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Small 29er advice w/ DirtDrops

835 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Cloxxki, Jul 23, 2004

don_fixote

Discussion Starter · Jul 22, 2004

Hola. I see alot of info for frame geometry for larger riders, what about the shorties? I'm 5'5" and have been riding a 46cm CrossCheck. I admit this frame is too small for me. I just ordered a custom frame/fork/stem and would like some input. Luv the DirtDrops, will never switch. I have the tops level with the seat, they are the hook up. I've been riding fixed lately, love that too. So, I think I'd like to lengthen the toptube and headtube of my current setup, but I'm a little concerned with standover height. Don't like the radically sloping toptube I've seen here. I want more of a cyclocross look, but still be able to hang on the downhills. Rigid fork, maybe someday switch to 80mm travel. Thanks, any input is greatly appreciated.
-d

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nightfire

· #2 · Jul 22, 2004

Sounds like you know what you want. Try borrowing some stems and using them on your crosscheck until you are happy with the reach from saddle to the drops.

As long as you keep it all as tight as possible the saddle is the right place over the wheel, the steering is faster than usual and you are comfortable, a custom 29er will be right. it's no exact science.

P::..

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Singlespeedpunk

· #3 · Jul 23, 2004

Try playing about with this....

don_fixote said:
Hola. I see alot of info for frame geometry for larger riders, what about the shorties? I'm 5'5" and have been riding a 46cm CrossCheck. I admit this frame is too small for me. I just ordered a custom frame/fork/stem and would like some input. Luv the DirtDrops, will never switch. I have the tops level with the seat, they are the hook up. I've been riding fixed lately, love that too. So, I think I'd like to lengthen the toptube and headtube of my current setup, but I'm a little concerned with standover height. Don't like the radically sloping toptube I've seen here. I want more of a cyclocross look, but still be able to hang on the downhills. Rigid fork, maybe someday switch to 80mm travel. Thanks, any input is greatly appreciated.
-d

BikeCAD

You will need the current measurement of you bike (saddle height, effective top-tube etc...) but it will give you a good idea of what is doable. Oh, and a Java plug-in (software) on your PC.

The other way of getting good info is to talk to your frame builder and tap in to their experience

I have been using it to get some ideas on my custom 29er with drop-bars but I have a 35" inside leg so the bars have to be waaay up in the air to be level with my saddle!

SSP

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nightfire

· #4 · Jul 23, 2004

Dwarf legs

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Singlespeedpunk

· #5 · Jul 23, 2004

Short legs compared to you...

nightfire said:
Dwarf legs

But I have a long body and arms to make up for it!

You are built like a Tyranosaurus Rex! all legs, little arms......and the brain the size of a walnut

SSP

(and you forgot Raouls bar-lights!)

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nightfire

· #6 · Jul 23, 2004

Doh, will get them next week.

Will you go to the Headset thread and tell them about Star.

P::..

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Cloxxki

· #7 · Jul 23, 2004

Most vital on a small 29"er for drop bars would be toe overlap. I'm aff4raid that'll be hard to prevent, unless you can ride really short stems, thus pretty long top tubes.

I've got the same Giraffe's legs, but mated to Urangutan arms, which make regular XL bike's actually a reasonable fit. My upper body is so short, on the beach I don't show off a 6-pack, it's a 4-pack. walnut brains, though.

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