Road Bike Fitment?

[Brian McVickers]

Hi,
So I've got an old Giant Cadex road bike (carbon and aluminum) that I purchased used. I put on new tires, chain a a few other bits to refreshen the bike so mechanically it is very sound.

What measurements do I need to take to properly fit this bike to me for the most comfortable riding?

What are the adjustable variables? (seat, handlebars, stem...)

Thanks,
Brian

 

[twosevens]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAl_5e7bIHk"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAl_5e7bIHk[/ame]

Give this video a try.

 

[Brian McVickers]

That's great,
Thanks!

 

[ccarm]

I do a lot of fittings every year, and the biggest thing that my customers never realize is that bike fitment is more like an art than a science. There are some good guidelines and general rules of thumb, but having the "perfect" fit won't ever be possible. It takes constant tweaking of centimeters and millimeters after the initial fit to really dial it in. Some bike shops will offer a free or nearly free fitment, you could look there. Also Dr. Andy Pruitt has a fantastic book on it called, "The Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists". Hope this helps...I'm always willing to help with specific questions as well. (I have about five years in the bike fitting business)

 

[Brian McVickers]

Thanks Ccarm.
I would agree there is a great deal of art and tweaking involved.
The road bikes I have had in the past have always been fitted at a shop or by a professional bike mechanic. I no longer have those bikes.

I picked up this Giant on a whim to get back in the saddle. Just from the feel, I think it need a longer stem, forward, and wider handlebars.


Brian

 

[Brian McVickers]

I think I found a good solution.

Primary issue is that the handlebars are too narrow and with the existing stem they sit about three inches behind the hub in my line of site.

Solution:

and

This is not a pic of my bike but rather the same model. Posted here to show the stem area. Will the stem that I pictured above bolt right on to the stem on the bike? In other words, once I remove the existing stem will this new Easton stem fit around the housing that the existing stem inserts into?

Or do I need a stem adapter?

 

[Christophe Noel]

bike fitment is more like an art than a science.

It's also big business. I'm a certified Serotta, New England Bike Academy, and FFC fitter as well as experienced with other systems. Bust out the lasers and power meters and watch that fitting fee reach $500.

Brian, much of this will depend on your fit objectives for this bike. Fitting for performance or casual comfort can influence your fit, and this is where the art that ccarm mentioned comes into play.

That stem adapter solution would do the trick, but you may not have to resort to that.

If I can help, let me know.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Fit Objectives:
- Primary use will be for cardio and fitness so comfort is paramount
- Secondary use will be for local amateur racing if I can get back into that fitness level and appropriate endurance
- Riding style, tends to be aggressive. Im less worried about the scenery and more about speed and distance.

I like the time-trial / bull-horn handle bar solution because I'm not a big fan of the traditional curved drop downs and the bullhorns provide the option for several riding positions, up close or stretched out.

If that new stem will fit on the bike without an adapter I should work well.

 

[Christophe Noel]

If racing is in the cards, you won't be able to use those bullhorn bars. USAC rules require drop bars for mass start events. But, that's not a big deal as lots of drop bars can be made to be comfy. That adapter will open up your options, for sure.

If you get a chance to drive up to Prescott, throw the bike in the truck. I can help you get it dialed in.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Thanks Christophe!