SteelThisBike

So I bought a Lemond bike. After reading up here, I made sure that the top tube length was an OK fit. It is OK, but the problem I'm having is the knee-pedal orientation. Basically, I'll have to move the seat forward to get my legs where I want them over the pedals. Only then I may have to move the bars out a bit. Maybe, I'm not sure. So, my question is (while I still have time to return this bike), have any of you had to make similar tweaks to a Lemond? Did it work OK in the long run, or did you wish you had just returned the bike?

I like this bike otherwise and it was relatively cheap for "what it is" but nothing's a bargain if it gives you pain after 20 miles, right? So far so good, but I am moving forward on the seat without realizing it.

Koyote

This sounds like the normal sort of adjustment that is made when buying a new bike. Get your saddle position nailed down (KOPS method is a great starting point, and will probably work); then, if you feel just a little cramped, a longer stem might be necessary. But if it seems like you'll need a stem longer than about 120mm, you should probably be looking at a different bike.

Just my $.02. I'm not a bike fit expert.

SteelThisBike

My leg position is perfect when I ride on the front section of the seat, scooched up a bit, so I think that getting it right would be within the scope of adjustment fore/aft. As for the stem, the one on the bike is more like a stub, so if I wanted more it would be well under 120mm. So, if that seems normal, great. It is a really nice bike, but the geometry is a bit unusual. Thanks for your input.

Razorrock

I bought a new bike a couple of months ago. Rode it out of the store, but set up a bike fit for later. (came with purchase of bike). I rode the bike for a couple of weeks before I got the fit. I thought I had made a mistake in the purchase. It just felt wrong and wore me out riding. After the fit it was like a new bike. Getting all the small details worked out makes a big difference.

SteelThisBike

That makes sense, Razorrock. I just moved the seat forward and took a ride. Night and day. It's like the geometry favors someone with a long thigh and a long torso. I have the latter, not so much the former. But just moving the seat forward made a huge difference. It's a really sweet bike so I'm relieved.

mstateglfr 

Then move the saddle up on the post so its oriented where your leg position is comfortable. If the seatpost is offset by 20mm, then perhaps a 0 offset seatpost is better as you wont need to push the saddle forward as much.
Then adjust the stem length so your reach is comfortable.

And ride.

Those are both quite common adjustments to make when setting up a bike.

fietsbob

He had a wheel replacement trainer company bearing his name too..

freeranger

My wife and I both have a LeMond Reno. Both have setback seatposts and the seats on both are not unusually forward on the seatpost. The only thing that was changed on mine was to have a shorter stem. Hers (women's specific design) is stock. But your torso to leg length most likely differs from mine, so your adjustments may differ. We love ours, hope you get your adjustments where it suits you and like it as much!

SteelThisBike

Thanks, Freeranger, I think I've found the sweet spot, but I may look into mstateglfr's (thanks!) advice for a more permanent setting on the seat. Either way, I'm liking the fit now.

Mine is a Zurich, with the steel/carbon mix. It's a 13 year old bike but I took it out of the box and said, "damn!". It's a beautifully crafted bike, and is so smooth to ride. It really does have a mix of carbon and steel ride qualities. So, I'm very happy to have this bike. Oh, it's 2cm smaller than my "usual size" -- so that piece of bikeforums advice was spot on.

LesterOfPuppets

Yeah, I put a zero setback Thomson post in my Buenos Aires.

MikeWMass

I also have a Zurich steel/carbon (spine bike). I bought it new in 2006, but it was a year or two old. The shop had stripped it, so I got it with different components than stock.
I had to get a zero offset Thompson seatpost, and use a 100 mm stem. I have found it to be very comfortable. I can do 8-10 hour days and not feel sore or beat up.
These days, I also get a lot of favorable comments from other cyclists (didn't happen when it was new)
I also like that it has a straight top tube, so I can keep my frame pump there and still have 2 bottle cages.

SpeedyBlueBiker

I ride a 2002 LeMond Zurich triple that I bought brand new. It's a 52/42/30 crank with a 12-25 cassette. I've rarely used the granny gear 30 so I think my next bike will just be a 50/34 or 52/36 set up. It's been a great bike and I've been all over on it. Looking at getting an all carbon fiber frame but haven't done so yet. Maybe this Spring. As far as the seat goes I have the seat as far forward as it will go on the rails. Perhaps a little bit shorter stem would help but I'm kind of used to this set up. The frame is a 55cm.

SpeedyBlueBiker

Quick update. I recently had a tune up on my bike and replaced the rear cassette. Now I have a 12-28 cassette which is really nice for climbing. Currently cycling in Thailand and it's been a lot of fun.