Am I the only one ?
#26
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
A bike shop cant suggest an ill-fitting bike and then force you to keep it. SPECIALIZED themselves won't allow that. (ridercare@specialized.com Customer service: 1 (877) 808-8154), a few phone calls and I guarantee the bike shop will say come back and lets figure it out for you....
The pitch has 27.5" wheels and a lower standover height. There also other frames that work as well (Rockhopper woman's?). So there are bikes off the shelf that will work better than what you have. Specialized has a computerized fit system where they take all your body measurements and it tells them what bikes will fit properly, seat height, what handlebar width is ideal, etc. Did this bike shop use that or some guy that said "This will work for you."? Just curious...which Rockhopper did you get?
The pitch has 27.5" wheels and a lower standover height. There also other frames that work as well (Rockhopper woman's?). So there are bikes off the shelf that will work better than what you have. Specialized has a computerized fit system where they take all your body measurements and it tells them what bikes will fit properly, seat height, what handlebar width is ideal, etc. Did this bike shop use that or some guy that said "This will work for you."? Just curious...which Rockhopper did you get?
i was told they were also a Giant dealer and had several if I wanted to look at one of those . I told them I was only interested in a Specialized Rockhopper. I showed them on my phone the model I wanted and talked to them about fit . It was the entry level 2020 Rockhopper.
i had bought a Medium Roll about six weeks ago and the bike fit me better than any unaltered bike I’ve ever owned .
I was told if the Roll in medium fit , the the medium Rockhopper should fit and we ordered the bike and I paid for it .
in a week it was ready . When I went to check it out , they gave me a test ride in the parking lot with their fit guy checking me out. I told him the bike felt big and the stand over was close to being too tall . He watched me ride and said I needed to raise the saddle more as my legs still had a little bend in it when at the bottom of my stroke . I told him , my weight was already totally on my hands and asked about raising the front bars and he said it would ruin the geometry of the bike , that it was designed to be ridden like that , and that I needed to give it a try .
I knew I was going to have to raise the bars if I was going to be able to ride it .
I didn’t realize they had a no return policy until the next day when I tried a very short ride at home and thought about returning it . I checked my receipt and found the no return policy on bikes .
I like the bike now with the bars raised and I even adjusted the saddle up a tad . I plan on keeping it .
I don’t think I would be able to find a new mountain bike that I didn’t have to raise the bars on because of my weird body shape .
#27
You should NOT have your leg straight at the bottom of your pedal stroke.
I would suggest your saddle will be a number of cm too high based on this alone.
Again, wrong bike for the position you are looking for.
You seem to be describing a "Dutch Bike" position but trying to adapt an XC bike to it.
#29
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
I want a comfortable bike that if I decide to take on a trail I won’t get beat up . I want wide tires , a semi upright position, and gearing low enough to climb a hill off-road.
I don’t need a fast bike or one that will go over big rocks or logs . I hope to be going slow enough to go around those type of obstacles.
I though a rigid MTB would fill the need .
like I’ve said before , I should have bought another Roll and swapped out the tires on it , but they don’t come with a front suspension.
I don’t need a fast bike or one that will go over big rocks or logs . I hope to be going slow enough to go around those type of obstacles.
I though a rigid MTB would fill the need .
like I’ve said before , I should have bought another Roll and swapped out the tires on it , but they don’t come with a front suspension.
#30
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,235
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Liked 2,557 Times
in
1,441 Posts
I want a comfortable bike that if I decide to take on a trail I won’t get beat up . I want wide tires , a semi upright position, and gearing low enough to climb a hill off-road.
I don’t need a fast bike or one that will go over big rocks or logs . I hope to be going slow enough to go around those type of obstacles.
I though a rigid MTB would fill the need .
like I’ve said before , I should have bought another Roll and swapped out the tires on it , but they don’t come with a front suspension.
I don’t need a fast bike or one that will go over big rocks or logs . I hope to be going slow enough to go around those type of obstacles.
I though a rigid MTB would fill the need .
like I’ve said before , I should have bought another Roll and swapped out the tires on it , but they don’t come with a front suspension.
If the problem was just your short legs, you would not only be dropping the saddle way down, but would also be needing to LOWER your bars.
However, you are doing just the opposite. You have the seat pushed all the way down AND have raised the bars 100mm (70mm stem riser plus 30mm riser bar)
#31
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
I think the issue is not your proportions, but that you were looking at the completely wrong type of bike.
If the problem was just your short legs, you would not only be dropping the saddle way down, but would also be needing to LOWER your bars.
However, you are doing just the opposite. You have the seat pushed all the way down AND have raised the bars 100mm (70mm stem riser plus 30mm riser bar)
If the problem was just your short legs, you would not only be dropping the saddle way down, but would also be needing to LOWER your bars.
However, you are doing just the opposite. You have the seat pushed all the way down AND have raised the bars 100mm (70mm stem riser plus 30mm riser bar)
you sound like the folks at the bike shop .
I think I’ve solved my problem .
I don’t need somebody to tell me I’m doing everything wrong .
I was wondering if others were having the same problem I was having finding a mountain bike that fit .
Riding with my tail up and my weight on my hands is not comfortable.
And the seat comment , even the guy at the bike shop after seeing me stand next to the bike and mount it , said , we might have to cut the seat post to get it down low enough for you .
#32
I think I know what type of bike I want . I know what riding position feels comfortable to me .
you sound like the folks at the bike shop .
I think I’ve solved my problem .
I don’t need somebody to tell me I’m doing everything wrong .
I was wondering if others were having the same problem I was having finding a mountain bike that fit .
Riding with my tail up and my weight on my hands is not comfortable.
And the seat comment , even the guy at the bike shop after seeing me stand next to the bike and mount it , said , we might have to cut the seat post to get it down low enough for you .
you sound like the folks at the bike shop .
I think I’ve solved my problem .
I don’t need somebody to tell me I’m doing everything wrong .
I was wondering if others were having the same problem I was having finding a mountain bike that fit .
Riding with my tail up and my weight on my hands is not comfortable.
And the seat comment , even the guy at the bike shop after seeing me stand next to the bike and mount it , said , we might have to cut the seat post to get it down low enough for you .
1 post you are talking about the shop wanting to put your seat up higher, and now you are struggling to get it low enough, and your bars higher.
Which is it?
#33
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
Sorry you’re confused .
I only started this post wondering if I were the only one with an odd proportioned body struggling to make a mountain bike fit me .
It’s all sorted out now , although I’m sure a lot of you wouldn’t “approve “ of my adjustments .
But in the end , it’s my bike , and I’ve managed to get it adjusted to where “I” can ride it comfortably.
I only started this post wondering if I were the only one with an odd proportioned body struggling to make a mountain bike fit me .
It’s all sorted out now , although I’m sure a lot of you wouldn’t “approve “ of my adjustments .
But in the end , it’s my bike , and I’ve managed to get it adjusted to where “I” can ride it comfortably.
#34
Sorry you’re confused .
I only started this post wondering if I were the only one with an odd proportioned body struggling to make a mountain bike fit me .
It’s all sorted out now , although I’m sure a lot of you wouldn’t “approve “ of my adjustments .
But in the end , it’s my bike , and I’ve managed to get it adjusted to where “I” can ride it comfortably.
I only started this post wondering if I were the only one with an odd proportioned body struggling to make a mountain bike fit me .
It’s all sorted out now , although I’m sure a lot of you wouldn’t “approve “ of my adjustments .
But in the end , it’s my bike , and I’ve managed to get it adjusted to where “I” can ride it comfortably.
Enjoy your bike.
#35
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
#36
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,235
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Liked 2,557 Times
in
1,441 Posts
Sorry you’re confused .
I only started this post wondering if I were the only one with an odd proportioned body struggling to make a mountain bike fit me .
It’s all sorted out now , although I’m sure a lot of you wouldn’t “approve “ of my adjustments .
But in the end , it’s my bike , and I’ve managed to get it adjusted to where “I” can ride it comfortably.
I only started this post wondering if I were the only one with an odd proportioned body struggling to make a mountain bike fit me .
It’s all sorted out now , although I’m sure a lot of you wouldn’t “approve “ of my adjustments .
But in the end , it’s my bike , and I’ve managed to get it adjusted to where “I” can ride it comfortably.
However, what I was trying to point is that your issue was not your body proportions, it was that you were looking for a riding position very different from what mountain bikes are designed for.
You were looking for an mtb with a comfort bike riding position and fit. You figured out how to get it, so that’s what matters.
#37
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
If you got it to fit the way you want, then thats all good.
However, what I was trying to point is that your issue was not your body proportions, it was that you were looking for a riding position very different from what mountain bikes are designed for.
You were looking for an mtb with a comfort bike riding position and fit. You figured out how to get it, so that’s what matters.
However, what I was trying to point is that your issue was not your body proportions, it was that you were looking for a riding position very different from what mountain bikes are designed for.
You were looking for an mtb with a comfort bike riding position and fit. You figured out how to get it, so that’s what matters.
That’s why I asked the guy at the bike shop about raising the bars . I didn’t mention it before , but I asked if they could get me some handlebars like come on the Roll . He said he didn’t know . he just said I’d mess up the bikes handling . Well it didn’t .
Except for the Specialized Roll , all of the other comfort bikes I looked at had 700 tires . The Roll has 27.5x2.3 , and no front suspension.
I wanted fatter tires and a front suspension like a mountain bike . but with a comfort bike ride .
I knew I could raise the bars and find the ride I wanted , I’ve done it before .
I will eventually put some Maxxis Hookworms on this one as most of my riding will be on either concrete , an old logging road , or a hard packed trail . No flying down trails doing jumps . I want a change of scenery from the MUP’s dodging golf carts and walkers .
But, my original question was about fit and body proportions .
#39
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
#40
Senior Member
I think many here were very confused by the post (I know I was!) because the part about the comfort bike riding position was kinda left out. Sounds like you ended up with what you wanted so how you got there is irrelevant. Now put some miles on that thing...and PICS!!!!
#41
Senior Member
I think that shops and the industry is missing this idea. This is exactly what my wife wanted. She bought a 29 comfort bike (Giant/Liv Cypress) with a Suntour spring fork (not great but will probably upgrade it eventually) I changed out the tires to a Rocket Ron front tire, (this required a different rim) and a Maxxis Rambler on the rear (could only go so wide there). It has 3x8 gearing, and I am contemplating upgrading to 1x10. She almost never uses the front shifter now.
I think there are a lot of people that want to ride easy green trails, gravel, parks, pavement, but are not looking at doing any serious single track that would love bikes like this at a little higher quality.
Giant does make the Sedona, comfort with wider off road tires and disc brakes, but it is a 26in 3x8 gearing. I think they are missing the boat.
I think there are a lot of people that want to ride easy green trails, gravel, parks, pavement, but are not looking at doing any serious single track that would love bikes like this at a little higher quality.
Giant does make the Sedona, comfort with wider off road tires and disc brakes, but it is a 26in 3x8 gearing. I think they are missing the boat.
#42
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
I think that shops and the industry is missing this idea.
I think there are a lot of people that want to ride easy green trails, gravel, parks, pavement, but are not looking at doing any serious single track that would love bikes like this at a little higher quality.
Giant does make the Sedona, comfort with wider off road tires and disc brakes, but it is a 26in 3x8 gearing. I think they are missing the boat.
I think there are a lot of people that want to ride easy green trails, gravel, parks, pavement, but are not looking at doing any serious single track that would love bikes like this at a little higher quality.
Giant does make the Sedona, comfort with wider off road tires and disc brakes, but it is a 26in 3x8 gearing. I think they are missing the boat.
I don’t know a lot about Giant bikes . I’m a Specialized and Electra fan . Electra offers something that fits , but without the front suspension and a too relaxed geometry.
if the Roll were offered with a front suspension, it’d be ideal I think .
#43
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
I think many here were very confused by the post (I know I was!) because the part about the comfort bike riding position was kinda left out. Sounds like you ended up with what you wanted so how you got there is irrelevant. Now put some miles on that thing...and PICS!!!!
I took it out for a neighborhood ride this morning and on the last half of a 7.3 mile ride , I used the small chainring and gears 4-7 . That allowed me to spin my way up and down hills. The gears seemed to be closer and shifting was smoother .
Can’t wait to find a dirt trail to try it out . Once this rain is over and they dry out .
look in the background of my pic and you’ll see a freshly cut gas line right away I’m planning on trying.
#44
DC Bike Blogger
I too have a short inseam compared to my overall height. And I used to have trouble with my hands hurting or getting numb. But that was 25 years ago when I was in my 30's. I have been very careful when buying a bikes since then. I don't rely on frame size or even stand-over height. I test ride it to make sure it's not too large. I find that I need a smaller bike than most people my height. That can make for less availability of used bikes in my size. But when I buy one it always fits. And life is too short to ride bikes that are uncomfortable.
Likes For DC Bike Blogger:
#45
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
I too have a short inseam compared to my overall height. And I used to have trouble with my hands hurting or getting numb. But that was 25 years ago when I was in my 30's. I have been very careful when buying a bikes since then. I don't rely on frame size or even stand-over height. I test ride it to make sure it's not too large. I find that I need a smaller bike than most people my height. That can make for less availability of used bikes in my size. But when I buy one it always fits. And life is too short to ride bikes that are uncomfortable.
Now in my late 60’s I have arthritis in hands and knees and riding helps my knees if I get my bike setup right .
What fits one , will be uncomfortable to others. Throw in the odd proportions and it becomes harder to make a bike fit .
I’m going to try to acquire a set of Specialized Roll handlebars , that will eliminate most of my extra parts and make the bike look better .
#46
DC Bike Blogger
I'm almost 60, and have an array of ailments - age-related and otherwise. But I'm more comfortable now that I was in my 30's and riding the wrong size bike.
#47
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
I got my Maxxis Hookworms today and my platform pedals . Except for maybe changing out the bars if I can get a set of Roll bars , I think it’s ready to tackle roads, cartpaths, MUP’s and some dirt if I want .
Likes For jrhoneOC:
#49
As long as you are happy with it I guess.
#50
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts