Only 12cm of Seatpost Showing?

Coach H
Coach H Posts: 1,092
edited July 2012 in Road buying advice
Is this enough?

Got a chance on a new frame but to get the right top & head tube would mean a seat tube length that would only leave 12cm of seatpost. Whilst this would look quite retro and close to my winter bike (1cm less seat tube) I am concerned that it would look funky and not perform very well.

Opinions anyone?
Coach H. (Dont ask me for training advice - 'It's not about the bike')

Comments

  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    Depends on the geometry of the frame, but if it ticks the boxes in all other areas - notably reach (ie. Virtual TT), then it could/should be okay.

    If it's a compact/sloping top tube frame, the seatpost height sounds a little bit on the short side, but that also depends on your physique - ie if you have short legs but long torso/arms? :D
    Cycling weakly
  • Coach H
    Coach H Posts: 1,092
    Top tube and, critically, head tube are OK. Top tube is virtually horizontal.

    Yes I have short legs and arms and a long torso which means a, proportionally low saddle height and only a 40mm saddle to bar drop.
    Coach H. (Dont ask me for training advice - 'It's not about the bike')
  • meesterbond
    meesterbond Posts: 1,240
    The only issue, and this will depend on the frame, could be in comfort.
    If the frame is pretty stiff and relies on the seatpost for a bit of 'give' then it could impact how comfortable the ride is..

    From a fit perspective, provided the three contact points are in the right place, the bike will fit fine - it could ride a bit funny, but the fit will be ok.
  • jessand
    jessand Posts: 45
    I was in a similar position so went for a sloping top tube. Doesn't affect fit but I think it's much more pleasing aesthetically, not that I worry about looks - I'm far too old for that! Seriously, I was spending a lot of money and I wanted it to be as close to perfect as I could make it.
    I suppose it's a question of whether you'll not think about it when you've got it, or each time you look at it you'll think 'I wish I had a bit more seatpost showing' - only you know.
  • cooper.michael1
    cooper.michael1 Posts: 1,787
    Perfectly normal for a horizontal geometry frame. I've not idea why people would think it would look or ride strangely as a result. Although many people think sloping frames are more 'modern' in reality many bikes even at the top end still use a horizontal top-tube;

    http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/pho ... emo/164289

    http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/05/ ... evo_220933

    Essentially with compact frames the manufacturers dont have to produce as many sizes, so it is cheaper. I also think the 'seatpost' flex malarky is a good marketing ploy to get people to fork out £100 on a fancy seatpost.

Categories