I know Slowman advocates riding the largest bike that fits, but this may be taking it to extremes (and it certainly is taking it out of context) …
I ride a 48c P3 (Stack=46.1 Reach=38.9) w/ -17 degree 90mm stem, no spacers, HED Corsair aerobars. I was told by the expert who fit me, who is not affiliated with any brand, that the P3 geometry was perfect for me.
However, I was given a used 54c Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod (Stack=50.9 Reach=39.8) w/ HED Blackdog aerobars. I can’t sell it. To try to ride it :
I’d need to (ask my LBS to) cut seatpost to push the saddle as low as possible, and I’d need to buy shorter cranks so that I can reach the pedals in this position. I might be able to ride 165 cranks, or I might need a little shorter - I’m not sure exactly how far the seatpost will insert after it is cut due to the bend.
If I did the math correctly, I’d need to buy a -40 degree 105mm stem (found one by Bontrager); this should make the Slice 2mm longer and 5mm higher. I didn’t see a more aggressive stem without going to the adjustables, and I’m not sure how well those really work on the road. If there are some, please let me know.
I’d also need the extensions cut down (probably means recabling) so that I can reach the shifters/brakes. I’ll worry about race wheels later (700c vs 650c), if I liked it.
I don’t want to do/invest this (cranks, stem, post+ext/cabling work, anything else I overlooked) if the end result is a bike that handles poorly.
Will a slammed down saddle and -40 degree stem negatively impact handling much? Is it just too much bike for me? Or should it be fine?
Will the 5mm height increase have much impact on aerodynamics, or would different aerobars bring that down, or is there a more aggressive stem?
Would I be taking a significant aero hit with the Slice?
I ride a Slice with a -25° 120mm stem and have no issues. I switched to this when I went to different bars with a taller stack height.
I have had a number of different stem and bar combos on the bike and could not tell any major handling differences between any of the configurations. I have never had a -40° though.
I believe the theory behind his remark was to fill the bike space with frame rather than stem post spacers and seat post. The theory requires that frame to fit in the first place.
My initial reaction when I was given the frame was that it was too big for me to ride.
But the longer it stood against my wall, the more I began to wonder…
The big question was whether I could get the saddle low enough, but the answer is “yes” with shorter cranks (maybe even 165’s will be short enough).
I can get close on the stack and reach with an aggressive stem; I could get just as low with an adjustable stem (are they road-worthy?).
Will it handle poorly given I’d be at an extreme fit range? That is my main concern.
Unless the Slice in this config is a drag compared to the P3.
My initial thought is … there is a reason they are not designed that way.
I imagine the comparative lowness of the rider will make it a lot less responsive. I also assume the handling will be a lot different to the original. Handling is a bit subjective though. You might like a more or less responsive bike. A faster or slower turn etc etc.
Poor choice of words on my part. I should have said “won’t”.
My husband purchased it for me; he beams when he sees/talks about getting me the bike. He’s into tennis, not tri. It was very sweet.
My husband purchased it for me; he beams when he sees/talks about getting me the bike. He’s into tennis, not tri. It was very sweet.
That is sweet of him. But as a husband, I would be smiling even more if I bought my wife something that she could actually use. Maybe if you park your P3 next to the Slice he’ll see how much bigger the bike is and start to wonder if he made the right choice.
I don’t understand. Be honest, tell him it’s too big and go and swap it for another bike together. If he doesn’t understand just buy him a squash racket and ask him how he thinks he will do on the weekend playing tennis with it.
Poor choice of words on my part. I should have said “won’t”.
My husband purchased it for me; he beams when he sees/talks about getting me the bike. He’s into tennis, not tri. It was very sweet.
Its a bike, its nothing more than an expensive toy. I’d rather have my wife tell me its the wrong size and have us both go and switch it out then have her ride something she doesn’t want to. He shouldn’t be mad about that. Would he get mad if you told him you need a different size shirt that he bought you?
Poor choice of words on my part. I should have said “won’t”.
My husband purchased it for me; he beams when he sees/talks about getting me the bike. He’s into tennis, not tri. It was very sweet.
If he bought you jeans that were two sizes too big would you wear them around town?
He bought you a very nice bike, just in the wrong size. Let him know and see if you can exchange it.
Option two, “accidentally” back over it with your car and use the money from the insurance to buy one that fits.
i’mnot sure what you are trying to achieve here. the Slice in ANY config is a drag compared to a P3. nobody and i do mean NOBODY would argue against that.
Well be honest. Tell him you thought you could make it fit, but the frame is too big so you will need to exchange it for one that is the right size. If they don’t have the Slice in your size, exchange it for a Cannondale road frame, which are great bikes. And you already have a great tri bike.
The jeans analogy above is perfect. People exchange gifts all the time for something that actually fits.
Now off topic. Yes, my husband knows I probably can’t ride the Slice. He has some collector mentality, I’m a bit more utilitarian. If I own a bike, I’d sort of like to ride it if I can. It seems this one is just a tad too large.
Thanks everyone.