Buying used online - bike fit?!?

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2009-08-25 3:22 PM

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Subject: Buying used online - bike fit?!?

One of the regular bits of advice that you hear is to make sure a bike fits you before buying it.

Unfortunately, I'm looking at buying a used frame online.  The tri-bike I have no is definitely a bit too big, I'm planning on swapping out the frame for something smaller. 

Any advice on how to make a best guess as to whether or not a particular frame will fit well?

Thanks!

2009-08-25 3:26 PM
in reply to: #2370111

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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?

If it's the only thing you can do, I'd try the fit calculator on competive cyclist:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

...or some other site if you know of another one better.

Then, get the specs on the bike you are looking at and maybe match it up to see if it is ballpark.

Then, you could also try to match the specs up with a comparable bike at a LBS and see if the bike at the LBS fits you.

I've never done this, but that is what I WOULD do...

Good luck!

2009-08-25 3:41 PM
in reply to: #2370120

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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?
> Then, get the specs on the bike you are looking at and maybe match it up to see if it is ballpark.

Any ideas on the best place to get specs on slightly older bikes.

All of the 2009 geometry is online, but I'm probably looking at a frame from 2005 or 2006 (or earlier).
2009-08-25 4:04 PM
in reply to: #2370168

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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?
If you do a google search, you should be able to find it.  I did this for the Cannondale I got off of Ebay http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2001&Bra... />bikepedia has a lot of great info
2009-08-25 4:07 PM
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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?
acumenjay - 2009-08-25 1:26 PM

If it's the only thing you can do, I'd try the fit calculator on competive cyclist:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

...or some other site if you know of another one better.

Then, get the specs on the bike you are looking at and maybe match it up to see if it is ballpark.

Then, you could also try to match the specs up with a comparable bike at a LBS and see if the bike at the LBS fits you.

I've never done this, but that is what I WOULD do...

Good luck!



I second this.  I have found the calculator to be pretty good and my suggested frame measurements were within a CM of what my LBS suggested.  I knew what size I needed before going in, and the LBS just confirmed that.

Wrenchscience.com also has a simpler calculator that seems to give reasonable numbers as well.
2009-08-26 4:21 AM
in reply to: #2370250

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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?

Sadly bikepedia doesn't seem to have geometry info.

2009-08-26 6:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?
mrcurtain - 2009-08-26 5:21 AM
Sadly bikepedia doesn't seem to have geometry info.



Really the ideal thing to do is go find that bike in the size you're looking to buy at your LBS, even if that LBS is 50 miles away...it'll be worth it.  Get on it and ask an expert what they think.  This is what I did....very worth the time/effort.
2009-08-26 9:55 AM
in reply to: #2370111

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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?
What I did was go to a manufacturer's test ride event. I let them frame fit me on both bikes that I wanted and then I set off to find a good deal on the bikes. This doesn't waste the LBS time and eliminates the possibility that the LBS will be tempted to get you on one of their bikes in stock even though it might not be optimal.
2009-08-26 4:31 PM
in reply to: #2370975

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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?

Anyone have an idea how much geometry within a manufacturer changes over a couple of years?

e.g. If I get a 2005 Cervelo P3, will the geometry be fairly close to the geometry of a 2099 P3?

P.S. Thanks for the info so far.


Edited by mrcurtain 2009-08-26 4:32 PM
2009-08-26 4:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Buying used online - bike fit?!?
mrcurtain - 2009-08-26 2:31 PM
Anyone have an idea how much geometry within a manufacturer changes over a couple of years?

e.g. If I get a 2005 Cervelo P3, will the geometry be fairly close to the geometry of a 2099 P3?

P.S. Thanks for the info so far.


The 2099's are not out yet...     You might have to wait a bit.

I would be a little hesitant if it's more than a year or two old.  Bike geometries evolve based on trends and materials.

Check some of the websites of the bikes.  I know some USED to have archive info.  But that's getting harder to find as they don't want to do the work keeping it up to date.

In your particular example, it may just be worth dropping an email to Cervelo customer support to see what they say.


Edited by Aikidoman 2009-08-26 4:37 PM
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