Bike Selection Based on FIST Bike Fitting

Triathlon Forum
1

Went to Tri On The Run (TOTR) here in Houston this past week and had a fitting done using the Exit cycle. Johnny was extremely helpful during the process and recommended reviewing the Slowtwitch database for good bike candidates.

Having done that, I’m still a bit uncertain about what would be the best candidates and am interested in opinions. The three I identified were Cannondale Slice, Trek TTX, and Scott Plasma, but I’m not beholden to any of those (or exclusively those). Also, I’m not sure which trade off between stack and reach would still be within the recommended parameters. For example, the Trek is close on the stack but long on the reach, but is it still in an acceptable range? Also, if I increased from 76 degree seat angle to 78 (using an Adamo saddle), would that change the viability of the candidates? Also, are all viable candidates, or do any fall out of acceptable tolerances?

Stack 57.5 cm
Reach 42.0 cm

A: Saddle height  720   B: Plumb line, saddle nose to BB  -   C: Cockpit (nose to extension tip)  810   D: Armrests to extension tip 350   E: Armrests drop  -40   F: Saddle nose to armrest back 470   G: Armrest width 220   Comments:

Riding an Adamo saddle

B was not listed on my take home sheet.

   Size Stack Reach Wheel HS HT Stem Hbars SA Ft/Ctr ****

CANNONDALE
58 54.8 41.7 700C int 145 73/78 623
60 57.2 42.5 700C int 170 73/78 639

SCOTT
L 54.8 41.6 700C int 140 110x8 High 76.0 61.8
XL 58.1 42.7 700C int 175 120x8 High 76.0 64.0

TREK
M 53.0 41.7 700C int 115 70x12 High 75/77
L 56.8 42.8 700C int 155 70x12 High 75/77

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

The plan is to narrow down the choices to a few then go ride them. I’m just not sure if these are the right few for my fit coordinates.

Thanks,
Michael

2

Position = Stack/Reach + Spacers + Stem + Aerobars

aka

your position is not only based on your stack and reach they told you, but also your spacers, stem, and aerobars. If the stack and reach of the bikes do not match the stack and reach from the exit bike, you can make up for it usually with the stem alone if you are close giving you the same final position. It looks like all three bikes are within a small enough margin that you should be able to get the final position you need by adjusting the stem.

I would not mess around with the STA if that is the seat tube angle you are suppose to be riding.

3

My insight from going through all of this is that reach is more important to get close. I think Jordan has said that you can pick your bike or you can pick your handlebar. The choice of one will dictate the other.

4

Thank you both for the reply.

I guess my question is:
What is close? Is it +/- .5 cm on the reach? Or can you go 1cm?

5

You could change your stem from say 70 to 120, that is 5cm right there. Not saying you should use that entire range but it makes .5cm look like nothing.

6

OK. I think I’ve got it now.

Thanks.