RB wrote:
> It is a known fact that people 'shrink' a bit as they age. This could
> account for it. I also think that as the knees (and other things) age, it
> becomes more comfortable, and more confidence inspiring on a slightly
> smaller bike.
Most of the "shrinkage" that occurs with age is a result of thinning of the intervertebral disks in the spine or compression fractures in the vertebrae but this would not affect leg length. Arthritis in the knee and hip joints can shorten leg length due to erosion of cartilage and eventually bone, but this is generally accompanied by a corresponding decrease in mobility and increase in pain in these joints. If you're still able to ride a bike with reasonable comfort, it's unlikely that you've lost a great deal of leg length in this manner.
--
John (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA