Riding Undersize?

I'm increasingly minded to 'believe' in not just frame size (seat / top tube) but corresponding frame angles. At just under 6' 1", inside seam 32", curent go-to is a 56cm square on 73/73 (I think). Both seat post and stem height are fine but therein lies the key problems: power applications (yeah, right ;-) via legs/feet knee and pedal axis is too aft, and out-of-saddle honking/climbing puts me too far forward over the front, all draining said 'output'. I guess I really should swap-out the 130 stem for a 110 and get the act in gear here...

Or maybe another frame at 74/73.5 would resolve the issues... Be interesting to read others' experiences.

Slainte.
 
Haha. Yip. If it feels good, ride it! Truth be told, I've yet to discover the ATB/MTB experience but it's increasingly looming larger... Makes for some persistent good blether with work pals over 'discussions' re toe clips, freewheels and 52/3 chainrings not to mention shifting. There's a generous mutual respect (I think)...
 
As long as your contact points are in the "right" place and you aren't has having to do daft things like over extending seat pins or 200 mm long/high stems it'll be fine.
 
Not to divert the thread, mattr, but that's a bit dismissive. RB's 'older bikes' forums thrive on dishing out collective knowledge/understanding/experiences for all bike-minded. Probably, over a few electrons different, you could've incorporated some meaningful advice. "'right?'"

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Re:

I'm around 6'2" with a 32" leg.

I wanted to explore a "perfect fit" road / touring bike so recently bought a 58cm (23") Trek 520. On paper this should fit me nicely, however I've found that the stem is too long and too low. Hopefully a shorter stem with a small rise will solve this issue, but I find that most bikes usually need tweaking to find the sweet spot for any individual.

My current MTB set up (19" Orange P7 with an 80mm stem) is, on paper, too small for my size but is very comfortable and can be chucked about with the seat down.

I've also got a 54" Peugeot :lol: for pootling to the shops. It's so short, it feels like a "sit up and beg" style bike, which I love! However I doubt it would be comfy after 20+ miles!!!

If it works for you, keep with it!
 
ORS":1xx3oda5 said:
Not to divert the thread, mattr, but that's a bit dismissive. RB's 'older bikes' forums thrive on dishing out collective knowledge/understanding/experiences for all bike-minded. Probably, over a few electrons different, you could've incorporated some meaningful advice. "'right?'"

➡️ .
What?
If you aren't having to use stupid parts or adjustments and it's comfy, you'll be fine? (He's only doing a few road miles, not stage racing it)

And FWIW for basic road fit purposes you only really need to worry about reach and stack. Head tube angle is 99% about handling. Seattube angle is essentially about holding the saddle up. And not interfering with the rear wheel.
 
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