56cm or 58cm Atlantis

[Ian Wilder]

Hey Folks,

I'm thinking I'm finally in the market for an Atlantis! I am torn between the 56 and the 58 size (story of my adult bike life). I would prefer a size that allows me to comfortably set up albatross bars or drop bars. 

I was wondering if anyone had any feed back for a rider with a PBH just shy of 85cm, saddle height of 75cm or 76cm depending on the shoe, but an actual height of 6'1". I am mostly torso!

I am torn between the 56 and the 58 size (story of my adult bike life). I would prefer a size that allows me to comfortably set up albatross bars or drop bars. 

For context, though I'm aware these geometries are not too similar: I've had a 58cm Surly LHT set up with noodles that felt a bit long and a 56cm Soma Wolverine that albatross bars felt a little crowded on.

Wheels size is not a huge determining factor, mostly frame sizing.

Anyone dealt with this dilemma? I'd have to call and confirm, but am very tempted by the 56" that is shown as in stock on the website and also would prefer to have a current geometry Atlantis, rather than the new "longer" geometry (however, I'm not in the know on these details. Can anyone shed light on the changes?)

Thanks for the help!

Ian Wilder

[Justin August]

Just from my experience you should be on a 58 or 60cm Atlantis. I am ~2inches shorter, with a saddle height around 73cm (with 170mm cranks) and was fitted to a 58cm Atlantis once at Riv. It rode BIG but I could have made it work if need be. I would definitely see if there's some Atlantii to try and test-fit in your general vicinity before pulling the trigger.

And as always, Ask Riv - they won't steer you wrong.

-Justin

[Minh]

I don't have my measurements handy, but at 6" i would lean towards a 58" myself--and i could get away on a 60.   Riv tends to size big, especially in the last few years with all of the handlebars that have reach farther back.  if you are planning to use drops and want a more forward position than maybe the smaller size but that's not really the direction riv have been taking their bikes. 

if you're not in California, put a call out to the list for potential test-rides, even if you can't test ride an Atlantis, riding another Riv will be a good data-point to help you size for an Atlantis.

[Mark Wilkins]

Just another data point:

I'm 5'10"-ish, 90-ish PBH, and I ride a 61 Atlantis. This gives me a
fistful of seatpost, and I run Albastache bars on a shorter stem
(50cm?).

I'm pretty comfortable on this, but could probably do a 58 just as
well. I think there is only 0.5cm difference in top-tube length
between the 58 and 61...at least, there used to be. It probably
depends on the vintage.

The biggest issue might be standover clearance, as I (and my 90 PBH)
don't have a great deal to spare with the Little Big Bens on my bike.
If your PBH is 85, you'd really be cutting it close on a 61.

Mark

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[dougP]

Ian:

Your PBH & saddle height are same as mine, but I am 5'-10", and have been riding a 58 cm Atlantis with 10 cm stem since '03.  According to Rivs sizing charts I'm in the overlap between 56 & 58. I have briefly ridden a 56 and it felt fine.  I've also briefly ridden a 61 (next size up) and felt a bit stretched out.  I rode mine with Noodles until switching to upright bars a couple of years ago, and use the same 10 cm stem.  I briefly tried Albas & On One Marys but did not care for the hand position. 

From your description of having a long torso, I suggest the 58 cm would make a good fit.  Much will depend on your choice of bars & preferred riding position, but my guess is with a long torso the 56 would need a longer stem.  Keep in mind what tires you prefer as well.  Nice big chubby tires will raise the standover.  I recently put 45 mm Marathon Mondials on and that is about the max tire that is personally comfortable for standover. 

Good luck, and keep in mind that either size can be made to work.  I just think the 58 cm would take less fiddling.

dougP

On Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11:13:13 AM UTC-7, Ian Wilder wrote:

[Allingham II, Thomas J. (Retired Partner)]

I'm barely 6 feet, with an 87 PBH, and I ride a 61 Atlantis comfortably on ~50mm Marathon Supremes.  Albatross cockpit.

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[Benz, Sunnyvale, CA]

A wide variety of torso and leg lengths here!

I too am short legged, so much so that Grant felt he had to measure my PBH twice to confirm. I'm 5'10" with a PBH of 81.0cm. I like my saddle slightly lower so it's usually at about 70.5cm. With these measurements, Grant suggested either a 53 or 54.5, depending on whether I will be "roughing it". I got the 53cm. As you can see (<< clicky), mine has plenty of seatpost showing (especially considering the "tall" B17) and I have to use a longish 110 or 120mm stem. A 54.5cm would have also been fine, with a little less seatpost showing and a slightly shorter stem.

If we scale up the measurements, and you get a 56, you'll probably end up with a setup even "smaller" than mine (81-53=28; 85-56=29). So you may want to consider the 58cm. Looking at the geometry chart of the Atlantis, a 61cm may be at the cusp of crotch clearance, and the 58cm being just nice.

On Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11:13:13 AM UTC-7, Ian Wilder wrote:

[drew]

i agree that a 56 seems much too small.  i have the same pbh but am 5'9-10ish and would ride a 56. i would think your longer torso/arms would want a slightly longer top tube to stretch out on. 56+albatross bars seems like it would have you very scrunched up. how short was the stem on the LHT+noodles?

[dougP]

Ian:

A follow-up comment to my previous post. When I bought my Atlantis, I went thru an entire sizing exercise with Rivendell to order a custom.  I have no odd proportions or bike fit problems.  It was a vanity thing.  At the end of the exercise, they said "you know, we'd just be building you an Atlantis with a few extra goodies.  How important are those goodies?". 

A few weeks later I was pulling a standard Atlantis build out of a shipping box.  Shortly after, I was riding the best fitting bike I've ever had.  Prior to receiving my Atlantis, I had never seen a Rivendell in person.  They know their stuff. 

Talk directly to the elves in Walnut Creek.  They have a huge reservoir of experience in these matters, and will put your interest first. 

dougP

On Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11:13:13 AM UTC-7, Ian Wilder wrote:

[Bill Lindsay]

My SH is 75.5. I'm 5'10-1/2". I ride a 58cm Atlantis with Noodles and a 10cm Technomic DLX and it is my most upright drop bar bike. I think 56 would be a mistake.

[Elton Pope-Lance]

I’m 5’ 9 1/2”. Drop bars = to 77.25cm saddle height (170 cranks) were dreamy. 60cm Atlantis. Wish I’d never sold it.

Are you listening Gino?

- Elton in Natick, MA

> On Apr 8, 2016, at 8:28 PM, Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> My SH is 75.5. I'm 5'10-1/2". I ride a 58cm Atlantis with Noodles and a 10cm Technomic DLX and it is my most upright drop bar bike. I think 56 would be a mistake.
>

[Dave Johnston]

The 56cm uses 26" wheels while the 58cm uses 700c. The bigger wheel bike has a more stable ride because of this.

Back when I bought mine fat 700c were uncommon and I wanted to be able to use a 2" tire so I wanted to have a 26" wheel touring bike. Nowadays, there are lots of choices in both sizes, but it might be something to consider.

-Dave

[Jack]

I'll add to the chorus: I think a 56 will be too short for you. Get at least a 58. I'm just shy of 5' 10" with an 84cm PBH and 74cm saddle height. I have a 56cm Atlantis, it's a great bike but sometimes I wonder if I'd be better off with a 58. You're longer than I am, so I don't think a 56 would work for you.

[Ian Wilder]

Thanks for all the insight folks. Definitely thinking the 58 is the ticket. Gunna give a call to the west coast soon. Anyone in the NC/VA area have a similar Rivendell available for a test ride?

Ian

On Friday, April 8, 2016 at 2:13:13 PM UTC-4, Ian Wilder wrote:

[Fred Craven]

Just to throw something into the mix. That issue about being stretched out is all too complicated to me. I should ride a 58 by Rivendell standards, but my Arms–my arms. They are just a wee too short. This slight variation in body proportion has made my life subtly out of proportion. Suit coats and shirts are always too long, the steering wheel is alway too far away, and so are handlebars. So...

I was delighted to buy a used custom Rivendell from Joel Stern (as seen here on this forum) with a "Short" top tube. Turned out to work great for me. Like you, I have a long torso, but my arms... IF I could lean over into a more aero position (like when I was 18) then it wouldn't be a problem. In fact I think my long torso just makes it worse because my arms have to start higher.

Anyway, best of luck in your decision. 

Oh, I'm 5' 10" with an 84 PBH, and a 32" sleeve length.

[Mark Reimer]

Definitely the larger. I'm 6' tall and ride a 58cm. I should be on a 61 honestly, and often consider posting it for trade here, but I have to admit I like the extra bit of stand-over in the winter when things get dicey. 

On Friday, April 8, 2016 at 5:33:05 PM UTC-5, Pudge wrote:

I'm barely 6 feet, with an 87 PBH, and I ride a 61 Atlantis comfortably on ~50mm Marathon Supremes.  Albatross cockpit.

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Minh
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2016 3:27 PM
To: RBW Owners Bunch
Subject: [RBW] Re: 56cm or 58cm Atlantis

 

I don't have my measurements handy, but at 6" i would lean towards a 58" myself--and i could get away on a 60.   Riv tends to size big, especially in the last few years with all of the handlebars that have reach farther back.  if you are planning to use drops and want a more forward position than maybe the smaller size but that's not really the direction riv have been taking their bikes. 

 

if you're not in California, put a call out to the list for potential test-rides, even if you can't test ride an Atlantis, riding another Riv will be a good data-point to help you size for an Atlantis.

On Friday, April 8, 2016 at 2:13:13 PM UTC-4, Ian Wilder wrote:

Hey Folks,

 

I'm thinking I'm finally in the market for an Atlantis! I am torn between the 56 and the 58 size (story of my adult bike life). I would prefer a size that allows me to comfortably set up albatross bars or drop bars. 

 

I was wondering if anyone had any feed back for a rider with a PBH just shy of 85cm, saddle height of 75cm or 76cm depending on the shoe, but an actual height of 6'1". I am mostly torso!

 

I am torn between the 56 and the 58 size (story of my adult bike life). I would prefer a size that allows me to comfortably set up albatross bars or drop bars. 

For context, though I'm aware these geometries are not too similar: I've had a 58cm Surly LHT set up with noodles that felt a bit long and a 56cm Soma Wolverine that albatross bars felt a little crowded on.

 

Wheels size is not a huge determining factor, mostly frame sizing.

 

Anyone dealt with this dilemma? I'd have to call and confirm, but am very tempted by the 56" that is shown as in stock on the website and also would prefer to have a current geometry Atlantis, rather than the new "longer" geometry (however, I'm not in the know on these details. Can anyone shed light on the changes?)

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Ian Wilder

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[drew]

ok so now there is a 58cm on my local craigslist. im about 5'10 with an 85 pbh.  too big? wishful thinking?

[Matt B.]

The 58 is definitely not too big for 85cm pbh

[Mark in Beacon]

I know this does not really affect sizing, but I am curious. The Atlantis' sized 58 and up are 700C. Was there a time when all the sizes were available as 26"? Or am I confusing this with the LHT, which I think still offers both wheel sizes after 56cm?

On Friday, April 8, 2016 at 2:13:13 PM UTC-4, Ian Wilder wrote:

[dougP]

Mark:

Atlantis always used the two wheel sizes with 26 on 56 & smaller.

Dougp