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@cafewanda
Now I'm confused. I assumed that, being a shrimp, a smaller frame woud be automatic for road bikes. Not according to my bike fit earlier.
The gentleman at OYB put me back on the Trek 47cm and flipped the stem. That raised me a little but I still felt a strain across my shoulders and down my arms. My arms were straight and not relaxed, but that was the best position I could get unless I deliberately lowered my torso towards the handlebars. When cycling my knees weren't far off reaching my chest - in short it was a little 'cramped', even with the seat pushed back.
Then he put me on a 48cm. Much better position but that saddle is not my friend, even pushed back and slightly down. Less pressure across the shoulders. And yet.
The finale: A WSD Cannondale (I think) size 50. Eureka! No pressure on the shoulders, no cramped feeling between legs and torso and even the handlebars felt better although the brake levers are too big. What the hell is going on?
Both the Treks brake levers had shims in them but that made no difference. Not sure about the Cannondale (but I did like the colour - it has red in it). The Cannondale bars felt better as they were a bit flat whereas the Treks are more 'rounded'.
I'll be riding the Trek 48 and the Cannondale on Sunday. Will go on Borough High Street as there is a bone/teeth shaking segment on it that is great for testing carbon forks.
Going by the above, I can understand why he is adamant that the 43cm would be too compact for me, but I'm going to try it elsewhere so I feel what he's so certain of.
I think I might need to enlist Corrine's help.