Tifosi CK7 Audax

dartmoorcyclist
dartmoorcyclist Posts: 33
edited September 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi, Can anyone interpret the frame geometry of this bike for me - I have long legs and short torso for my height. Is this bike likely to suit. I have to drive half way across the country to try one. Thanks. (5 foot 4 height and 31 inch inside leg).

Comments

  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    IMO the XS would be the one owing to the shorter top tube length, the SM is 15mm longer so would stretch you out a little bit but you could still get away with this one as well. My bike has a racier geometry and has a top tube length similar to the SM Tifosi, I am only slightly taller than you with a 30'' inseam (remember to measure yours in bare feet). FYI I have based this on the geometry shown on Wiggle. :)
  • Thanks, very helpful. And I won't end up with the seat too high over the handlebars if I go for the XS? Definitely don't want to be too stretched out.
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    The head tube is taller on the SM by about 20mm and top tube longer by 15mm. Ideally it is always better to sit on the bike and try it but I know this is not always possible.
    I would try and look at some bikes with the same geometry locally and try them for size then you could order the one you want with a bit more piece of mind or you may find something local you like.
    It's usually easier to make a slightly too small bike fit than to make a slightly too large bike fit.
    At the end of the day it's your choice.
    Your seat height is important for several reasons ie comfort, efficiency and less likelyhood of leg and/or back injury, there is generally always a drop between seat height and bar height for these reasons among others.
  • luv2ride
    luv2ride Posts: 2,367
    023.jpg

    Here's a pic of my medium CK7 as a reference if it helps. I'm 5'8 and a bit tall with a 31" inseam. Frame feels a tad on the large side (compared with compact frames) but is very comfy with a 100mm stem (top tube is 55cm c-c). As you can see, not a huge amount of seat post showing. Very tall head tube at 173mm. Still really enjoy riding it after building it up last autumn...
    Titus Silk Road Ti rigid 29er - Scott Solace 10 disc - Kinesis Crosslight Pro6 disc - Scott CR1 SL - Pinnacle Arkose X 650b - Pinnacle Arkose singlespeed - Specialized Singlecross...& an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 4 string...
  • XS would work well I think. Small would with a short stem but I think the small would be too big. The main dimensions that control your position are total effective top tube length, headtube height and tube angles that give your position as well as stem length. I forgot saddle seatback.

    Below is the offical geometry of the CK7 I hope you find that useful. The small frame has a much taller heatube so for the same saddle height which should be about 695mm on both frame the saddle to handle bar drop on the small will be very small. I would not be suprised if one the small you would not have near level saddle and handlebars. Of course the same postion can be had on the XS frame by using a stem with rise or fitting more spacers on the headtube.

    CK7geometry_zps291ac260.jpg
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • Hi Luv2Ride and cycleclinic,
    Thanks for your helpful posts and comments - and Luv2Ride she looks gorgeous, I want one! I am still concerned I should be going for a more compact frame, that I'll not be able to get comfy on this without compromising too far with a short stem. And that I will only know that after I have ridden a bike for a few weeks. My lbs has to buy one in for me and I'd feel bad walking away, or walk away with a bike with a too short stem on it. I'll try out some other bikes and get a better idea that way too. Thanks again.
  • I think you may need to get a bike fit done as no offense it sounds like you do not know the various dimensions you need (but you have some idea it seems). If you have a bike that fits you well then you will know what frames sizes you need stem lengths e.t.c. If you are not in that position then it always unclear what works best.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • No offense taken! You're right I have little idea - I have a lovely new mountain bike and a twenty year old mountain bike, neither of which help me understand what I need in a road bike. I am very tempted to buy the extra small tifosi with a bike shop who have said they will spend the time to fit me on it properly. I have to drive 4 hours to get there and back - but it'll be worth it. Thanks for your help.
  • luv2ride
    luv2ride Posts: 2,367
    dartmoorcyclist: just to say I took mine out for a 40miler today (iffy weather here and hadn't ridden it for a few months being the excuse) and I have to say I'm still blown away away by the comfort and performance of this bike. Even loaded up with 25mm tyres, full mudguards and now a rack, it's still a really lively and fast ride. If you do manage to get the right frame size for you, you definately won't regret it...
    Titus Silk Road Ti rigid 29er - Scott Solace 10 disc - Kinesis Crosslight Pro6 disc - Scott CR1 SL - Pinnacle Arkose X 650b - Pinnacle Arkose singlespeed - Specialized Singlecross...& an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 4 string...