tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post3106619307286747230..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Size, It's Only Just a Number!Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53206064656536696042016-03-01T19:59:01.971-05:002016-03-01T19:59:01.971-05:00If you are talking about Levi's 501, yes, they...If you are talking about Levi's 501, yes, they had have had a more popular version that people can buy that is washed, or preshrunk. Much, much different than raw, shrink-to-fit. Giving way to our instant gratification mentality.Jskitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10243396067093123592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-13183555143509277722016-02-29T13:07:37.386-05:002016-02-29T13:07:37.386-05:00This may still be overly simplistic, but why not r...This may still be overly simplistic, but why not report frame sizes with two numbers (forgive my terminology if there are generally accepted ones already in use)?<br /><br />1. Center of crank (call this Point C) to top of seat tube (call this Point T, defined by height where top tube meets head tube; I'll call the center of the head tube at this height Point H)<br /><br />2. Point T to Point H<br /><br />In other words, what I typically think of as frame size (seat tube length) is C-T. What I typically think of as "reach" is T-H. These define two sides of the triangle C-T-H-C, where the length H-C depends on the angles.<br /><br />Given variations in available seat posts, saddles, and stems, I would think that at least most riders would be able to know in advance that a 58/53 would fit them (cm in both cases).<br /><br />My current road bike, a Specialized Roubaix, is labeled a 54cm. When I measure from the center of the crank, I get:<br />a. 45.7cm to where the top tube intersects<br />b. 50.8cm to the top of the seat tube<br />c. 58.4cm to point T<br />d. 53.3cm from point T to point H<br /><br />Oddly, the distance that comes closest to the labeled 54cm is the one distance I least associate with that measurement.<br /><br />deepbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09758272142636208384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33168647225325794792016-02-26T18:09:51.958-05:002016-02-26T18:09:51.958-05:00Velouria--I actually could feel flex from the post...Velouria--I actually could feel flex from the post. And that was when I was skinny! And, truth be told, I didn't like the aesthetic, either!<br /><br />Dizpinny--I love your response. Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49585342188142544692016-02-26T16:39:00.909-05:002016-02-26T16:39:00.909-05:00I have tried distance running, cycling, not cyclin...I have tried distance running, cycling, not cycling, not running, working where I lift heavy weights all day, work where I lift nothing heavier than a pencil, I have found that while there is a difference in fitness and some difference in strength, My body maintains a pretty similar overall muscle distribution - large thighs and shoulders - the genetic/epigenetic aspect to this seems pretty strong. Simon.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04604488469108285983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5005114118957808152016-02-25T14:55:16.084-05:002016-02-25T14:55:16.084-05:00It would be possible to draw/design frames with wi...It would be possible to draw/design frames with wildly differing dimensions that all gave the same seat/pedals/grips position as Justine's 55.5x53.5. They would not all feel the same. Myself I can ride from 57cm to 61cm, but I would never buy a 57 and I doubt I'd buy a 61. I know from hard experience that a compact, sloping top tube frame that is really honestly seriously just the very same thing as a 59 is not at all like a level top tube 59. Bought that one from two guys I've known for decades who are still the best in the business, are widely held to be the most scrupulously honest and honorable guys in the business. They've proved, to me and to anyone else, that they are brilliant designers. Feels different with lots of post out. There may be no explanation that a mechanical engineer could consider as real, not imaginary, it still feels different. <br /><br />As for getting the same position on different bikes, I don't even try any more. The bikes are different, let them be different. I have a new one (58 years old) that barely allows me to get 7cm of saddle setback. I would prefer 10-12cm. Now I do know how to play games and get the saddle way back regardless, but if I want to use period correct parts it would be hard. So instead I'm getting the experience of sitting closer to the bracket. The experience most people have on their bikes. And it's fine. It's different and it's fine. It's been different, it's been unproblematic. I'll never take that bike for a 12 hour ride and that's fine too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-51225051389047023532016-02-25T03:58:08.606-05:002016-02-25T03:58:08.606-05:00Trying the bike is always to be recommended althou...Trying the bike is always to be recommended although I've bought many a machine untried via the Web and never had a problem.<br /><br />Mischievous thought, many of your male readers will be deeply relieved by the article headline.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272755559589366573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84916904141234014232016-02-24T18:03:53.045-05:002016-02-24T18:03:53.045-05:00Neither of these bikes look comfortable or enjoyab...Neither of these bikes look comfortable or enjoyable as is but like all bikes there's potential for making something work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12346604828665346572016-02-24T16:19:01.528-05:002016-02-24T16:19:01.528-05:00Agreed. Please have a word with the amiable Mr. W...Agreed. Please have a word with the amiable Mr. Will B-A. I'm guessing he'd listen to you :)Pootling Alonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11978136825776780496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23069768015907460072016-02-24T13:31:32.272-05:002016-02-24T13:31:32.272-05:00Excellent blog post here, and best of luck with th...Excellent blog post here, and best of luck with the project you're doing for the manufacturer. I have struggled with frame size since determining a couple of years ago that my Trek flat-handlebar road bike frame is too small. At age 52 now, I'm looking to be a bit more upright while keeping the bike lightweight. You make excellent points about the variety of factors that determine a bike's real "size." It's certainly more than the length of the seat tube. The bottom line for me is that I need to ride more bikes to learn what works best for my requirements. It seems the cheap Schwinn hybrid I road prior to the Trek fit me better than anything. It's just that the thing weighed a ton. I love your blog and photography!Darren C.https://www.flickr.com/photos/dcsnapsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-76722917305862349212016-02-24T13:29:16.344-05:002016-02-24T13:29:16.344-05:00Well I do that and sometime the mystery evades me ...Well I do that and sometime the mystery evades me too. Usually if the load in back is tall I swing my leg over the front. That can be complicated by wide bars. More than a few times I've snagged cables attempting this. The worst is when you got on the bike without problem and then can't get off. The ultimate solution is to drop the bike to the ground and then "dismount". That one always works but can be embarrassing. How all this is done while balancing a child on the back completely escapes me. I've witnessed it many times and remain baffled.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70983830554617477202016-02-24T11:54:09.834-05:002016-02-24T11:54:09.834-05:00I understand what you are saying and there are cer...I understand what you are saying and there are certainly companies, and bloggers, who follow that model.<br /><br />Personally I see design and promotion as two separate categories and try to make this clear to companies who express interest in hiring me. These days if a manufacturer (or individual builder) asks me to help with design, it is usually because they've heard from others in the industry that I know bike geometry, am familiar firsthand with a wide range of bikes within specific genres, am proficient in bikeCAD (frame building software), and understand the nuances of framebuilding from having done a course with a master builder in 2012. Very seldom do the companies who ask me to help in this context also see me as a promotional vehicle. But of course some do. Which is why I always try to clarify whether "design" also involves promotional involvement, then make my decision. <br /><br />This question of skill vs promotional value is not unique to the design field. When I am hired as a photographer, or a writer, it can be by someone who doesn't even know, or care, about Lovely Bicycle, or it can be by someone who explicitly hopes to benefit from affiliation with the blog. And, as with design, best I can do is clarify my role in advance so that our expectations match. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49722082743440332712016-02-24T11:12:24.090-05:002016-02-24T11:12:24.090-05:00Simplest way to relieve pressure on the hands is t...Simplest way to relieve pressure on the hands is to pull on the bars. We are descended from four-footed creatures who used all limbs for propulsion. Use your arms. A pure static load is going to hurt. <br /><br />Simplest way to relieve pressure on the saddle is to put weight on the pedals. Even intermittent effort relieves the butt from compression. With really good pedal style (not simple) there really isn't much weight on the saddle.<br /><br />Unfortunately cycling is unavoidably hard on the back. Nothing for that one but strengthening exercisesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-43592310888463312862016-02-24T10:33:06.169-05:002016-02-24T10:33:06.169-05:00Also, I have learnt that social media is increasin...Also, I have learnt that social media is increasingly important to companies marketing departments. As a separate issue that gaining feedback on product design from people such as yourself increases their 'market led approach' to understanding and meeting customer needs to ensure consistency in improving performance.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523194765070877553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55230284989734586832016-02-24T10:29:01.633-05:002016-02-24T10:29:01.633-05:00I would imagine the manufacturers you work with ar...I would imagine the manufacturers you work with are aiming to benefit from the modern business approach of being customer led. In a way you represent their 'best salesperson' and advocate of their products. For example, in the fast fashion business I understand bloggers like http://www.theblondesalad.com/ have worked with companies to highlight their products to consumers. You seem to be getting involved at the design and also promotional stages of the company. More to come?.. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523194765070877553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-92186802742296716722016-02-24T08:28:17.407-05:002016-02-24T08:28:17.407-05:00The leaned-over roadbike position tilts the body i...The leaned-over roadbike position tilts the body in a way that puts pressure on the hands and on the most sensitive parts of the genitals, as well as potentially strains the back and shoulders - which can result in pain, numbness and even nerve damage, unless an optimal balance between pressure points is achieved. This is especially true for riders whose core and upper body muscle tone is not sufficiently developed to hold up their torso whilst leaning forward aggressively. <br /><br />On a bicycle with swept back handlebars, the upright position is more similar to the natural sitting position we are all accustomed to. With the body tilted back at the pelvis, the sensitive bits of the undercarriage don't press into the saddle; the hands are resting on the grips; the back is much straighter and the shoulders more relaxed. In this general position, because there is less potential for strain and pressure, fit is more forgiving. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74506351879955659162016-02-24T08:10:22.252-05:002016-02-24T08:10:22.252-05:00"Certainly, compared to a roadbike - where th..."Certainly, compared to a roadbike - where the difference between pleasure and pain can be measured in milimiters or halves of a degree - upright bikes are more forgiving."<br /><br />Why?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79437040734137007182016-02-24T07:17:43.077-05:002016-02-24T07:17:43.077-05:00No to a standardised society!
Yes to reasonable bi...No to a standardised society!<br />Yes to reasonable bicycle sizing!<br />Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67630202830777966092016-02-24T07:14:54.477-05:002016-02-24T07:14:54.477-05:00Do you mean the companies benefit from the blogger...Do you mean the companies benefit from the blogger's popularity? I am not sure the niche bike industry and myself are at a scale where that sort of effect would kick in! And besides that works only if the affiliation is promoted.<br /><br />I have been involved in bike design for a few years now and most of these projects have not been publicised. Typically I am asked for my opinion on some aspect of geometry, or, less commonly, to spec out a bike from scratch. In the end, the manufacturer may or may not use my contributions in the finished product (I imagine I am not the only one being asked), and sometimes I do not even know whether they do end up incorporating my input or not. In any case, this kind of work is somewhat different from a collaboration where my involvement in a product warrants putting my name to it and also gives the manufacturer the (questionable!) benefit of such an affiliation. Between the two, honestly I prefer to be involved in the role of anonymous designer rather than "blogger collaborator," although at times it can feel frustrating to not have control over where the finished product goes. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-542187648480609662016-02-24T07:07:15.108-05:002016-02-24T07:07:15.108-05:00Yes, we are all so different. I have a very short ...Yes, we are all so different. I have a very short reach. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33377501993381351972016-02-24T05:20:42.691-05:002016-02-24T05:20:42.691-05:00It's very exciting that your getting involved ...It's very exciting that your getting involved in bike design. I am working on a accountancy course and have learnt how companies can benfit from collaboration with super bloggers like yourself!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523194765070877553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82470012579770817132016-02-24T05:07:58.647-05:002016-02-24T05:07:58.647-05:00seat position and/or angle maybe?seat position and/or angle maybe?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523194765070877553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-46378405602445650562016-02-24T05:06:40.802-05:002016-02-24T05:06:40.802-05:00the geo on my 28" gazelle basic step through ...the geo on my 28" gazelle basic step through is perfectAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523194765070877553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74296507511411345402016-02-24T04:51:52.823-05:002016-02-24T04:51:52.823-05:00One bemoans the lack of standardisation in everyth...One bemoans the lack of standardisation in everything, particularly annoying with bikes I agree, but a standardised society would be worse.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272755559589366573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89154207905878839842016-02-24T03:33:40.530-05:002016-02-24T03:33:40.530-05:00My cousin and I were mountainbiking a couple of we...My cousin and I were mountainbiking a couple of weeks ago; him on his Cannondale and I on my GT. Both frames are size large, and we're both very happy with our respective bikes. Nonetheless we decided to swap bikes during the ride and he described my bike as being more compact and definetely shorter and I had the exact same feeling about his bike. Upon measuring the bikes we learned that my bike had was longer overall and had longer reach. Go figure.Nillevanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16909027093244979442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80532042006106645252016-02-24T03:25:14.097-05:002016-02-24T03:25:14.097-05:00This is actually worth a post in itself!This is actually worth a post in itself!Nillevanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16909027093244979442noreply@blogger.com