Ordered a new team bike today. A Factor frame that I want to match to my existing bike fit. They have no local showroom and I wanted to know what the head tube length was. Contacted Factor North America and they refused to disclose the figure. Their response:
"We don’t publish head tube lengths for our bikes because we use the Stack and Reach measurements to help you compare frames as it helps you more accurately determine fit.
We can get you a sizing recommendation from one of our in house experts, if you could please fill out the follow form Factor Bikes Size Guide Inquiry Form***. ***Or even better, if you’ve had a bike fit recently, send us the report and we will get you sorted!"
Team Rep same response.
I don’t want them to tell me what I need I am happy with my current position. I want to match it. Is it too much to ask for a common tube length? WTF? The bar/stem is integrated and so changing stem length if the reach is wrong is not so easy or inexpensive.
Even if stack and reach and top tube length are close but BB drop, head tube and seat tube angels are different how do I get to correct stem length to match my current fit? Stem angle -6 on both. I need more geometry lessons!
Isn’t the idea of understanding frame size from tube lengths obsolete? Heck, are frame stack and reach even relevant?
It seems like you are just working to match 4 dimensions: saddle height, saddle setback, drop, and saddle nose to handlebar clamp.
So, reach would help to inform part of the nose to clamp dimension, but what you really want to know is whether their options of stem length plus reach are in range of your dimension. Similarly, for drop, stack partially informs it, but what you really want to know is whether the spacer adjustments for the stem can get you in range of your current drop dimension.
Edit: I assumed road bike for some reason, probably because that is a little more challenging due to stem length variables. But tri bikes are easier, since you often do not need to change a stem at all if you have good arm pad positioning ranges.
I just figured it out on my own. A 54cm Ostro VAM is ~135.5mm, a 56cm is ~157mm.
If you know stack and reach it is possible to figure out.
I just figured it out on my own. A 54cm Ostro VAM is ~135.5mm, a 56cm is ~157mm.
If you know stack and reach it is possible to figure out.
Thanks! Much appreciated.
What size and model are you trying to figure out?
54 Ostro Vam so you solved it!
What size and model are you trying to figure out?
What does head tube length have to do with fit? Bikes with more tire clearance or taller fork crowns will have thorter head tubes for the same fit. It’s not 1980 anymore and stack/reach is how you properly copy your fit.