cohophysh

another lbs story brought to you by cohophysh! So went into another LBS..quickly noticed and asked if i needed help...well the salesman was a nice fella, very friendly...smelled like he had a liquer lunch or was still steaming from the night before..anyhow...pulls down a trek 1000 sizes me to it and tells me I should look at bikes with the traditional frame...okay fine...however, a month ago, same bike shop different sales associate tells me i should really look at the compact geometry ugg. I guess the real point is just ride the damn bikes and buy what feels and fits best.

2manybikes

Yep.

slide13

One thing you need to remember is that there isn't always a cut and dry correct answer. A lot of it is based on personal oppinion. Personal preferences of the salesperson will always come into play. IMO a good salesperson will give you their oppinion but give you all the facts and if you start leaning away from their oppinion will encourage you to follow what feels proper for you. That was what I always tried to do. I'm a Campy guy, I like steel frames and I prefer to fit bikes a certain way. I don't think I'm always right, I just know what works for me and a lot of other people, but if you come in telling me you want an aluminum frame that is as stiiff as can be with Shimano and you also need a smaller frame then what I might originally pick for you I'll show you exactly what you're asking for. Granted, I'll give you my thoughts as well, but I'm not there to sway you from what you want, only to give advice. Not everyones advice will always be the same, that is just the way it is. Doesn't mean one is right and the other wrong. The key is just finding what is right for you.

johnny99

I disagree. I think there is a single correct answer to the compact vs. standard geometry question. The answer is that the main difference between the two is sizing options, especially for short-legged people. All other differences between the standard and compact frames depend on the particular bike models you are comparing. Period.

55/Rad

So you are saying that compact frames are for short-legged people only. I better get rid of mine.

seely

Yep, I'm a gangly freak on a compact frame. I guess that whole higher head tube, longer top tube doesn't work for us long legged-long armed folk.

cohophysh

he mentioned that traditional frames were better for long torso short legged riders...so guess could be on the wrong bike rad. im going to go try a felt tomorrow

cohophysh

oh btw happy belated bday rad...even if you are from the south!!! of washington that is.

operator

I disagree. There are just as many sizing options for compact as there is traditional frames.

Jinker

Your body doesn't know what the frame looks like. All that matters (from a fit point of view) is the positioning of the saddle, handlebars and pedals.

A compact or standard geometry frame can have a steeper or slacker seat tube angle, higher or lower bottom bracket and longer or shorter top tube (or virtual top tube).

Maybe the salesperson was only familiar with the geometry of the lines of bikes that they carried in the store, and was generalizing based on those?

johnny99

If you have shorter than average legs or a longer than average torso, you will have standover height problems with many traditional frames. Compact frames do give you more sizing options.

Psimet2001 

Shhhh!!!

We might have alerted the Retro Grouches.

I think I hear the creaking of leather saddles....

...HIDE YOUR TECHNOLOGY! If cornered then pretend a magnet will stick to your bike....that should placate them temporarily...

shawnj73

How tall are you? I am 6' 8" Tall and Compact bike just do feel right. I prefer a long the long top tube, over sloped top tube. Plus I feel really cramped on a compact bike. I hope this helps. If I were you, I would ride everything that you are thinking about buying, and then make a decision.

headwind_hater

+1 : I'm going to have to agree with you on that one.

shoerhino

LOL. Thanks - I needed a laugh.