How critical is stand over height test ? The top bar of my new bike just touches my private parts. Not uncomfortable, but 0 clearance. The weight is great and I think the bike is otherwise fine. (This weekend is the end of my return period of time.)
What is significance of this test? So that at a stop light, I will be comfortable while waiting? So that I can separate myself from the bicycle in an accident?
2007-11-08 04:40:36 · 6 answers · asked by spinesign 4 in Sports ➔ Cycling
It isn't, really. Its just a very rough indicator that the bike is close to the right size for you if frame geometry, and your physical geometry (leg length, torso length, arm length) are close to average.
Top tube length, seat height, seat tube angle, stem length, stem angle all play a part in determining pedaling efficiency and comfort over long distances.
That said, I can just barely stand over both my tri-bike (Cannondale R700) and my MTB (Performance M101)
Yes, I'm riding some old equipment. Time to spend more money.
2007-11-08 05:17:30 · answer #1 · answered by silverbullet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stand over height is just a place to start. How does the length of the top tube feel? Do you seem to be "reaching" to put your hands on the bar? If not, you'll be OK during normal riding. When you stop at a traffic light, you will probably be seated anyway. If you had only one more inch of clearance, it will not make much difference with respect to separating yourself from the bike in an accident. If the bike feels *REALLY* good when riding, I think you should keep it. If the top tube length feels good, the bike you have will probably be a lot more comfortable than then next smaller size frame.
HTH
2007-11-08 05:45:58 · answer #2 · answered by intrepidfae 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As jffsbr said, standover isn't a great method for frame fit these days because so many bikes now have sloping top tubes. That said, you *should* have some clearance there for safety. You may be able to stand comfortably, but what happens if your shoe slips from accident or emergency? Ouch! :o)
The best way to shop for a frame is the top tube length......it's all a function of geometry and all the tubes/angles on a bike frame are interrelated......but top tube is where it's at. For comfort and handling, it's the #1 aspect.
Your bike is a bit too big for you, so you can either ride it the way it is, or you can mess with stem length and/or seatpost offset to make your upper body fit better. For road bikes, this is usually a noticeable compromise in cornering and responsiveness, but it helps if you're uncomfortable.
2007-11-08 05:27:47 · answer #3 · answered by Ride!Urban 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While stand over height isn't critical to a perfect fit you most certainly should be able to stand over with 2 feet on the ground as a minimum fit requirement. If you have no clearance but can stand without mashing yourself that's OK. This is where you START the fitting process. Zero clearance is a flag to me indicating you may have a little too large a frame. But if you like it that's OK. A big frame keeps your seat low in relation to your handlebar but stretches you out a little more.
Super big "10 speeds" were sold for decades because people really didn't like the road bike geometry but that's what Schwinn sold and they were cool so everybody bought a 10 speed 3 sizes too big to get a more upright riding position. People continue to use road bikes too big more often than too small for this same reason.
2007-11-08 05:36:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What kind of bike is it? On a road bike, stand over hight is almost a useless test of bike fit these days. Seat hight in relation to the pedals and top tube length are way more important. If the bike fits in these areas don't worry about stand over height
2007-11-08 05:13:04 · answer #5 · answered by jffsbr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, you can still ride the bike but try to stick to these rules,
(the link below) Have fun riding your bike!!
wise move
2007-11-08 05:00:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋