New to the tri-fit game. I’ve been doing a bunch of reading and research, but I"m sure I’ve got much, much more to go. In the meantime, I’m racing in a triathlon next month and I recently bought a bike. It doesn’t quite fit right and I have a couple ideas as to why but I’m looking for a little help as well. It seems that many of you are very knowledgeable in this area so maybe you’ll be willing to give me a couple pointers.
So without further ado, here is my situation. I’m 5’11" 3/4 and I recently purchased a 1999 55cm QR Tequilo. Unfortunately, the bike was fitted with a 140mm stem, which I feel is very long. It is pretty obvious that I am way too stretched out. I’ve attached a couple pics. From my estimation, I need around a 90mm stem to bring my upper body more rearward bringing my upper arm to a near 90 angle with my back. Also, I think a stem with a bit more rise will bring my hips more inline.
I’m guessing a 10 degree 90mm stem will provide a better fit.
First off, the saddle height looks pretty good, as does the hip angle. You could go a little lower in the front end, but not much. As you pointed out, you are WAY too stretched out in front. I took a SWAG at drawing in where you should be (blue lines), to bring the shoulder angle to 90 degrees, and as you can see you have to come way back- probably more than you can do with just a stem. What I’d probably try to do is slide the saddle further forward to try to close some of that over-reach. Then try a shorter stem to try to bring the shoulder angle closer to 90 degrees. Note that as you shorten the reach and your elbows swing back under you they will effectively raise your shoulder up and open your hip angle. So to keep the same hip angle you’ll need to drop the bars as you shorten the reach. Confused? 1) slide saddle forward 2) go with a shorter stem (90-100mm), 3) take out 1 spacer to start 4) post another picture 5) repeat until desired position is achieved
"I’m guessing a 10 degree 90mm stem will provide a better fit. "
I’ll guess the same. You definately are too extended with the current set up. Seat height looks about right although I didn’t measure the knee angle. Supposed to be 150-155 according to Slowman. Ritchey makes a 10 degree 90mm stem. Got one on my bike.
Not sure from the photo, but those look like syntace aerobars, maybe streamliners. Your elbow seems right on the pad. You could ebay those, and get yourself the next smaller size. That, jam the seat up, and a new stem. You’ll be a lot closer.
Mike- you are right about the bars- they are syntace steamliners and they did seem a tad long for my forearm, they may be the large size. I should have a med- being that I’m under 6’ right?
Right now it is a 140mm threadless stem - I’m looking at possibly getting the 90mm 105 deg on the following page.
I would guess that mediums would be better. I think they’re about 2-2.5 cm shorter. I don’t know about the 90mm stem. Maybe more like 110mm. Medium bars, 110mm stem, and move the seat forward will get you 6-7cm.
