Standover height

I just wanted to ask about geometry. It relates to traditional rather than compact or sloping top tube frames so I figured you people would know best.

I know its all relative to the individual, and fit of frames differ from person to person.
I have ridden compact road bikes including the ubiquitous Langster for the last few years.

I recently bought a bike with a more traditional frame, the top tube is nearly horizontal.My ball sack brushes the top tube when standing astride it. The fit of if is very good when riding though 55.5 top tube and 56 bb to top of seat lug.

I am 5'11 33 leg.

Is the standover an issue? Is this common with more traditional geometry bikes? Does you bike compare?

Thanks for any feedback.

it's said, that when a man gets older, his testicles begin to hang lower than his penis...

Em...I'm no' really sure what the problem is here. You seem to be able to stand over the bike comfortably with both feet on the ground. (Unless you meant to say "is crushed against" instead of "brushes".) And you're happy on the move, too, so the bike sounds like a good fit. Even just looking at it on paper - a 33" leg and a 22" seat tube - those measurements are in the right sort of ballpark.

The sloping top tube on compact frames does give more crotch clearance. I can see why swapping to an older frame with less room between you and the metal might seem weird at first. Not to worry, though. So long as you can plant both feet firmly on the ground without devastating effects on your sperm count, everything's peachy.

What's the new bike, by the way?

track frames hae a higher bb, that's all

I can clear the top tube.

It just feels strange not having a couple of inches clearance.

New bike;

are you going to convert it? you are aren't you?

looks ready to go.

yeah, traditional geometry on that !!??

It's not right for you, that's obvious. Sell it to me.

I give you £100 !

When I said traditional geometry I meant that the top tube doesn't slope.

Its pretty straight which feels a bit alien at the moment. I'm sure Ill get used to it.

Im over fixed, I'm bringing back road bikes!! HaHa!

it'd look lovely with a singulator on it. the icing on the cake.

Ha! What were you riding before that makes the top tube on that seem horizontal?! Some sort of step-through ladies' shopper or something? :-)

You'll be the envy of many on that bike.

it'd look lovely with a singulator on it. the icing on the cake.

singulator
risers
white grips and tyres
deep v wheelset
FRONT BRAKE ONLY

sorted. you can pay me later

looks anything but traditional geometry to me, and that top tobe looks curved, so it's effectively a sloping top tube. Anyway...

Geometry generally refers to the angles of the frame, which in turn affect ride comfort, responsiveness, wheelbase, etc. What you're talking about is sizing which is different all together. Most frames are built using a standard-ish ratio between leg lenth, arm length and overall height. that it to say, if the bike is built for a 5'11" rider, the average leg lenth will be x and arm length will be y. If (like me), you torso is slightly longer than average (and therefore legs slightly shorter), you'll need either a custom build, or a frame based on your leg length, and a longer stem.

Based on what you say, it feels comfortable, so is probably set up right. I've always had the same problem as you and you learn to live with it - as long as jumping out of both pedals isn't going to damage the family jewels. there are places you can go (cyclefit) where they'll set a bike up properly for you (costs, mind) - but once you understand the rules and concepts it can be done at home and does make a huge difference to efficiency and comfort.

One more thing to add - when you are set up right, cut that fork down!

Not So! Won't prove it though. Older Geezer.

The above was a reply to RPM.

I didn't want to know that thanks!

^ [nelson]Ha!Ha![/nelson]

what's mandela got to do with 50/14's tackle?

cold steel close to my fruit and veg ain't something im prepared to imagine.

That's looks totally fine to me (the picture too, the amount of seatpost showing is fine), the thing to avoid is (clearly!) nailing your balls on the top tube. But, one other point... brushing your sac, aren't you wearing lycra shorts?! Problem solved :-)

Courant

what's mandela got to do with 50/14's tackle?

He doesn't like to talk about it. Mandela that is.

ok I saw this bike yesterday in cycle surgery. it costs £2300. Merak, are you telling us that you spent £2300 on a road bike and now aren't sure if it's the right size?

ok I saw this bike yesterday in cycle surgery. it costs £2300. Merak, are you telling us that you spent £2300 on a road bike and now aren't sure if it's the right size?

Fred,

I didn't say it wasn't the right size. I was referring to the stand over height. After all I have an inch and a bit between my crown jewels and the top tube.

My stumpjumper is like a womans bike in terms of geometry, my Giant compact is similar, a really steep slope on the top tube. The Wiler has not so much slope, agreed its far from traditional track frame geometry but its NOT a compact frame you will know this as you have seen it.

I did 80k on it on Saturday and it felt really good. I summoned up the courage to cut the steerer tonight too my arse was making chocolate buttons throughout though, took it really easy got a 5mm spacer above the stem for fine adjustment.

The point of my original post was to ask what kind of clearance should there be when standing over a bike that is not compact that was all.

Cheers :)

fair enough. It's supposed to be two fingers (i.e. two fingers width between balls and tube), so ask the gf nicely....

Merak, did you buy that online/build it up from frame only? Doesn't look like usual UK spec.

I'll hopefuly be getting one of these at the end of the month but the UK campy only builds means expensive chains + cassettes:-(

Merak, did you buy that online/build it up from frame only? Doesn't look like usual UK spec.

I'll hopefuly be getting one of these at the end of the month but the UK campy only builds means expensive chains + cassettes:-(

I got it from www.epic-cycles.co.uk

I basically chose the frame and fork and specified EVERYTHING else myself.They build it up and send it to you, which is the way it should be imo.

You can have whatever you want. Would have loved Campag chorus but bank balance says no.

Its Ultegra SL I opted for.

Very helpful people, top notch service.

Cannot recommended highly enough.