Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2013 19:36:06 GMT
So glad i found this site. up until Tuesday i was the owner of a red triban 3, my first road bike, it was stolen out of my shed!
I have a few questions I need your help and guidance with as I find a new ride. Any way I'm 175cm tall and it was a 57 frame, ( the guidance on the decathlon web site puts me on the cusp of 54 going into 57) I always felt probably a bit to big, as I felt stretched a bit far riding on the hoods, after an or more I always started to get a bit of lower back pain and a fair amount of discomfort at the top of my neck, I put this down to not being used to this style of riding, so was my sold triban a bit too big for me would a 54 made it that bit more comfortable?
Next question, I'm due to be taking part in the ride london 100 mile thing next Sunday and am keen to get a new bike ASAP I really don't want to miss this event, so in my local decathlon store today I was looking at the Triban 5 and the 7, there wasn't a 7 for me to try however there was a Fit 7, given the discomfort I had with my 3 the flat bars seemed like heaven, apart from the obvious handlebar difference between the triban 7 and the fit 7 what will I be loosing out on by getting the fit?
your experience and wisdom is welcomed and needed ASAP
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2013 20:14:34 GMT
Sounds like a good insurance payout! Get the T7 with drop bars, make sure you get to ride it a good distance - Decca does a 24/48 hour try out arrangement - and pick the 54 first time round.
With flats you'll be missing out on (if this is your thing, if not, no worries) flexible body position in response to wind, hills, drafting, alternative hill climbing postures, basically more efficient stances in a variety of situations. You'll also be getting precise gear changes.
It's really down to preferred riding style. Good luck, whatever you choose Decca will take back if it doesn't suit and hasn't been mangled.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2013 20:29:27 GMT
How long did you have the 3 for?
I'm the same height as you so had exactly the same problem in deciding between the 54 and 57. I went for the 57 and put a shorter stem on it. Perfect now.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2013 21:42:34 GMT
Had it since January. Wasn't sure at first did toy with the idea of a shorter stem but was always planning an upgrade after the London surrey classic 100 mile thingy as a treat to myself for doing it. So with the insurance payout (not forgetting the excess) I've got a couple of quid more than I planned.
I really liked the flat bar in the store, I suppose it's a bit of snobbery really I haven't seen any "proper" cyclist using a flat bar! Worried I won't be able to keep up on a flat bar, hate to be different.
Having said that have been exchanging emails with a chap with a T5 for sale, id save a few quid, choices choices!
|
|
|
Post by Big Brother on Jul 27, 2013 21:49:36 GMT
Get the T5 if the price is right. Maybe a 54 is best. If it's a wee bit small you could always raise the saddle. Trouble with a bike that is too big is there's not a lot you can do to make it fit. ohoward's suggestion may be the key decider though. Shorter stem = less stretching.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2013 10:00:03 GMT
dave, you are one of the not-so-lucky size in betweeners like ohoward and I. I had the same experience you described with a 57 but I put up with it for a year. The overreaching was solved by a shorter stem, 90mm to be exact but you could put an 80,70 or even 60mm stem depending on your reach. I'd also ask if you've set up your saddle position correctly as it may be to far back? The pain in the neck is somewhat normal. You have to remember it's an angled stance you are riding on a road bike so to look forward, your head needs to be lifted up from the natural position. I've asked this question to serious riders who've been doing this lark for years and they told me it's normal but any serious pain needs to be addressed. My suggestion (if your sticking to road bike), try a 54 for a day or two using Dec's 'try before you buy' scheme and see how you feel. If there is slight feeling of being cramped, I'd go back to the 57 with a shorter stem. Still don't like it, get the flat bars. Whichever you go for and to quote red, then "ride like you stole it"
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2013 12:56:29 GMT
Height is an important factor in determining the right since but I'd say proportions are more important ie leg to torso proportion and arm length.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2013 15:10:17 GMT
Thanks for your wisdom guys, wasn't aware of the try before you buy thing, ( I've got less than a week! If I'm going to take part in the London surrey classic, which was the reason for getting a road bike in the first place, the wiggins effect.) my old 57 would've been ok but as suggested shorter stem and I was also considering handle bar risers, so with the 54 assuming the seat will be at the same height as the 57 surely the reach and drop will have me stretching further?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2013 15:50:26 GMT
Don't forget you can also flip the stem for a 6 degree raise (or drop) with the 57 and 59 so if you did like the sizing of the 57, flip the original stem up and if no joy, get the shorter stem.
|
|