Lots of subjective stuff presented like factual statements here lately, so
maybe it's my turn.
I agree with what Dale says about one person's Nirvana may not be another's
and that the top tube length and stem combo seems to be the most critical
measurement. I find that as I age I certainly am shrinking, at last
vertically. I ride bigger bikes now than I ever used to and have little use
for a bike that I can't stretch out on a bit. A cramped bike is so
uncomfortable for me that I'd rather walk. Standover height is the most
over rated consideration in my book. A tall bike just gets leaned more.
And as for all these formulae...I think they might be useful to those who
haven't ridden enough to know what you want. After the first few bikes,
most of us know what is comfortable and if there is anything more important
than comfort on a bike, I just can't imagine it anymore. After all, those
99% of us who are not after racing careers are riding for pleasure...even
racers must get some degree of pleasure and I'll bet they like comfort, too.
If it does not fit someone else's idea of fit, who cares? Ride what you
like...Poop be on the naysayers.
I also find the idea that only tubular tires will be found on classics
ridiculous. Those who like tubulars ride them. Those who do not ride
clinchers. Some of us ride both. Broad sweeping characterizations as to
what one must ride to be cool are for the birds. Folks ride these old
bikes because they have tastes that are a bit independent in the first
place, and that leaves an awful lot of room for individual choice. Thank
God! This is one area where we can and should celebrate diversity.
Curmudgeons of the world unite! Ride what you darn well please!
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi