Custom build to do (nearly) everything...

That list was from the pedal force calculator but their recommendations were curious....
Assuming a 17 cm saddle-bar drop (as per my De Rosa) they suggest a 54 cm TT and 14 cm stem.
This ends up at the same position as my 56 cm TT and 12 cm stem, albeit with an unusual combination of TT/Stem lengths...

Also intrigued by the steep ST as I've always felt better riding on the rivets and tend to whack the saddle right back.

1 Attachment

To continue this half-arsed bike fit I put the same data into another calculator, in this case Jensons...
Once again it's a 58 cm ST but a slightly more relaxed 74 deg.

They didn't ask about my preferred saddle-bar drop but measured my flexibility by how close I get to touching my toes - my pitiful performance rewarded me with a 3cm MAMIL-drop...

Possibly due to this lack of drop, they propose a 73cm total reach which is even longer than the Duratec (71 cm)... They make this up with an epic 64cm TT and 90mm chodestem

1 Attachment

Fairlight Secan then....

Next stop was the flower pot.

excellent choice. Bounty - Flower pot - Dew Drop one of my favorite loops.

indeed, something like that with a nice clean look....

That's the one, yes. Most enjoyable

Yeah I dont think they are that expensive for what you get. They are very, very, good.

This is very nice

Indeed. Skinny steel, fat tyres is a good look especially with the pencil stays
I also think that the contrast/external works quite well to tidy the fork/headtube interface.

I'm hoping that because it's me, it won't end too samey.

I have no doubt it'll be great!

what about a Ritchey? or are you firm on custom, in which case the build your own route seems good value, and fun!

I'd considered a Swiss Cross as I've always liked them, one of my brothers has a P-21 which is really nicely made. Having said that, the design is quite CX-oriented and for a winter bike I'm inclined to go for more stable and secure geometry with a lower BB

Build course is in the plan for this year or next, so I'm not yet decided on whether this should be self-build or not.

Thanks, time will tell!

pedal force calculator

I just put my measurements into that one and it popped out the almost exact dimensions of my track bike, which is my most comfortable bike. Of all my bikes, that’s the one I’d get replicated if I ever got a custom frame built.

Considered the Outback?

As someone using a Swiss Cross as a winter road bike, I fully agree with this sentiment. As @tb points out, Outback might be an better option.

I just used the pedalforce calculator just out of curiosity and the results were bizarre. 53.5cm TT and 63 ST? T-Rex I am

Weirdly I used to have the Swiss cross as a winter bike and found the opposite - when I switched to something with the more pedestrian geo, found it a bit dull in comparison...

Depends what you want from it though, obviously. I miss it though

I’ve been looking between Swiss Cross, because I’ve always liked them, and a road logic with a 700c road and 650b winter wheelset - does the outback sit somewhere in the middle? Not overly familiar with it

@Rik_Van_Looy what about a disc road logic and two wheel sets?

does the outback sit somewhere in the middle

I think it's like a Road Logic but with a longer wheel base, bigger clearances and more mounts. I sorely want one.

Outback is a good looking bike - so fresh and so clean

I think I know what you mean - I love riding track bikes on the road for similar reasons

Interesting. I've known a few people who've had similar experiences even with a proper professional session.

starter for 10, a quick sketch of proposed geometry.... I'll need to double check this against my road bike and see how it matches up...

1 Attachment

Angles & BB drop are the same as my road bike (which is pretty slack - typical 90's italian geo)

1 Attachment