big frame short stem vs. small frame long stem

[Rob3rt]

Maybe, but there is very little you can do about toe clearance to the front tyre, even worse if you put a mudguard on it. I would check for toe overlap first.

Toe overlap is a none issue really unless it is very bad.

 

[Kestevan]

I think it can also depend on your body type, and the type of bike. For example I have a long body/arms and comparatively short legs. On the road bike I found I was much more comfortable with a larger frame and short seatpost/stem as this gave me the required reach to the bars.
Conversely on the MTB I swapped to a smaller frame, with longer seat post and stem. On a larger frame the clearance between top-tube and Gentlemans area was too close for comfort.

However in both cases I was "between sizes" and either would have done at a pinch.

 

[snailracer]

Overlap is really only an issue at low-no speed. Takes very little wheel movment to turn a bike, and even if turning a sharp corner, your outside foot really should be firmly planted bottom of pedal stroke anyway.

It might not be an issue for you and the type of riding you do, but this is the beginner's section and I can't really tell what sort of riding the OP plans to do.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

It might not be an issue for you and the type of riding you do, but this is the beginner's section and I can't really tell what sort of riding the OP plans to do.

Bare in mind that cycles turn largely by leaning, what could you possibly be doing that scuffing your shoe on a tyre or mudguard is an issue?

 

[snailracer]

Bare in mind that cycles turn largely by leaning, what could you possibly be doing that scuffing your shoe on a tyre or mudguard is an issue?

A slight scuff is harmless enough, but I have seen feet coming off pedals due to catching on the front tyre. I have seen people toppling over as they have tried to pedal slowly between stationary cars and gate posts but their toes have prevented the front wheel from turning far enough. So it can catch riders out if they are not careful or their routes involve riding slowly around obstacles.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

A slight scuff is harmless enough, but I have seen feet coming off pedals due to catching on the front tyre. I have seen people toppling over as they have tried to pedal slowly between stationary cars and gate posts but their toes have prevented the front wheel from turning far enough. So it can catch riders out if they are not careful or their routes involve riding slowly around obstacles.

Would that be the "slow - no speed" bit I mentioned? But thats really a rider awareness problem than one with bike size.

 

[snailracer]

Would that be the "slow - no speed" bit I mentioned? But thats really a rider awareness problem than one with bike size.

Yes, but I would prefer that my bike does not "catch me out" when I am knackered near the end of a commute home.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Bare in mind that cycles turn largely by leaning, what could you possibly be doing that scuffing your shoe on a tyre or mudguard is an issue?

turning into a (single track) side road on a road covered in wet leaves in autumn/winter?
I catch mine all the time - drives me batty.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Yes, but I would prefer that my bike does not "catch me out" when I am knackered near the end of a commute home.

You must have some commute if you can't tell the which foot is right or left by the end of it..

The nonsense on this forum is premium quality

 

[snailracer]

You must have some commute if you can't tell the which foot is right or left by the end of it..

The nonsense on this forum is premium quality

I do.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

turning into a (single track) side road on a road covered in wet leaves in autumn/winter?
I catch mine all the time - drives me batty.

Why are your feet forward enough to catch?

 

[snailracer]

Why are your feet forward enough to catch?

Cos the frame is a bit small, perchance?

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Why are your feet forward enough to catch?

can't lean into the corner at all, totally blind entrance and I can only 'land' on one side due to being slightly paralysed. Always catch the 'good leg' in the wrong place on that junction (which regretfully happens to be the turn into my dead-end lane)... can't freewheel into the corner because you need to be very slow due to it being totally blind entrance and also that coating of leaves which is getting a fresh layer of water as we speak! and getting off and walking it is not an option either - no footpaths or anything else to bail to, so can only cycle to an almost complete halt and then pedal around the corner slowly when you know it is clear (left hand bend)

Edit: only happens on my road bike - no issue with my mountain bike or my touring bike and the road bike is the only 'compact' frame bike.

 

[vickster]

A too large bike gave me chronic tennis elbow, a year of pain, physio, injections and treatment and 2 operations...on that basis, I'd always go smaller

 

[snailracer]

...
Edit: only happens on my road bike - no issue with my mountain bike or my touring bike and the road bike is the only 'compact' frame bike.

Toe overlap is generally considered unacceptable on pretty much every type of bike apart from road bikes and track bikes.