[Polandspring88]

So I have noticed a bit recently that it seems as if my bike doesn't fit me properly. The bike in question is a 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler in the small size. Santa Cruz says that the small will fit people up to 5'4". Being 5'7" I figured it might be a little small but still comfortable. However, it feels entirely way too small. I have it set up with a 90mm stem and to me it seems as if my weight is too far forward on the bike and my back is hunched over trying to stay in the cockpit. I also have issues with my foot hitting the front tire when turning. Crankset is 175mm and it seems as if I ride with the balls of my foot even just a little too far over the pedal axle then my foot hits. I have never had a bike sized, so I am not sure if these are all indicators that it is too small, or indicators that I have to make some adjustments, such as a longer stem, set back seatpost, shorter crankset and the likes. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[auntesther]

So I have noticed a bit recently that it seems as if my bike doesn't fit me properly. The bike in question is a 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler in the small size. Santa Cruz says that the small will fit people up to 5'4". Being 5'7" I figured it might be a little small but still comfortable. However, it feels entirely way too small. I have it set up with a 90mm stem and to me it seems as if my weight is too far forward on the bike and my back is hunched over trying to stay in the cockpit. I also have issues with my foot hitting the front tire when turning. Crankset is 175mm and it seems as if I ride with the balls of my foot even just a little too far over the pedal axle then my foot hits. I have never had a bike sized, so I am not sure if these are all indicators that it is too small, or indicators that I have to make some adjustments, such as a longer stem, set back seatpost, shorter crankset and the likes. Any ideas or suggestions?

looking at the geometry they have listed and having sat over a small heckler b4, they are SMALL. I am like 5'9" and like smaller bikes but SC's smalls are tiny. I think even with a layback post and a slightly longer stem you are going to not feel right on it. The TT is the most glaring thing...its a 20.6 TT measurement...and thats the effective TT...the actual TT is likely an inch smaller than that. Unless you are disproportionally leggy, thats just way too short for someone 5'7" I think. There is only so much you can do to mask a frame that is just too small. I have made the mistake b4 and at the end of the day, all the patches wouldnt work. Maybe you can get SC to sell you a Med front triangle?

 

[skyst3alth]

Trick question: Tim is too jacked to ride anything not made by God, for it shall break under his manliness.

 

[sanjuro]

Unlike road bikes, stem length is critical for handling.

For example, A good XC fit for you would use a 11-13cm stem to allow you to more weight on the front wheel for climbing. DH fit would have you use a 5-7cm stem for quicker handling.

But stem length is just part of the overall fit equation. Top tube length is the most obvious factor in fit, and a small Heckler is probably too small for you.

You could run a setback seatpost and a 11-12 cm stem, but your handling will change, obviously. But if you do not have the option to exchange bikes, I would try both and deal with the handling differences.

 

[Wumpus]

For example, A good XC fit for you would use a 11-13cm stem to allow you to put more weight on the front wheel for climbing.

You could run a setback seatpost and a 11-12 cm stem, but your handling will change, obviously. But if you do not have the option to exchange bikes, I would try both and deal with the handling differences.

I can't believe that he needs a 11-12 cm stem. I'm 6'3", and I am running a 13cm on a custom made HT that was designed for it. My FS XC is 12cm.