Fat Wap Buys Bike :-)

[Wetdog]

Hey all

Following months of deliberation and pie eating I eventually bought a used cycle today, a Specialized Tricross.

Being a chap of healthier appetite I thought that the Tricross range would be best for me, a little chunkier than a road machine, but I didn't want a mountain bike. The local area is a mix of track, road, woodland, and grass. So best option there too.

Now then, here's my first mistake. I bought it without riding it :-/

56 frame seems a little big. I'm 5' 11" and my nuts are jammed betwix myself and the frame when I stand up. Also the leg extension feels a little short on riding, but I can't lift the seat or I can't touch down.

I have a bad everything, back, hips knees, sight lol. Seriously llast year I shattered my knee and leg, and mounting/dismounting is difficult. But I can't walk more than a couple of hundred yards, been flying round the block tonight on the new steed :-)

I'm waffling here, anyhow hello everyone and all help etc gratefully accepted.

Mick.

 

[Ern1e]

Hi Mick and welcome that kinda doe's sound like it may just be a tad to big for you allthough it is a very nice bike ! Has a stop gap you ould consider replacing the chain set (front cogs) for one with slightly shorter cranks depending on how long they are now ! I think 175 mm is standard lenght but some one will be along soon with better info perhaps.Other options would be sell it and with a little luck make a profit and then get some thing with a slightly smaller frame! I am 5' 10" and ride a 19" frame (48cm) so you may need a 50cm (20") this should give you the clearance between frame and other equipment lol.so my friend again welcome and keep us up to date with your progress etc.

 

[DCLane]

I've had a 56cm Tricross this year and it was a little big for me (I'm 5' 9") but generally OK.

Usually I ride a 54cm Spesh Secteur. I only put a foot down on one side though, and am clipped in on the other.

It may be more down to leg length / crank size.

If you bought it from a shop, can you get a fitting check?

@Ern1e - Specialized's sizing is a bit different to others, so it's sized up a bit.

 

[Wetdog]

Thank you for the input guys

I bought the bike used from a customer of mine, I actually swapped it for shooting related bits. So no chance to take it back.

First bike for a Loooooooooooooooooooooooong time, the last one. I rode had cow horns so I am a complete beginner. No doubt the knowledge and info will start to stack over the coming weeks. If in time or someone says it's too big then I'll sell it swap it etc.

Looking forward to a few gentle outings and no doubt a sore arse, to quote ' I knew I was right about that saddle'

 

[raleighnut]

 

[the_mikey]

Welcome to CycleChat

 

[Saluki]

to CC.
Padded shorts are your friend.

If it helps any, I can't touch the ground when sitting on my saddle, most cyclists can't. I just lean left ish and put just the left foot down. That way when cycling, my legs get the proper extension.

 

[Bryony]

 

[Diggs]

Hi @Wetdog and welcome. I have a Tricross Sport. I have the 54 and I'm approx 5'8" having said that, obviously body shapes vary and as others have said there may be minor adjustments you can make.
I must say I've found it a really comfortable bike and for what you want it for, it's a good choice. I generally use it on the road but trails and country parks as well.
It's brilliant for the semi-offroad organised type rides. Did the BHF London to Southend Off Road last month, it ate up the miles and I pootled home on it after.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Welcome @Wetdog and congrats on your new steed, wish you many happy miles on it!
Calling @Rickshaw Phil for an extensive explanation on how to set saddle height
You mention some health problems, hope you can adapt Phil's tips to suit your riding

 

[Ern1e]

Specialized's sizing is a bit different to others, so it's sized up a bit.
Thanks for that info @DCLane I was not aware of that !

 

[Wetdog]

I've had a right result :-)

Turns out a guy that shoots at my Range is a Cycle Mechanic and I'm getting mi Bike fitted Tuesday Evening :-)

And he has this...........
.........I've got
A set
Of yarbon fibre pedals with knee saver axle extensions and a set of carbon soled shimao no r50 custom fit
Shoes over £400 quid of kit £60

Just need yed bone protector now for legal reasons I believe

 

[i hate hills]

Welcome great intro. Good luck to you and i hope you dont slip off the seat and onto the bar....OUCH !!!!!

 

[raleighnut]

Welcome great intro. Good luck to you and i hope you dont slip off the seat and onto the bar....OUCH !!!!!

 

[Wetdog]

Did it many a time as a kid

Thank you for the welcome andencouragement guys