rEVOLVED

Hi, guys. I've recently gotten back in the saddle of my Bianchi Pista that I bought used last year for $200. I love riding fixed gear, and would like to make my ride more comfortable. I also want to find a comfortable position on this bike to help me fit my next purchase (likely a Wabi).

I started with competitive cyclist's fit calculator, but I don't know that I completely agree with their assessment of the different fits. I believe the Pista is a 57 with 80mm stem, and I am just over 6'1", so most people I believe would put me on a 55 or 58. I measured my current setup versus their recommendations and basically just confused myself.

Basic issue right now is that I would potentially like a more relaxed and upright position. My riding is primarily for leisure and fitness. I will never compete, and I may never even be riding with other people. I like going fast, and I like to challenge myself, but above all else, I want to be comfortable on my bike so that it is fun to ride. I'm tempted to throw on some riser bars, but I would rather have a stem/handlebar combination that allowed me to bring some nice compact drops closer/higher. I'm super open to more experienced advice!

What kind of information could I provide for you guys in order to receive some helpful advice? I am happy to take extra measurements or show you pictures of me on the bike.

My Competitive Cyclist Results in Inches
Inseam: 34.5
Trunk: 25
Forearm: 14
Arm: 28.75
Thigh: 24.625
Lower Leg: 23
Sternal Notch: 60
Total Body Height: 73.25

Kontact 

I can't imagine someone who's 6'1" riding a 55. Your ideal size is more likely 59, and if you want to sit up a bit more 60 or 61.

rEVOLVED

Thanks! This is what I mean - competitive cyclist talks about sizing down and what not, but I think I like the idea of almost sizing up and keeping the seat tube low so that my handlebars are higher in proportion. I think I want my bars above my seat like on the Rivendells, but I have no idea of trying to get this 57 there is even practical.

rEVOLVED

Anybody else care to chime in?

rossiny

59 cm. every thing else can b adjusted, seat post, seat , ,,stem, handle bars, tires,,... Fixed gear, sounds dangerous to me ,, but I am a bit older than u I imagine,, heheehee

IK_biker

//snip

Upright position is not relaxed.
Relaxed position is not upright.

Especially true on a fixie.

rEVOLVED

I'm not sure what you mean?

fietsbob

Consider going into a bike shop where they can see you on your bike and ask them .. does not have to be an expensive 'pro fitting' session,

just they can see you, on your bike , maybe on a trainer stand pedaling , and offer 1st hand opinions...

Road Fan

First, did you consider the other fit options that Competitive offers. They will be different.

How upright do you wand to be? Will you use drop bars?

I would think you need to start with what your starting point saddle height needs to be. Set the top of the handlebars even with the saddle top. This is a common approach to a relaxed then fine tune saddle setback, tilt, and height. It would not hurt to look for a top tube that is a couple of cm shorter than the seat tube length.

I’m assuming you want to keep the drop bars, but not have too long a reach, or too much back bend.

rEVOLVED

Thanks, I've considered this. I just remembered my brother's neighbor is an avid cyclist and might be willing to throw me on a trainer and help me out.

rEVOLVED

After my longer ride today, I don't even think the upright thing is the issue. I think my Pista has more of a "track" geometry, when I need a frame that rides like a true road bike while still being fixed gear. Honestly, I like going fast and trying to beat my last avg speed on routes, and it is going to be hard to do that if I'm sitting completely upright.

I rode 11 miles today (in the wind) at 14.2mph avg, which is good for me since I'm only one week in the saddle. I noticed more than anything, my seat height did feel off at first, and something about the saddle just kept bugging me. I think my ideal situation would be compact drops that are on a riser stem to be even with or just above my seat. I heard that if you can get your drops (the very bottom) to a point that most road racers keep the top of their bars, it's a good start for a more comfortable fit.

Thanks for the help!

Road Fan

“Pista” means track, so I think you have a frame designed for track racing.