Rufus Stone - Project Gravel Bike

My wife and I are definitely planning to return to Jamaica at some point in the future due to fond memories mentioned.

I think an anodized seatpost binder bolt/bar tape and possibly sidewalls in red would create a nice triangular confluence.

Here’s a pic with text of the latest developments:

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I think yellow cable housing would work better

Yep, definitely either green or yellow. I think it depends what cable housing can be found that’s either closer to the bar tape or the frame.

Shimano do both yellow and green. My vote is for yellow.

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Small but important update on the project. After having done a load of measurements I seem to be kind of between frame sizes.

So I’m dithering a bit on which to go for. The XL at 60cm or the L at 57cm. I’m 188cm tall with an 86cm inseam. Have checked a variety of fit calculators and they’re recommending anything from 57cm to 60cm, with 58cm being the sweet spot.

Hmmm…

I’m thinking go for the L in 57cm, better on the smaller side than too big.

Rufus Stone dimensions attached FYI.

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I'm 185cm and looking at that chart I'd go for XL if I was going for short stem/french fit style. But I do have a long torso and arms for my height.

Just to be sure, and because it’s something I once thought about doing and never did. I’ve decided to get a bike fit done. At least that way I have something solid to base my decision on.

I can vouch for a bike fit too. It's way easier and better to invest those money and get the right bike based on a (moderately) objective measurement rather than take a bet and maybe end up spending even more later.

Also, don't feel like you're "not enough pro" for a bike fit, everybody should do one regardless

As long as you have (some) stand over I’d always size up for this kind of bike.

My logic being:

The extra wheelbase is beneficial offroad
The extra reach can be accommodated with a shorter stem, on this kind of bike that’ll likely be a benefit too
The extra headtube/stack will also, for this kind of bike be beneficial
The extra ‘bigness’ in the main triangle gives more room for a big bag too if that’s relevant?

If it was a tarmac bound race/fast bike I might say size down if you’re on the borderline, but the RS ain’t that kind of bike.

For ref I’m 172cm and ride mostly 52cm bikes for my fast riding, 54-56cm for more cruising/Audax riding. I’m borderline S/M on both my Peregrine and Rufus Stone and went M on both, no regrets but I’m an inverse T-Rex with short legs and longer torso and reach.

I’m sure the fitter will get you the info you need to decide properly for you.

If it’s any help I’m 188cm too and very comfy on an XL Spa Rove which has 654mm reach. On flat bars the now but have also used a Surly Corner style bar which is a position closer to drops.

I tend to prefer the largest frame possible that can accommodate a standover height that is 2cms or so below my PBH. @NotDotMatt summarises it nicely. You then have the option of running swept back handlebars in the future without a suuuper long stem. The Hilt bars have 9.5cm reach so worth checking if you can get a quill stem short enough to accommodate a comfortable reach.

The stack height of these frames is low so i would size up. Do you have a current bike you can compare it to?

Also, worth noting if you haven’t realised it already… the Rufus Stone geometry charts appear to be listing the seat tube length C2C and NOT C2T

So the 57cm will be more like 58-59cm if measured to the top of the tube.

I say this because my medium is listed as 54cm, but that’s def the C2C measurement as it’s ~56cm CTT

So maybe I should retract my previous ‘size up’ advice as the 57cm RS might actually be bang on your size? But if you can fit on the bigger one then I’d still say size up.

See what the fitter comes back with and check out the numbers, reach/TT length/stack more important than seat tube anyway IMO

See what the fitter comes back with and check out the numbers,
reach/TT length/stack more important than seat tube anyway IMO

+1 for the bike fit. I've got T-Rex proportions and have to size down most of the time. Especially, as the current trend is "longer is better".

Interesting! Thank you.

Fit is booked for Saturday November 9th. So it’s not really going to hold things up. Better to get it right.

Bike fit was great. Really insightful. Anyone who’s been thinking about a bike fit but not done it - you really should!

I’m an XL in the Rufus Stone, so all is well and I now have the confidence of knowing for sure what size frame suits me best. How to tweak it regarding lever position, stem length/height, saddle position and post height.

Knowledge is power, sometimes literally, a few more watts from knowing how to adjust your fit!

Happy to hear you followed our insights!

I’m thinking go for the L in 57cm, better on the smaller side than too big.