A couple years ago an older acquaintance of mine passed away and I ended up inheriting his bike. His family wanted some folks in our community to keep some of his possessions and somehow I ended up with his bike. I've never been more than a casual commuter cyclist and have definitely never owned a proper road bike or any of the gear. So the bike has sadly just sat in my garage for a couple of years. I've had some life changes lately and am interested in getting in to riding or at least seeing if I like it. I guess I don't really know where to start with this bike and if it will even for work for me. I did some research and realize it is a custom built frame and appears to have pretty high end components.
I figured I'd ask the community before going in to a bike shop to see if the bike will really fit me. I'm 5'3" and with a 28.5" inseam. From the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube is 19" and the top tube is 20.5". Would any other measurements help to see if the bike will roughly fit me?
When I go in to the bike shop what sort of questions should I be asking a fitter?
Or is this bike too nice or too custom for me to start on and totally overkill for a beginning rider? Should I think about selling it?
Any recommendations for a bike shop and fitter in Reno, NV?
by mikeylikesrocks
8 Comments
Can you stand over the bike comfortable with a little room to spare?
That is one of the world’s best, botique brand, hand-made steel bikes. It’s rolling art. Take care of it.
Yes, it should fit you.
I don’t know if it’s a perfect fit for you but it’s not far off. Put some air in the tires, confirm the brakes work, and try riding a couple kilometers.
This so a beautiful bike I think you can make it work. Cheers to you and your friend.
If you haven’t been riding a lot recently, you might want to switch the pedals to flats. It’s one of the few bike parts that can be used on almost any bike.
Can someone explain that front brake caliper? Odd duck.
This is a no expenses spared build… it’s a really nice bike.
It’s pretty clear that your older acquaintance was a real bike nut – demonstrated by the quality of this custom-built bike. I’m sure they would be proud and happy to inspire another person – you! – to take up cycling as a hobby / transportation / means of staying fit / maybe even a passion like they had.
But based on what you’ve said, this bike is wildly unsuited size-wise for you to start that journey. Sure, you might be able to drop the seat low enough to pedal around, but would never fit well enough for your body to adapt to comfortably doing longer rides on it.
Hopefully someone here can give you a reco on a good local bike shop that can help get you set up on a bike your size.