[zed.liang]

I'm 5'9 with about 33" inseam and I have been riding a 16" Hoss for the past month or so. This is my first bike and first major investment, and I think I went to the wrong lbs which sold me any bike that they could.

I'm starting to feel that the bike is a little small, not in terms of reach, but in terms of pedalling stroke. My seat post is already all the way up and my knees are still a little bent. This I am not that concerned about. But I am not sure whether the pedal is too near the seat when it is at the furtherest away horizontally (when my knees are at right angle).

How do I know if my bike is too small? and if yes what should I do....I'm pretty pissed about this since this isn't a cheap bike (at least to me)

Thanks,
Zed

 

[Bikinfoolferlife]

For your inseam that seems a bit small. If you like the top tube length, i.e. how the bike fits your upper body, maybe getting a longer seatpost might make you happier without spending too much. There are some general guidelines for where your knees should be in relation to the pedals, but it is somewhat personal. Try ol' Sheldon Brown's article on fit here http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.htm and use a bicycle fit calculator like wrenchscience.com has to get an idea what size bike might be recommended. Lots of local bike shops just don't take the time for a good fitting or train all employees well in this regard; stay away from a bike shop that won't take the time or lacks the knowledge.

 

[zed.liang]

I have a short upper body, so the reach seems ok, in fact the bars seem just a little too far. I am no sure whether a longer stem will help, but I'll ride my bike for now. My one mile rides to work everyday are still ok, will really know when I go for the longer trips.

 

[dogonfr]

Check the fit info from BFFL left it seem like you should be on a 17" at least depending on your standover clearance.

 

[perttime]

If your handlebar seems to be far enough, the frame size is probably good for you.

I cannot really figure out, from the post, what exactly the problem is ... except the location of the seat has something to do with it, or you are not happy with the length of the cranks.