Cycling UK Forum

what to do. I have a Raleigh Clubman in not bad nick but it is a good comfy ride. I need a new rear wheel for it so yesterday I bought, sight unseen another clubman for the 27" wheels. The guy turned up unexpectedly with it and propped it against the garage whilst I found some cash. When he had gone I looked at the bike and found that it seemed to have just left the factory! It was totally complete with no wear on any component including tyres. Everything is original as far as I can see. It is just virtually "as new". I think it is 1985ish. 12 speed Suntour. There are two tiny scratches on the paintwork that you have to look hard to see. Thats it! Bad news. The frame is too small for me being a 23". I could break it and use the components but seems like a terrible thing to do. I could just sell it on here or e-bay. Or I could fit it, I think, with longer stem and seatpost. Does anybody on here ride a smaller frame than intended for their height and how does it work out? Would welcome discussion, disagreement, advice, scorn etc. But be gentle.

Jim

Just how much smaller is it?

I normally ride a 25" frame. I am 6'2". This is 23" and the standard seat post does not extend anything like enough to cover the deficit. These older frames were designed to fit unlike the modern stuff which are more of a once size fits all design. 2inches can make a lot of difference you know

Jim

bigjim wrote: 2inches can make a lot of difference you know

Jim

Well am no expert on larger frames, but would have thought someone could supply a long enough seat stem, the tendancy is to have a smaller frame these days than of days of yore. The bike is stiffer, more responsive.

the critical dimension of any frame is top tube length, not seat tube, despite the fact that frame sizes are quoted by seat tube. How far different is the top tube? some Raleigh of-the-peggers use the same "length" of frame and just chop the top off, if that makes sense. Years ago, I managed to buy s/hand a 21" raleigh with a 22" top tube which made a good work bike, despite the fact that I normally rode 22 top/22 seat. A MTB seatpin can take up the saddle height difference and these days upward sloping stems can raise the bars.

My Thorn Club Tour is the equivalent of a 19 1/2 " and I normally ride a 21". The reason I went for the smaller frame was to give me stand over height for a fully loaded tour. It ride very well and with the right stem and seat post for me it fits like a glove, although it does look 'wrong'.

I've seen a comment on another site that a smaller frame leads to a friskier ride, but not so comfortable on a long run. Although newer bikes with compact frames don't suffer this, do they? Don't know if that is right, but also being a tightwad, don't want to spend loads of hard to come by cash on new stems/posts etc on a possible failed attempt to make a bike fit that cost very little in the first place. Thats why I was interested in others experiences. Decisions, decisions.

Jim

bigjim wrote:I've seen a comment on another site that a smaller frame leads to a friskier ride, but not so comfortable on a long run.
Jim

correct. but it assumes the smaller frame also has a shorter top tube. If the frame's top tube, and hence wheelbase is identical, then the seat tube height is irrelevant to handling. Comfort might be compromised tho' cos a smaller frame will have a smaller (and less flexible) stays.

Sell it and use the cash for your current bike.
You didn't want a second bike in the first place.
or
It will be a shame to wreck a perfecly good bike when someone would love to have it, but get the bits you want and sell the rest?

If you do keep it and it dosen't suit it will languish in the shed again for another 20 years.

I'm 5' 7" and road bikes seem OK for me between 49cm and 54cm (reach dependant).

My "fit" is 52cm.

My Trek Road bike is a 50cm frame and I have the seat post is just about at maximum extension. But it rides great. It corners as though the roads around be were burmed.

Probably not what you want in a touring/audax frame, but still, that's my comment.

Oh and my mtb's are both on the small size (18 inches).

Gazza

Thanks for feedback.
I do find on the larger frames that I am too stretched out for comfort but with the smaller frame it is hard or impossible to get a quill stem that extends high enough, so you again are reaching down from the extended seat height, if you can find an extended seat post that is, and can result in sore hands and back.

Jim

I am after a bike for my 13 year old son for training runs and time trials. Would you sell the Clubman as it is the right size for him, if so could you PM a price to me?

Thanks

Karl

I've got a Clubman with (I think) original Weinmann centre pull brakes. It took 700 wheels with no problem (also an 8sp freewheel). Smashing commuter/short tour bike. Just a thought.

Hi, thanks for the reply. How much would you want for it and where are you. i apologise in advance but my son has a limited budget.

thank you


Karl (and Mathias aged 13)

Karl
Richards offer seems better as mine is in a collectable condition and I would be looking for some decent money for it.

Jim