I was wondering if anyone could let me know if they ride a frame a bit larger than they are "supposed" to and are there any signifigant negative health issues that could result?
I am 6'1" w/ a 32' inseam and a standover meaurement (you know that thing with the ruler pressed up near you privates and the tape measure to the floor) 33.5' or 85 centimeters. I am currently riding a 57cm/22.5 inch Trek Frame (1977)which according to what I have read, is the correct size. I have about an inch of clearence when I stand over the top tube. I just picked up a 1980 24'/62 cm Trek over the weekend and on a short ride the bike seems more comfortable. The longer top tube seems to suit me since I seem to have a longer torso. I have no stand over clearance as the top tube pushes up on the nether regions. Should I keep or am I asking for trouble?
Also the bike came w/ a Campy Nuovo Gran Sport RD and Diacompe Gran Sport Brakes, does anyone know anything about either?
Thanks
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, there certainly is a significant negative health issue. Try cracking the old boys on a top tube that's 2 inches too high and you'll soon see!!
As long as you can stand flat-footed on the ground, straddling the top tube and have some clearance you'll be fine. Clearance, that is, between your pubic bone and the top tube.
As you put it - pushing on the nether regions is fine, pushing on the pubic bone is not.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
to me if you can straddle it you can ride it--i grew up riding big bikes--that was the norm in the 70's. I now have a large bike and a small frame compact bike and i still prefer riding the bigger bike because its more comfy----jc
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
I like them on the big side, too.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by fender1
Also the bike came w/ a Campy Nuovo Gran Sport RD and Diacompe Gran Sport Brakes, does anyone know anything about either?
Nothing special. Any modern derailer, even a $20 cheapie will work way better thatn the old Campag. The brake calipers are fine, would work well with modern levers, cables, brake shoes.
Sheldon "It's The Top Tube That Matters" Brown
Code:
---------------------------------------------------
| The one-size-fits-all baseball cap worn backward |
| has to be the stupidest fashion trend since the |
| invention of the necktie. |
| Nothing says 鎻戞姦 a moron?quite like that |
| plastic snap strap across the forehead. |
---------------------------------------------------
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
As forum regulars know, I own 5 road bikes. The Bianchi and the Capos measure 55cm C-T, with slightly longer top tubes, and fit me perfectly. The Peugeot UO-8, about 1.5cm shorter, also fits me well, because its top tube is pretty long. However, the 57cm PKN-10 is simply too big for me, even with the minimum-reach handlebar stem I canibalized from a 50cm yard sale Fuji. (A little sanding quickly converted the ISO 22.2mm stem to the obsolete French 22.0 standard.) Even though I have established the proper relationship among the crankshaft, saddle, and handlebars, the top tube simply seems too high for me, perhaps because it is. 
Having said that, I also note that, according to vintage racing photos I have seen, relatively taller frames used to be fashionable.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
I prefer riding a larger frame. All my regularly ridden bikes are 60-61cm. I can't lean too far forward due to physical limitations yet I still want to use drop bars. On all of my bikes I can comfortably stand over the frame.
I bought a "new" 62 cm frame and the top tube is way too $#%! long. I can't ride the thing.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
The guys at rivendell think that everybody these days ride bikes that are too small for them. I think standover is over rated. Ride whatever is comfortable when you are riding, not standing.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
When I was young the LBS owner would tell everyone that when your standing over the top tube of the bike and it's not touching your bottom parts the frame is too small. Ride it or get off was his motto. I am not that extreme but I like the top tube to be within a 1/2" or so of the tender parts.
