Cycling UK Forum

I am what you would term "vertically challenged" so have always had to ride a small frame and it is truly a difficult feat for frame designers to come up with a geometry that "works" with 700c tyres.
I have quite a few pro level race framed bikes in my stable (Look/Isaac/Cervelo etc) and to get the Geometry right for purpose, there is inevitably quite a degree of "Toe overlap" with the front wheel. 650C rims can help this as can 26, but then you lose out in the rolling resistance stakes and would get dropped on the flats.
Most experienced riders just accept this and learn to ride accordingly. Even mid sized race frames can have some toe overlap, but is never an issue when you are used to it.
As previously stated, to overcome this, the top tube would have to be overly long and too much of a stretch, even with a short stem and inline pin, or the fork rake would be too great and steering would be awful.
Many smaller riders also use cranks far too long for their height and a five foot rider should reall only be using 150/155mm cranks, which would help overlap somewhat. Close clearances, enable a bike to handle vastly better, particularly on big climbs and on twisty fast descents, they also yield better aerodynamics, which on long rides, equates to a less tired pilot, towards the end of the day.

fastpedaller wrote:Ok if you fit a short seat tube!

Never really a problem, as you can always use a longer seat post, I.E. as in a Brompton etc, better to have adequate standover than not enough (Ouch!) Plus the more exposed seat post adds a little comfort via flex.