I've had a 575 (2008 XL) for two years and have had a blast on it.
In September I got an "over-use" type injury (bilateral patellar tendonitis) and I am trying to figure out if "over-use" is indeed the sole contributing factor. I definitely increased my mileage too suddenly and had too many major climb days in a row without rest. I've just started physical therapy which includes stretching and core training so am hopeful that will address it.
Nonetheless, having been off the bike for most of the last 90 days I have had time to think through all of the potentially contributing factors including bike fit.
I double checked my fit on all my bikes and I had the 575 saddle height and forward/aft position pretty close to the right place based on these
guidelines. The plumb line test however is way off when I check knees in relation to the pedal axle (ball of my foot). With the pedals level the edge of my knee is about 2" forward of the pedal axle. I have the seat all the way back and I'm concerned that if I used a set-back seat post to get my knees in the right place it would move my weight so far back on the bike it would screw up the intended geometry and make climbing harder.
I recognize that these are sizing guidelines and not dogma but am curious how other tall folks in particular fit on their bikes. My inseam is 36", FWIW. Anyone have any experience with this? Has anyone else checked their 575 fit using guidelines like these? I've seen them in about five different books/Web sites so they seem fairly well accepted as a starting point.
I'm hoping to eliminate the possibility that the bike never really fit me well but that it only became a real problem when I increased my miles and climbing which puts additional stress on the knees.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Dan
