tifan
new member
Reged: 06/18/05
Posts: 1
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I currently ride a Litespeed Tuscany size 55 (Seat tube length 53.3 (center to center), Top Tube length 55.5, Seat Tube Angle 73) with a 100 mm stem.
I recently ordered a LeMond Sarthe, but was undecided between a size 53 and a 55 (I was unable to ride a 53 or a 55 before ordering, which would have been ideal).
The size 53 has a Seat tube length of 53(center to center), Top Tube length 54.5 and Seat tube Angle 73.5 The size 55 has a Seat tube length of 55(center to center), Top Tube length 56.5 and Seat tube Angle 73.5
I ended-up ordering the 53. The way I saw it, I can raise the seat post just 3mm and use a 110 mm stem to put me close to my current riding position (except for the 0.5 degree difference in seat tube angle) and I still have room to change the stem length and raising or lowering the seat post.
I was afraid that the 55, on the other hand, was going to give me very little room to maneuver, specially with the Top Tube length (to have the same reach that I have right, I should have used a 90 mm stem)
The bike is ordered already and it should arrive in a couple weeks, but I am still wondering if I made the right choice. Any thoughts and/or comments?
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Lon
sage
   
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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You need a professional fitting. Where you go depends on where you live. The LBS should have been doing this. Good luck.
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Insightdriver
captain
 
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
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I concurr that a proffesional fitting is the right thing to do. It is possible that you would be better-balanced on the 55. Rather than guessing a fitter will see your ride position, will ask questions on your riding style and will assess your flexibility and core strength. Only with all this information can a fitter determine the smarter size-choice for you. I look at it this way, why go through the multiple iterations of adjustment when you ride a bike that approximately fits you when you paid good money when for a fair charge an expert can dial you in and you will be satisfied with your ride the first time you take it out.
You are debating between two choices without knowing the best answer. We here cannot tell you the best answer for we here would also have to see your riding style, flexibilty, etc., to make an intelligent choice between the two frame sizes.
It was my experience that my LBS recommended the larger frame size to properly balance my weight between the wheels. I've now put over 700 miles on my bike and the only adjustment made is a minor movement of the cleats on my shoes. That is the value of proper fitting by a proffesional.
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Nev
captain
   
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 375
Loc: Never where I want to be
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Quote:
tifan wrote: I currently ride a Litespeed Tuscany...I recently ordered a LeMond Sarthe
The Sarthe is a steel ride, right? You keeping the Tuscany? If not, why the switch? Or if so, what're your thoughts on having both a ti & steel ride in the stable?
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