new single speed

i got this new single speed the other day. i'll admit, that it is kind of poserish of me to go out and buy a trendy bike. however, it was pretty much the only bike that i could afford, that fits my skill level. i would have had to get a bike that costs a couple grand. i know that sounds kind of arrogant of me but, when it comes to biking.... i am very arrogant.

so anyway, this single speed is awesome. it's a 9'r and all black. the only problem that i have is that the sales guy insisted that i get a 19 inch frame. i told him that i usually ride a 21 inch frame, but then he said "we're the same height, and a 19 is even a little big for me...".
"ok", i said reluctantly.

he didn't have the bike in the shop, so i had to order it with out even sitting on it. i sat on a similar bike, and it seemed a little small, but the guy convinced me that the seat just needed to be raised. i'm a fuckin' idiot for not speaking up, but this is not the first guy telling me that a 19 inch frame was the one for me. every shop i went into told me that i was basically wrong. even people that i know tell me the same thing. "we're the same height..."

so here is the ex-cyclist's opinion.... get out your pencils:
your height and inseam are only part of the accountable metrics. in my opinion these metrics carry very small weight in the grand scheme of things. have you ever sat down next to someone that is significantly shorter or taller than you? when you sit next to each other you are basically the same height? well, this is because the other person has a longer or shorter torso than you.

let's say someone has a really long torso, and short legs. the bike shop guys would put this person on a 17 inch frame. a 17 inch frame would be significantly shorter in length than a 19 or 21 inch frame. when this person sits on a small frame bike, his center of gravity will be thrown so far forward that more weight will be placed on the handlebars and his whole form will be very awkward. this is especially noticeable while mountain biking. so many people are on the wrong bike it's crazy.

in my case, i do not have an exceptionally long torso. i do however have exceptionally long arms. my reach is actually 4 inches longer than my height. so when i sit on a short bike, by arms are quite coiled up, and uncomfortable especially when seated. i am a little pissed that i let the guy sell me a 19 in bike, but at the same time they didn't make a 21 inch frame... and that was the bike i really wanted [gary fisher rig.]

my first ride that i took it on, i left the bike stock. it was quite uncomfortable and i felt out of control on the really technical stuff. after that ride i converted it to my preference. i put on this really long stem that i had from previous mtb. then i put on my monkey grip carbon handle bars. this made all the difference in the world! i feel in complete control now. i think i still need a seat post that sits back a little but i don't have one in-house to try.

so, the moral of the story... don't let someone else tell you how comfortable you are. always try the same bike one size larger, or on size smaller despite the sales guys insistence. if he is right then you can acknowledge him, and everyone will be happy. if he is wrong don't back down!

the trails are finally dry, so i'm going out to ride.

later.