2007. Perhaps I'm missing something..

Pretty much. I was thinking of a budget around £1500 but am flexible. I'd rather get a decent upgrade (am thinking at least 105) and it costs what it costs than take just a small step up by limiting my budget.

Specs for my current bike are here http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bi ... tions_id=2

davis

If you're happy with your frame, then I guess you could go for something like this (looking at a triple because that's what you've got already and you're in LumpyLand, although 105 is much cheaper) and some bling wheels -- Harry Rowland handbuilts? A couple of other bits and hey it's like a new bike that you know will fit you. I'd probably stick a Hope or Chris King BB in there too if it was "best".

If you are after a new bike then it's interesting because of the geometry of your existing bike... although from the picture looking at your spacer height and stem suggests it might actually be a little small although it's hard to tell. Can you try something like this bike fitting page and then that should give you an idea of the range of geometry that should fit. Get a friend to help you though; it's impossible to do by yourself!

ddraver

suzyb wrote:

davis wrote:

What's your budget, and what are you looking for? Like what you've got, but "better"?

[edit] I can't find any geometry details of your current bike, and I've just looked through the Giant archive from 2007. Perhaps I'm missing something..

Pretty much. I was thinking of a budget around £1500 but am flexible. I'd rather get a decent upgrade (am thinking at least 105) and it costs what it costs than take just a small step up by limiting my budget.

Specs for my current bike are here http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bi ... tions_id=2

I think you ll get better value for money going for the whole bike - especially if you can get a carbon frame with 105 or equivalent...

Blonde Cyclist

I'm a reasonably short arse (5ft4) and had great fun trying to find a bike that fitted - I now have one that fits me like a glove and my old bike feels a little bodged to get it to work. The most important measurement IMO is the top tube, sure, you can put a shorter stem on but I have a tiny old on my old bike and it can make handling a little interesting. You can more easily put the saddle up or down. Has anyone (professional) commented on whether your current bike is a good fit or not?

My EFX1 has a comparatively short top tube (I ride the smallest size which I've forgotten the name of) - but this is what I was looking for. I was told Giant have comparatively long top tubes and Specialised/ Cube (who get really good value for money write-ups) are in the middle.

davis

ddraver wrote:

suzyb wrote:

davis wrote:

What's your budget, and what are you looking for? Like what you've got, but "better"?

[edit] I can't find any geometry details of your current bike, and I've just looked through the Giant archive from 2007. Perhaps I'm missing something..

Pretty much. I was thinking of a budget around £1500 but am flexible. I'd rather get a decent upgrade (am thinking at least 105) and it costs what it costs than take just a small step up by limiting my budget.

Specs for my current bike are here http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bi ... tions_id=2

I think you ll get better value for money going for the whole bike - especially if you can get a carbon frame with 105 or equivalent...

This, actually -- ignore my earlier drivel about getting a groupset. You should be able to get yourself a complete carbon frame with 105 for that money!

suzyb

Blonde Cyclist wrote:

I'm a reasonably short ars* (5ft4) and had great fun trying to find a bike that fitted - I now have one that fits me like a glove and my old bike feels a little bodged to get it to work. The most important measurement IMO is the top tube, sure, you can put a shorter stem on but I have a tiny old on my old bike and it can make handling a little interesting. You can more easily put the saddle up or down. Has anyone (professional) commented on whether your current bike is a good fit or not?

My EFX1 has a comparatively short top tube (I ride the smallest size which I've forgotten the name of) - but this is what I was looking for. I was told Giant have comparatively long top tubes and Specialised/ Cube (who get really good value for money write-ups) are in the middle.

I got a bike fit last year so I know it does fit. Did get a new stem and bars on the bike at the fit though as I'm not the most flexible but I can always get the same on a new bike if necessary.

Blonde Cyclist

As long as you're happy and comfortable that's the main thing. I knew when I went hunting I didn't want to compromise on stem length again so it was a big factor for me! Good luck with the hunt. In your price bracket the Cubes get great reviews

ddraver

If you know what position everything should be in then you can measure bikes to see how they compare (you can narow it down with some vague measurements (pedal to saddle, saddle to handlebar, handle bar to ground etc), then go more advanced for the final decision. I'd start with that....

Good luck! There are certainly worse ways to spend a weekend than bike shopping!!

suzyb

Blonde Cyclist wrote:

As long as you're happy and comfortable that's the main thing. I knew when I went hunting I didn't want to compromise on stem length again so it was a big factor for me! Good luck with the hunt. In your price bracket the Cubes get great reviews

You do seem to get more for the money with the Cubes. The Axial WLS GTC Pro looks to have similar spec to bikes a few hundred quid more expensive (at least groupset wise).

Blonde Cyclist

I think the pricing difference can come in because not all Carbon Fibre is the same - some are much better quality than others, which can help with things like stiffness and power transfer. Not sure if this is the case here, but I know a few people who ride the Axial and they seem really happy with it (and it looks good!).

ddraver

Cube are German and Germans seem to be able to produce phenomenaly cheap bikes at the moment, Canyon and focus are two other examples...