Since I can't really testride (have to order from another country) I'm willing to make a bet.
Right now I ride a hipster kona paddywagon for over 10 years now, singlespeed.
I love kona and wanna stay with the brand.
I'm 176cm tall but have short legs (:()
The problems I have with my paddy now are neck and arm-pain when doing long distances, I'm 38 and not a sporty type anymore.
Thing is, the typical sutra question, do I size down or size up?
My gut says to size down since a big bike seems clumsty.
by Fun_Training_2640
4 Comments
I’d go down to 50 on the Sutra. If the reach is tight, getting a 10mm longer stem isn’t a big deal.
But the stack feels so much higher on the 52 compared to your current bike….
But honestly get a good bike fit, they’ll help you pick the right sixe and suggest mods to adapt it correctly.
for bikepacking I would size up. Just a bit more space in the triangle. The rest you can fix with stem length and seat position
If you have neck and arm pain I’d size up for the extra stack. The 52 looks good to me. While in isolation a 56cm top tube is long for your height using classic road sizing, bikes like the Sutra borrow some cues from mountain bikes and are designed to use short stems.
As far as handling, it will be much more stable than your old bike which has road geometry. The Sutra is designed to handle much rougher terrain. I’d embrace it.
Get in the gym or get a Jeep.
Seriously, take care of your body. Bicycling should not be your only exercise, it’s an activity to enjoy after you’ve exercised.
38 is way too young to be having mobility issues.