Education re bike fit issues

Triathlon Forum
1

Sorry to once again show my ignorance but I really need help on bike fit issues.

Looking at treating myself to new shinny bike (likely a Trek or a Cannondale) and in earlier posts on the subject many of you were kind enough to advise trying each bike - but other than comfort I have no real idea what I’m looking for in my search for a “good fit.”

Many have referenced the Trek having being “slack” - no idea what that means or the references to the fact the treks are really in a road bike configuration and are not tri bikes. Many referenced seat angle - don’t really know what that is referencing - can any of you knowlegdables help educate me as to what I need to be looking for?

For example,

  1. What is the “ideal” rider position on a tri bike
    -ankles/knee/hip alignment
    -how far forward on the aero bars should I be?
  2. I have short legs and a long back - how does this play into bike geometry issues?

And on, and on,

Many thanks, as always

You are all awesome.

Neil

2

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/bikefit.html

Read that and call me in the morning… :slight_smile:

That will answer many of your questions.

“slack” means that angle of the seatpost (measured from the ground BEHIND the seatpost) to the seatpost is between 70*-73*. Steep is generally about 76*-81*. 74* & 75* is probably a matter of opinion. They’d generally be considered steep for a road bike, and slack (or shallow) for a tribike.

Short legs/long back means you will likely need a bike with a proportionally long top-tube. Felt’s are generally considered to fit this bill, so might want to add the Felt to your list.

I would highly recommend going to see a good bike fitter, though. A FIST or Serotta certified fitter will be your best bet. That is where I would start any quest for a new bike…

3

Thanks, mate - you da man!!