HELP regarding fit on Specialized Transition!

Triathlon Forum
1

Hello.

For the past few weeks, I have been comparing different geometries and of time-trial bicycles. I have decided that I will purchase a Specialized Transition Expert, but cannot decide on a size. I am debating between the small and medium sizes, and have sat on the medium. The reach felt fine, but the saddle was still an inch or two too high at its lowest setting. I am 5’8 and have a longer torso, so this makes sense. However, I have also ridden a small 2007 Specialized Transition, which felt great! Although the 2007 does not have the exact same geometry as the 2008/9, it is fairly close. Therefore you see my dilemma. Should I go with the medium and cut teh seatpost sacrificing some aerodynamics, or should I go with the small?

You guys are the experts! And thanks in advance for response.

2

Hate to beat a dead horse here, but if you can get a F.I.S.T I would get one. With that said the transition is geared toward a short torso rider (I believe) much like cannondale and Trek. I am 5’11 and riding an Xl, but only because I choose to ride steep.

Maybe a little more info? Did you have the small and medium set up for you by the shop?

3

I second the notion that this is a strong choice for the short torso.

4

the frame is pretty versatile. i’m 5’4" and am on the small. it actually fits, believe it or not (although i would prefer it if they made an XS).

the seatpost is actually a VERY aerodynamic piece of the transition frame. the frame is designed to have a lot of seatpost showing, because the seatpost is a true airfoil shape.

i’m not advocating either size, only a fit professional should do that, that just seemed to be pertinent info for you.

5

I am 5’8" medium torso and ride a medium frame and am pretty tight in the cockpit. You can do a lot of things with the two different seat post.

6

If the transition is for medium sized torsos, what is the best bike for a long torso? I am 5-11 with a 29 in inseam.

7

IMHO, you don’t need a bike for a ‘long torso person’. usually seat height is the easiest thing to adjust and has least effect on handling. What you need to do is purchase a bike SIZE based on reach or TT legnth as opposed to ST height. People should do this for road bike as well. If you are long torso you would probably size up to a larger frame and lower the seat. You just need to be sure the HT is not too long, and most are not, so you can get low enough in the front.
good luck

8

I don’t understand that the saddle is too high at it’s lowest point, The post is designed to be cut, it could basically be slammed to the top tube
.

9

There is no “best” bike for any case. But if you are looking for long and low the Transition XL is an option. As are P3Cs, Felts and a variety of others.
Go look at the stack and reach database and work out stack/reach - the smaller that number the more suited to a low front end the frame is.