General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike advice needed ASAP! Rss Feed  
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2005-08-10 3:51 PM

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Elite
2706
2000500100100
Hurst, Texas
Subject: Bike advice needed ASAP!

Hello all.  As you may recall, back in May, I won a new Trek bike for being the top fundraiser in the Tour de Cure here in Texas.  It was supposed to be a Trek 1500.  As part of the deal, I got professionally fitted, and the guy said I need a 58cm frame.  I've been waiting for my bike since May.

I received an email today from the Tour de Cure folks, and they said that their Trek representative can't seem to locate a 58 cm Trek 1500.  Who knows why??

They have given me two alternate options.  Choice number 1 is I can accept a 58 cm Trek 1200 (which I believe is a slight downgrade from the 1500).  Choice number 2 is I can accept a 56 cm Trek 2100, which is an upgrade from the 1500.  The Trek representative said a 56 cm should fit just as well as a 58 cm if I make appropriate seat adjustments.

Choice number 3 is wait indefinitely until they can get a 1500.  Any thoughts?  I'd like to get back to these people today or tomorrow if possible.

Brandt



2005-08-10 3:58 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Expert
1274
10001001002525
Jackson, Mississippi
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
I don't really have any bike fit answers.. but

depending on what components and wheels the 2100 has on it.. you could get the 2100.. sell what you have..get a nice frameset.. and probably end up with sometihing nicer than a 2100..

just a thought..

My GUESS regarding the 56 v 58 would be that the height probably wouldn't be an issue.. but the length of the top tube is what might be an issue. if the 56 is to short in that respect then you'll be all cramped up and not too comfortable.. maybe you can compare the 56 2100 geometry with the geometry of your raleigh and see what the differences are..

just my non-cyclist thoughts..

ws
2005-08-10 4:06 PM
in reply to: #222043

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Veteran
191
100252525
New Haven, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
Although you didn't provide the information, and you may not know yourself, if you're inbetween sizes (56-58), many suggest opting for the smaller frame b/c it will be lighter and stiffer. What measurements were taken to determine that you are a 58? The second issue, is that if you are decidedly a 58cm and not a 56cm, or 60cm for that matter, then you should get a 58cm. Whether you should get the lower model in 58cm, or wait until a 58cm is located in the higher model, will come down to patience.

Edited by olddskool 2005-08-10 4:07 PM
2005-08-10 4:08 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Expert
1274
10001001002525
Jackson, Mississippi
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
just looked at treks website and at a glance (with un-educated eyes) it looks like the major upgrade from the 1500 to the 2100 is the frame..
many of the components are different as well but I can't tell you which is better from experience..

the 1200 looks to have lesser quality wheels and components overall..



2005-08-10 4:10 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!

How confident are you that they are being truthful when they say, "a 56 cm should fit just as well as a 58 cm if I make appropriate seat adjustments"? If the bike is too short in the cockpit, there may not be enough adjustment to be had in the seat, you may hae to get a longer stem and all this may effect the handling of the bike. But if you are confident they are being honest, and not just trying to placate you, then you're right, it is a nice upgrade.

The 58-1500 has an effective top tube of 57.3cm, the 56-2100's is 56.0. Half an inch difference? 

If you don't have that level of confidence, what do you do? Maybe ask if they could further upgrade you to a 2300 (in a 58) for a couple hundred bucks? Ask for an Equinox 7?

Why is life so complicated?

2005-08-10 4:19 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Member
86
252525
Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!

When they fitted you on the 58, did they tell you the stem length?  If you were fitted using a 10cm stem, then it's likely you can use the 56 with an 11 or 12 cm stem and be fine.  If you were fitted on the 58 with an 12cm stem, then the 56 will be too small.

Overall distance from the saddle to the bars is probably the most important measure for bike fitting.  You can get the same overall length through a number of different combinations of top tube lengths and stem lengths.  However, going with extremes of stem lengths - say 8cm or below, or 12 cm or above - tend to negatively impact the handling of the bike. 



2005-08-10 4:20 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Elite
2706
2000500100100
Hurst, Texas
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!

The measurements they took were from my shoulder blades to my wrists on both sides, from the ground to my crotch (inseam) with the fit-stick, and also measured from my breastplate to my crotch.  Said I was a 58.

As far as confidence is concerned Bear, I'm really not sure.  I can't see what could be so hard about finding a 58 cm in the 1500??  The 2100 is a nice upgrade, but I hate to take the wrong size.

I compromised and told the Tour de Cure lady that she needed to call Trek, tell them about my efforts and my patience, and let them know that they should reward me with a Limited Edition Livestrong Madone SL.  She said she was going to ask...he he he.  She has no idea what that bike is, and I hope she doesn't get mad at me after they tell her she has lost her mind and then hang up on her. 

2005-08-10 4:47 PM
in reply to: #222075

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Expert
936
50010010010010025
Westchester County NY
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
OldAg92 - 2005-08-10 5:20 PM

The measurements they took were from my shoulder blades to my wrists on both sides, from the ground to my crotch (inseam) with the fit-stick, and also measured from my breastplate to my crotch.  Said I was a 58.

As far as confidence is concerned Bear, I'm really not sure.  I can't see what could be so hard about finding a 58 cm in the 1500??  The 2100 is a nice upgrade, but I hate to take the wrong size.

I compromised and told the Tour de Cure lady that she needed to call Trek, tell them about my efforts and my patience, and let them know that they should reward me with a Limited Edition Livestrong Madone SL.  She said she was going to ask...he he he.  She has no idea what that bike is, and I hope she doesn't get mad at me after they tell her she has lost her mind and then hang up on her. 

Bad boy!!!!! You are very, very evil!

But on the other hand it doesn't hurt to ask. Moohahaha.

2005-08-10 4:49 PM
in reply to: #222036

Master
1315
1000100100100
Shreveport, LA
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
What size is your Raleigh?
2005-08-10 4:51 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Elite
2706
2000500100100
Hurst, Texas
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
The Raleigh is a 53 cm...my LBS doesn't do any fitting other than having you stand over the top tube, and I was a total newbie when I bought it....so I got taken.
2005-08-10 4:52 PM
in reply to: #222075

New user
723
500100100
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
OldAg92 - 2005-08-10 4:20 PM

I compromised and told the Tour de Cure lady that she needed to call Trek, tell them about my efforts and my patience, and let them know that they should reward me with a Limited Edition Livestrong Madone SL.  She said she was going to ask...he he he.  She has no idea what that bike is, and I hope she doesn't get mad at me after they tell her she has lost her mind and then hang up on her. 



OMG you would be so lucky if they go for that. That would be so coool.


2005-08-10 6:17 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Expert
767
5001001002525
Littleton, Colorado
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
In terms of "how hard can it be to find the right size in the right model?" let me tell you with Trek it can be difficult. I ordered my Trek 1500 wsd in mid-March, and was told it would be ready for me April 1. At the end of March, I was told Trek had a major backlog in orders, and my bike would not be in until June. It finally arrived at the end of May.

When I told my mom my bike had arrived she said, "Oh, it came in early?"
"Yeah, in that 2 months late kind of way."
2005-08-10 7:14 PM
in reply to: #222036

Master
1728
100050010010025
portland, or
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
Is there a trek dealer near you with a 56 in stock to try?

As others have posted, unless they were planning on a long stem on the 58, a 56 with a 110-112 mm stem will likely work great without causing any handling issues.

Personally I think most people are riding bikes too big for them, but if you're currently on a 53 you're going to see a considerable difference either way. Unless I knew for sure it wasn't going to fit, I would take the 2100. A much nicer bike, IMHO.

scott
2005-08-10 11:50 PM
in reply to: #222036

Extreme Veteran
464
1001001001002525
San Clemente, California
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
I agree with the poster that suggested taking the better bike and selling it, and taking the money to buy a bike that you want or that's the right size!
2005-08-11 12:00 AM
in reply to: #222036

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Champion
6931
5000100050010010010010025
Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!

That sucks that you get awarded a bike, but than have to go through the hassle of getting the right size.  You would think Trek would have something that common in size.

I've got a Trek 1200 58cm 2003 model.  And you did your best doing a charity event in TEXAS.   Where is Lance when you need him.  Maybe he has a spare Madrone in the garage somewhere......

2005-08-11 7:57 AM
in reply to: #222036

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Champion
4902
20002000500100100100100
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
Why don't you contact the "Tour de Cure" and tell them of your plight.  Trek is supposed to give you a Trek 1500 in YOUR size, not a lesser bike in your size or a better one in a smaller size!?!  The onus should be on Trek to offer you ANY bike that they might have in your size, including the Madone!  If they drag their feet further let them know that you are already writing a nice article for the local newspaper on sordid treatment of the "Tour de Cure" fundrasising winner.  You might even want to talk to an ombudsman.


2005-08-11 9:12 AM
in reply to: #222036

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Champion
6786
50001000500100100252525
Two seat rocket plane
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!

How much too small is your current bike?

The 2100 has significantly better components. As loathe as I am to encourage you to get a bike that may not fit, it sounds like the 56 will fit better than your current 53, and you have some "swap worthy" components. There is the old "a bird in the hand" argument as well.

I also like Bear's suggestion of asking for an Equinox 7

2005-08-15 4:17 PM
in reply to: #222036

Master
1315
1000100100100
Shreveport, LA
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
Brandt,

What is the update?

-Michael
2005-08-15 4:19 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Elite
2706
2000500100100
Hurst, Texas
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!

The ADA office is checking to see if they can get me an Equinox tri bike in the right size, or an upgrade road bike and I pay the difference.  Once we have that answer, I'll let you know!

 

2005-08-15 11:30 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Veteran
249
10010025
Cypress, Tx
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
Get the 2100 sell it get a Cervelo Dual and get on with your life.

I don't see the big dilema.
2005-08-15 11:43 PM
in reply to: #222036

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Elite
2706
2000500100100
Hurst, Texas
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
Cervelo dual, huh?  And here I was hoping for an Equinox 9.


2005-08-16 12:32 AM
in reply to: #222036

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Pro
4100
20002000100
Wherever the trail takes me, WA.
Subject: RE: Bike advice needed ASAP!
Just see if they will get you Lance's Time Trial bike.. HE DOESN'T NEED IT ANYMORE!
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