Stack + Other Geometry
10-20-20, 05:55 PM
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Stack + Other Geometry
Looking to replace my Ridley Damocles, which I have ridden for 9 years. As I have gotten older I have added spacers (2 cm) to a frame that has a 57.5 stack to a medium - and Ridley's medium is more like others Large with 56.5 top tube. It's the only bike I ride so not sure about that additional comfort factor of endurance. So here is the question: How much of the comfort factor is attributed to stack vs other geometry specs like wheelbase, carbon layup of the frame, seat stay placement etc.
10-21-20, 08:14 AM
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Ultimately what counts is the position relative to each other where your butt, hands and feet wind up. If you like where they are currently, then measure them. Then look at the geometry specs for the bike and figure out if it can give you that.
You can't go by the stack and bb drop or other things of your current bike because then you'll wind up with a bike just like your current bike. You need to add in things they don't always show you like stem length, stem height above the stack measurement, handle bar reach and drop, crank length and some other stuff.
That's why trying one on really helps.
Don't be afraid to consider things that aren't known as "road bikes". If you only ride for short distances in a not very energetic way, then cruisers and fat tire bikes might be the thing. They'll generally have the upright seating you say you are needing.
However all you guys saying you are getting older and wanting to sit more upright are scaring me. I think I'm in the older age group but I'm still trying to get lower. I've gotten more comfortable as I do so. But I ride two and three hours at a time in a fairly high HR zone.
You can't go by the stack and bb drop or other things of your current bike because then you'll wind up with a bike just like your current bike. You need to add in things they don't always show you like stem length, stem height above the stack measurement, handle bar reach and drop, crank length and some other stuff.
That's why trying one on really helps.
Don't be afraid to consider things that aren't known as "road bikes". If you only ride for short distances in a not very energetic way, then cruisers and fat tire bikes might be the thing. They'll generally have the upright seating you say you are needing.
However all you guys saying you are getting older and wanting to sit more upright are scaring me. I think I'm in the older age group but I'm still trying to get lower. I've gotten more comfortable as I do so. But I ride two and three hours at a time in a fairly high HR zone.
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10-22-20, 06:01 PM
#3
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I'm 67 and still use a 10cm saddle to top of bars drop. 10 years ago, I increased my drop fom 8cm to 10cm all at once and had no problem with it. Keep the saddle setback enough to reduce pressure on your hands.
10-23-20, 12:55 PM
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Well, I take it all back. Since my original post I have ridden 3 different (performance) endurance bikes - no way I would ever go for that. slow accelerating, sluggish handling and heavy. I am not a racer but I don't see any advantage in downgrading performance and the more upright riding position didn't really feel any more "comfortable"
