Last Susie fit question (with photos!) & a second Riv Gus?!

[John C]

Ok, just wanted a final opinion.

Here is the 50cm Susie I took delivery of. I've mocked this up with 26" Cliffhangers (I didn't have 27.5 rim brake set on hand), Ortho bars, 100mm Nitto stem, Brooks saddle. Saddle height is about 64/65cm and my PBH is about 78.

How does this fit look? Specifically, reach. 

Without properly riding it, my first impression was that it felt ok-ish. Hard to tell without actually going for a ride. Didn't feel too stretched out and not really cramped either.

To throw another wrench in things, I have an opportunity to pickup a used 54cm Gus frame. Do I need to have a second Riv right now? No! But, we all know how bikes go. If anything, my partner could probably ride either frame so, it wouldn't be a lost cause.

Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to have 2 Rivs!!

Using the photos of me on the 50cm Susie, do you think a 54cm Gus would be too large?

Thanks y'all!

[iamkeith]

That's going to be hard to tell without riding.  Based on my own experience and preferences, I'd guess you'll want to stretch out a little more.  Either longer stem or less sweep on the bars.  Completely speculation though.

I'm a chronic cockpit tinkerer, and mess with bars and stem on at least two of my bikes every year.  I've noticed one un-scientific constant every time I get a setup feeling close to ideal:  if I draw an imaginary line between my hands (where they grip the bar), and sight through that line while riding, the bead from my eyes will almost exactly  intersect the axis of the front hub.  I don't know what the connection is or why it always turns out this way, but assume it has to do with weighting and stabilizing the steering adequately.   It looks to me like you would be sighting behind the axle as currently mocked up? 

 Good news is that that that bike doesn't look too small.  In case you were still worried you got the wrong size.

Regarding a second:  I'd never try to talk someone out of a second riv.  But keep in mind that the susie is very different from other rivendell models.    I think the lowered bb height of yours will help, compared to my first run orange one, but bet its still quite different.  My AR, Ram, Saluki, QB and Clem - though mostly older models - all have a characteristic Riv "feel".  My Susie is completely different.  I'd consider getting a different model for variety's sake.

[Armand Kizirian]

Difference in reach between the two models is only 1.5cm, you can adjust for it with stem length without an issue in the age of 80-135mm. I wouldn't trust any opinion on fit based on the photos you've provided, especially since your feet are floating. :D Only you know best.

Your PBH is within range for both sizes. It all depends what kind of fit you prefer, being "on" the bike (smaller size, more playful/nimble) or "in" the bike (larger size, more stable and relaxed).

[Gordon Stam]

John, It seems that those of us who are test fitting our bikes make similar faces. It is, after all, serious business!

And here is a link to a stem length calculator that I found handy during the fit process: http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php . That one happens to not be secure, but there are others, like this one: https://www.myvelofit.com/stem-calculator/

[Gordon Stam]

By the way I think your bike fit looks fine.

[Mackenzy Albright]

John - Don't stress too much. Moving from traditional triangle frames to step-though super long riv's I've realized the amount of flexibility of fit with Riv's. So much is based on personal opinion and personal ergonomics. I found on my Riv I like a short low stem with wide swept back bars. It gives me a good hip hinge angle and should stance that prevents neck pain that I personally struggle with from an inury. I ride holding in front of the levers a lot when I am pedaling at a high cadence. Riv's are also generally very easy to swap parts shifter and bar wrap pending. I'd recommend waiting to use wrapped bars or internal routing of cables (for example bar end shifters) until things have dialed in. 

[John C]

Thank you both for the insight! I've decided to pass on the Gus, and look into mixing things up with another type of Riv for that eventual build.

For the Susie, I think I'll go with a temporary threadless stem adapter/ stem to play around with with lengths while I'm getting used to the bike.

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John Cranford
johncranford.com