i just found a frameset ( blade) being sold at my LBS. measured it had a 52 (top tube) i normally ride a 53.5-54, and already use a 110 stem. i am 5`9, can i still use this frame or way too small and way too unstable if i lengthen the stem to a 12 0r 13? thanks!
dennis
Two things to consider if riding a smaller frame.
If you use relatively short stem on your current frame then the smaller frame will likely work as you only need a stem a couple of cm longer, but if you’re already using a maxed out longer stem then you don’t want to have to go with something so long that it will effect the bike’s normal handling characteristics. You’re on a 110 stem so I’d guess that you could comfortably go to a 130 as that is at the far end of the normal acceptable recommended stem size (90-140)
The other consideration on the smaller frame is how much shorter is the head tube. If it’s a lot shorter and you’re already using lots of spacers on the current frame then it’s likely not going to be a good fit. You may have to compensate with a more upward angled stem.
thanks CG…with regard to spacers…i am good with my current bike ( p2k) not that much spacers just right and not really high and stem is not raised or rises at an angle. i would check the blade as well with regard to how high i would place my stem/spacers
If you are 5’9" then I would think you should be on a 52 or 53 tri bike. Don’t forget that a blade is steep so don’t compare TT lengths of bikes with different ST angles.
I guess but my p2k is a 52 but if you reverse the post and re-measure it…comes out as a 53.5. really happy with my P2k but the blade is just hard not to buy (600$) brand new…
You have already gotten some great answers.
You need to consider all measurements when fitting a bike – Longer or shorter stems help make a bike close to fitting you fit better – NOT make a bike that does not fit - fit. Weight distribution is HUGE on how a bike handles.
I love a long stem, long stems don’t make the bike unstable. they slow the steering input.
=SD
having a longer stem my put you too far forward with too much weight on the front wheel.
if you are able to be positioned on the bike and still have >52% of the total weight on the rear wheel you may be ok
my $.02
jaretj
Post: I love a long stem, long stems don’t make the bike unstable. they slow the steering input.
=SD
How long is a long stem ? 120 ?
i guess but the blade`s has a 78 degree angle already and i think if ever i buy it i would be pushing the saddle a bit back
.
120 is average for road bikes. Average assuming a racer with good flexibility and a good fit. Many euro pro’s and sprinters have 140’s. Cipollini had a custom 145mm stem on his Specialized Tarmac. My stems are:
110 on tri (soon to be 120)
110 on road
120 on 'cross
110 on mountain (not 100% on fit, may need to be longer)
My 57cm road (uno) 56.5 top tube 110 stem using a thompson seatpost with no setback. My 58cm 56.5 toptube shifty 100 stem setback seatpost. I like a 56.5 toptube I guess. The seatpost changes things.
I would like to get a bike fit some day. At my age who cares bout speed it is all about fun. I am so lucky to be able to run and ride and swim with no health problems.
Thom
Thom
I’m surprised you didn’t ask me. HAHAHA. Have you talked to Ricky and Luigi about this yet?
Anyway - I think a 12 is still allowable? Are you re-using your cockpit?
120 is average for road bikes. Average assuming a racer with good flexibility and a good fit. Many euro pro’s and sprinters have 140’s. Cipollini had a custom 145mm stem on his Specialized Tarmac. My stems are:
110 on tri (soon to be 120)
110 on road
120 on 'cross
110 on mountain (not 100% on fit, may need to be longer)
Average is a bad word to use - it would mean 1/2 are shorter while half are longer.
The Majority is 120 by a lot but 2nd would be 110s - Not to many 130+ out there (but there are those few)
130mm
.
I’m long, 58cm top tube, 130mm stem, all the way down, no spacers. low to go.
Dennis,
As someone has already pointed out, I think the key is whether that long stem will result in a weight distribution that is too heavy on the front wheel. And the Blade is going to have you in a forward-oriented position to begin with. You mention that you will be pulling the saddle back a bit, so that may compensate somewhat.
But on further thought, you probably ought to get a bigger size and let ME buy that Blade. I know a 51 will fit me like a glove. $600!? You’ve got to be kidding! Is it an older model that has been sitting around for a few years? Even then, that’s an awesome deal!
Ken
Average doesn’t necessarily mean that half are longer and half are shorter. It could mean that ALL use 120.
How about this- 120 and 130mm stems are “the norm” in the pro peloton. Yes, there are 110’s and 140’s, but most pro bikes you see are 120 or 130.
Super Dave is on the money- long and low! John Cobb actually recommended me a 120 for my roadie, so I’ll probably end up with 120’s on all of my bikes (maybe 130 for mtn).
If you ride a 52-53 bike frame and are 5.9, wich frame size should I use assuming I am a 5.55 short torso also. I am looking for my first tri specific bike and thought I could get a QR Kilo or Cervelo Dual 51, but as all of you guys are pointing out, I should change my mind. Preference for the smaller QR top tube compared to Cervelo, is that a good idea? Any reccomendations?
Thanks.