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Newbie - Bike sizing help

by Maxb1992
Tue, Apr 09, 2019 09:51
9

Hi All,

 

I have recently been left a Trek Madone road bike and would like to start my road adventures.

At one stage I was an avid MTB rider but that died off when I moved to the West Mids. 

I have one issue, the bike which I have been left is slightly too tall, even with the saddle completely set down it's still a bit of a stretch to reach how I would like.

 

My question is - is there a seat on the market which will sit lower and allow me the couple of inches (at most) I need to make this bike a comfortable ride?

 

https://ibb.co/gW3rmmQ

https://ibb.co/bFkhK3G

 

Aslo keen on hearing from anyone who lives in the West Mids on good cycle routes. 

Thanks in advance.

 

Max. 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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9 comments

Avatar
Maxb1992 | 5 years ago
1 like

Thanks all for the comments. Update is - went to the local Trek shop, they measured me up against the bike and advised that the 4cm reduction would make all the difference and bring the bike to a rideable height. Part ordered.. many thanks.

Avatar
BehindTheBikesheds | 5 years ago
1 like

here's a 120mm seatpost 'mast'/topper for a lot less https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trek-Bontrager-Madone-Oval-Seat-post-Seatpost...

this would bring you down a max of 4cm from where your current saddle height is so should be enough either way so it's not too low nor too high. Those saying you need a really short stem and it would be sacrilege don't know your reach nor have even asked. In any case if you need an 80 or 90mm stem then so be it.

Hope you get to ride it and ride it as intended.

Avatar
peted76 | 5 years ago
5 likes

It's a sad to read this, sympathies to you. 

You can't ride that frame that'll not do it or you justice. However, you could buy another frame from ebay, put this one on the wall and honour your loved one by seeing if you can find what 'it' was that they loved about riding their bike. 

Best wishes whatever you do.

 

Avatar
Maxb1992 | 5 years ago
1 like

On the wall she shall stay!
Thanks for the info and your help chaps.

Max.

Avatar
Judge dreadful | 5 years ago
0 likes

If it’s got a 160mm stem, it must have been a very tall rider originally, and a very large frame presumably. You can tweek bits if a slightly too big bike, to be more comfy, but coming down from a 160mm stem to a 100mm stem is a massive leap, and will almost certainly make it un rideable. If it means that much to you, keep it, but you’ll never get it to ride comfortably.

Avatar
JohnnyRemo | 5 years ago
1 like

Bike is too big for you. You'll presumably also have to fit a much shorter stem. Sorry, but it would be close to sacrilege to have a decent bike like this with such a ridiculously low saddle and tiny stem. Sell it/give it to someone who will be able ride it in the manner it was designed.

Avatar
Maxb1992 | 5 years ago
1 like

Hi Guys

 

I would rather keep the bike on the wall than trade it in - too much sentimental value!!

 

I have been into my local bike shop who specialise in TREK and they have said it's possible they can get hold of a shorter seat 'stem' - I think the one that is on it at the moment is 16cm, they could get a 10cm. Rather pricey @ £185.00 but if that's what it takes then no problem.

 

It specifically says on the frame it cannot be cut, see here - do you guys think this is TREK being cautious or does this part of the frame hold some sort of srtuctual integrity? 

 

https://ibb.co/GppKDj6

 

Thanks folks. 

Avatar
LastBoyScout | 5 years ago
2 likes

It looks like you would be better off trying to sell/trade in that bike as it is and buying something the right size.

If it has some sentimental value from whoever left it to you, you could transfer all the bits onto a another frame that fits you, as then at least, you'd be using most of it.

Avatar
philhubbard | 5 years ago
1 like

Hi Max,

Unfortunately the only way to lower the seat would be too cut the frameset as this will help the seatpost to go lower.

As this is carbon I would recommend going to a local bike shop and they can let you know whether this will be feasible for you. I would like to mention though that the bike is a very good bike and it will not be the correct size for the person who left it for you if you cut it down.

 

 

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