Small-frame builds you really like?
01-10-20, 10:28 PM
#1
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Small-frame builds you really like?
If you've built a bike that really works for you on a frame smaller than your normal size, I would really like to know more about it.
(I'm asking because I normally ride a 61-63cm. When I bought this 56cm '89 Triple Cross, hastily, I was assuming Miyata's hybrid sizing would be like their MTB sizing, topping out at 56 or 57. In fact, they went all the way up to 63cm. I'm not planning to ride this one more until the salt is off the roads, but the three rides I did do on it were very promising, and I'm kind of shocked. Saddle height is 80cm.)
Do you have a favorite bike that should be too small but isn't?
(I'm asking because I normally ride a 61-63cm. When I bought this 56cm '89 Triple Cross, hastily, I was assuming Miyata's hybrid sizing would be like their MTB sizing, topping out at 56 or 57. In fact, they went all the way up to 63cm. I'm not planning to ride this one more until the salt is off the roads, but the three rides I did do on it were very promising, and I'm kind of shocked. Saddle height is 80cm.)
Do you have a favorite bike that should be too small but isn't?
01-11-20, 12:04 AM
#2
weapons-grade bolognium
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I was able to get this Faggin to "work" by adding a setback seatpost and 130 stem. It's a 56, but I normally ride a 57/58. Rode great, but ultimately got pushed out by better fitting bikes.
01-11-20, 03:47 AM
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I’ve since passed it on to someone who it actually fits, but I loved this Pinarello, in spite of how ridiculous I made it look.
I had been riding 53 or 54 cm cyclocross bikes when I bought the Pinarello. It’s a 53 or 54. I’ve since found that a 57 or 58 works better for me.
I had been riding 53 or 54 cm cyclocross bikes when I bought the Pinarello. It’s a 53 or 54. I’ve since found that a 57 or 58 works better for me.
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01-11-20, 06:27 AM
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14cm stems were created on the 7th day, after doG realized the top tube on his cloudmocycle had been measured incorrectly.
Actually, I've got a 1/2 dozen 58cm bikes (second picture) that are supposed to fit me better 'when I get older'.
Can’t promise I love it but willing to work with it,..... next, as an upright - I mean...... it was too affordable to pass up! $30 for the crank or $40 for the whole thing!
edit: Here's a 58cmX56.5 with pic below, that has a longer stem now. 60X58 is my ideal with an 11cm stem.
Actually, I've got a 1/2 dozen 58cm bikes (second picture) that are supposed to fit me better 'when I get older'.
Can’t promise I love it but willing to work with it,..... next, as an upright - I mean...... it was too affordable to pass up! $30 for the crank or $40 for the whole thing!
edit: Here's a 58cmX56.5 with pic below, that has a longer stem now. 60X58 is my ideal with an 11cm stem.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
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Last edited by Wildwood; 01-11-20 at 06:59 AM.
01-11-20, 06:34 AM
#5
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(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
01-11-20, 07:16 AM
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One of my earliest projects was this 60cm Van Tuyl. A very nice frame and I got it to work very nicely as well, but I never got used to the look of the stem and seatpost. I still hope to find a 63-64 cm version someday. But I'm not holding my breath.
This picture was taken during a vacation in France in 2012:
This picture was taken during a vacation in France in 2012:
01-11-20, 10:03 AM
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I usually ride 54's but my Bottecchia is a 52 and I love how it handles. Feels "quick" and I feel more in control.
01-11-20, 10:12 AM
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My size is 55cm C-T, but my UO-8 is about 1.5 cm shorter in the seat tube, but it is long in the top tube and fits me well, albeit it with ample seat post exposure.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
01-11-20, 10:35 AM
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My first gravel bike was an early 90s Univega hybrid frame with some original components and some swap outs to make it fit and run as a drop bar.
It was clearly too small for me(seem and seatpost are comically high), but I didnt want to invest a lot before knowing if I liked gravel riding.
A bonus was that this bike allowed me to learn what I wanted and didnt want(geometry, accessories, and components) once I purchased a properly fitting gravel frame.
It was clearly too small for me(seem and seatpost are comically high), but I didnt want to invest a lot before knowing if I liked gravel riding.
A bonus was that this bike allowed me to learn what I wanted and didnt want(geometry, accessories, and components) once I purchased a properly fitting gravel frame.
