Road Bike Conversion

[lutone]

Hi

i have a DBR pursuit road bike, which i've struggled with since buying

i dont feel in control of the bike - not sure if its too big? its a medium frame and i'm 5'7 with 30 inch inside leg

toying with idea of putting a flat bar to make it more comfortable, would this solve the issues i have or would i be better buying a purpose built flat bar racer?

 

[JoeyB]

Hi

i have a DBR pursuit road bike, which i've struggled with since buying

i dont feel in control of the bike - not sure if its too big? its a medium frame and i'm 5'7 with 30 inch inside leg

toying with idea of putting a flat bar to make it more comfortable, would this solve the issues i have or would i be better buying a purpose built flat bar racer?

Have you had a bike fit?

 

[lutone]

No, i bought the bike online

I've replaced the original stem with a short 50mm one but i struggle to reach the brakes over the hoods

 

[JoeyB]

No, i bought the bike online

I've replaced the original stem with a short 50mm one but i struggle to reach the brakes over the hoods

Does potentially sound too big for you then. I had issues with hand position on hoods but after a bike fit and replacement (shorter) stem it sorted me out. If you already have super short stem then you may be at the limit. Maybe it would be better to move it on and cut your losses, then get something that fits better?

 

[L14M]

could you move the seat forward more?

Liam

 

[vickster]

Or tilt the bars towards you a little?

What is the top tube length. I would think if 5'7, a 53cm bike would be about right, unless your height is a disproportionate

Maybe sell the bike if it can't be tweaked to fit, take the hit, learn the lesson and get a new bike from the LBS

 

[cyberknight]

Hard to say without seeing a piccie of you on the bike but sounds like it could be too big, as @vickster says a 53 sounds about right , I am about the same height /leg and ride a small boardman

could you move the seat forward more?

Liam

You need to set the seat back for the most efficient pedaling action , then alter reach by stem height /length.A really short stem like the OP has fitted could make the bike twitchy.

 

[Widge]

Many peoples experiences suggest that a stem much below 70mm length can start to affect drop-bar handling for the worse..........which leaves the saddle and stem height as the only other parameters open to wrangling. A seat too far forward can put strain on your knees and impact the amount of power you can put behind your stroke (although there is some latitude I'm sure) and a stem that pushes the bars too high can have a knock on effect with your optimum riding position...perhaps pushing you too far back from the front wheel and cramping your upper body. Tricky.
In some ways - it is easier to make a small bike a little bigger than a big bike a little smaller IME.
Having said that - I am 5ft 8 and half inches and a 54'' frame fits me well...after a few small tweaks..........so 53'' sounds about right for you. Unfortunately-stated bike sizes are not consistently reliable between many brands so it can be a lottery.