Working out the correct frame size & seat height. Many years ago I read a lot of books and articles on finding the correct riding position and frame size. Many pro cyclists of the time like Bernard Hinault, Greg Lemond and Sean Kelly all had slightly different riding positions and opinions. After testing all theories with my own bike I found these formulas to work quite well: To find the correct seat height Your Inseam Measurement + 7.3% -------------------------- = Seat Height. (measured from center of pedal axle to top of saddle)   To work out the correct frame size: Seat Height - Crank Length - Seatpost with Seat attached Length ------------------------------------------------------- = Seat Tube Size. (based on traditional geometry) Once you have the correct seat tube size its easy to estimate the correct top tube length. | To find the desired riding reach: Your Torso + Arm Length divided by 2 ------------------------------- = Riding Reach. (Riding reach is measured from center of handlebars to center of saddle)  Your Torso / Arm Reach is measured by sitting on a box or bench with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at 90º, push your bum into the corner and reach touching the wall. The measurement from your reach to the seat is your Torso / Arm Reach, divide that measurement by 2 and that measurement will = your desired Riding Reach.  I used the above formulas for most of the my riding, but occassionally I raised the seat height slightly for shorter races or criteriums. You may also find you will need to tweak the results, but the above formulas are a very good starting point - give it a try. |
Is frame flex a bad thing, or is there benefits to frame flex that a carbon possessed culture have overlooked?
Below is a very interesting article by Doug Roosa for Bicycle Guide April 1988 about frame flex. It reveals some interesting thoughts and confirms why steel frames are so nice to ride, and still popular with so many cyclists today. Also, check out the daggy Trek and Specialized ads.
