Retro bike too much post????

Skinner2k3

How much seatpost is too much on a retro build?

I took a punt on a frame which has a 54TT and 52ST. Reach wise with a 100mm stem I am where I want to be but the saddle height requires approx 200mm of post showing which I can't decide if I like on a "retro" build.

I am aware there is no definite answer to this, just wondering what people though from an aesthetic point of view.

Cheers

Smokin Joe

Ar$e up, nose on stem.

Sorted.

HebdenBiker

Is it a sloping or horizontal TT?

earthvspace4XTuUWcX

A picture would help. If using a ´çlassic´ seat post like a nice campagnolo alloy one then I guess the marking showing the maximum allowable amount of post showing would probably be less than 200 mm.

team47b

It was always measured with a fist wrapped around the stem, any space and the bike was considered too small any less you bought it

Skinner2k3

It's a horizontal TT, will try and get a picture as that would make life easier.

Applying the fist method would mean it's definitely too small then

HebdenBiker

Why are you so reluctant to fit a long post?

Skinner2k3

No problem as such. Just doesn't seem quite right on an old steel frame. I will get some bars on a take a pic.

Man Of Lard

Until XL frames became widely available every bike I ever owned had a longer seat tube fitted - and back then they often came from the output of the nightshift in the toolshop at work

john_wr

team47b wrote:

It was always measured with a fist wrapped around the stem, any space and the bike was considered too small any less you bought it

My 1960's Campag Record seat post has a maximum distance of 105mm from the saddle rails to the limit marking, so a fist is about right.

John.

veronese68

team47b wrote:

It was always measured with a fist wrapped around the stem, any space and the bike was considered too small any less you bought it

Let's hope the OP has really big hands then.

cougie

So long as its not over the max height on the post - it will be fine. Its not a good look to have a frame like a farm gate with the saddle strapped to the top tube.

Skinner2k3

Skinner2k3

That's with the saddle height correct. Stem will want to go down a bit more though.

simon_masterson

It might not fit a stereotypical classic look, but frame size fashion has fluctuated over the years - using a very small frame on a race bike is not a new idea; having said that, the sort of layback seatposts that are commonly used today weren't as common 30+ years ago, and earlier quill stems could bend and break in longer lengths.

But aesthetically, steel race bikes tend to be quite proportional. It was common to match the length of exposed post to the headtube.

Skinner2k3

Yeah I suppose post to head tube on my donor steel bike is similar (56TT)

I might build it up and see how it feels. I think it may be the saddle to bar drop that will write it off.

debeli

If it feels right, it is right. If it doesn't, it isn't.

If that frame allows you to find a set-up that you enjoy riding on, then the exposed length of the seat post is as nothing.

"Back in the day", although there was a degree of orthodoxy and bowing to the prevailing wisdom, there were plenty of people who set their bicycles up with what might have been considered an eccentric or freaky-styley geometry.

The snake-oil cult, con or consumer-led facilitation initiative of pro bike-fits had yet to be dreamed up and people just rode what they rode.

Your frame looks nice. Set it up as you want. Anyone who says it's 'wrong for the year' wasn't there.

t4tomo

hope youve bought this to ride it in

Skinner2k3

Good point Debeli. This weekend I will get it built up and see how it rides, although I do need to find a post that fits, 27.0 I think?

I had seen that jersey and if the bike stays I imagine that may go on the shopping list

Skinner2k3

Just noticed this tweet....

Skinner2k3