Modifications to suit short legs and long body

[Sandy-Navaleuil]

I have what the late Sir Terry Wogan called Celtic Short Legs. I'm a tad over 6 ft tall with 28" inside leg. From an early age I suffered the problem of not being able to tuck in shirt tails, even the M&S +2" shirts don't work. So you get the picture.

I have been riding a Giant Defy for getting on for 2 years gradually increasing the length of runs. I'm getting to the stage where comfort for distance is more important as stops to recover from climbs are now a thing of the past (or nearly so).

I really need some guidance on what modifications would make the bike more suited to my build than it currently is. For instance
Move the seat back a bit, increase/decrease length of handlebar stem, change angle of stem, increase/decrease width of handlebars and change crank length (I like low cadence)?

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

 

[barongreenback]

What discomfort are you experiencing now? e.g. knee pain, back back etc? The obvious is a longer stem if you have a longer body than your frame size would indicate. Putting your seat further back might cause knee issues.

 

[MontyVeda]

My boss modifies short legs with vertiginous heels.

 

[Sandy-Navaleuil]

I have an old knee injury from school which doesn't, at the moment, cause any issues in fact it's probably better than it has been possibly due to improved muscle strength. So advice on seating noted for that one.

Main problems are stiff arms and circulation to hands, possibly because too much weight on handlebars rather than saddle? When I stop at a junction I usually take a minute to get the circulation going again. Numb fingers and hands aren't helpful for braking and gear changing.

Thanks

 

[S-Express]

I have what the late Sir Terry Wogan called Celtic Short Legs. I'm a tad over 6 ft tall with 28" inside leg. From an early age I suffered the problem of not being able to tuck in shirt tails, even the M&S +2" shirts don't work. So you get the picture.

I have been riding a Giant Defy for getting on for 2 years gradually increasing the length of runs. I'm getting to the stage where comfort for distance is more important as stops to recover from climbs are now a thing of the past (or nearly so).

I really need some guidance on what modifications would make the bike more suited to my build than it currently is. For instance
Move the seat back a bit, increase/decrease length of handlebar stem, change angle of stem, increase/decrease width of handlebars and change crank length (I like low cadence)?

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Impossible to diagnose someone's fit on the internet without at least seeing a pic of you on the bike.

 

[Shortandcrisp]

Suffer from the same affliction! 5' 7" and, until recently, always ridden 54/55cm frames. The extra reach was never a problem for me and the saddle could be adjusted to compensate for the slightly longer seat tube.

 

[vickster]

Suffer from the same affliction! 5' 7" and, until recently, always ridden 54/55cm frames. The extra reach was never a problem for me and the saddle could be adjusted to compensate for the slightly longer seat tube.

At 5'7, presumably the short legs are more in proportion than for the OP

 

[Sandy-Navaleuil]

Yes have 6" extra body length to deal with. Which puts my head and shoulders further forward than for most people, at least I assume it does.

I did look at posting a picture as it might help as pointed out earlier but couldn't work out how to do it.

 

[vickster]

Reply, upload a file, select the photo you want from your phone / tablet / PC and it should be embedded in the post

 

[Cuchilo]

My Dad fitted blocks of wood to the pedals so i could reach them ....... i should take them off really ......

 

[Fab Foodie]

I have the same issue. Short legs and long back. Even on fitted bikes i found I was constantly having to push myself towards the back if the saddle to be properly comfortable. In the end I had a custom made frame with a more laid back seat tube and a relatively long top tube. I'm very comfortable now, but still needed a set back seatpost for my Brooks saddle.

I would suggest starting with a good set-back seatpost to get better balance over/behind the bottom bracket and then work on reach from there.
The best I have found us the one for Brooks Saddles sold by Velo Orange ( the same item is slso available at Planet X under the Holdsworth brand).
This will shift your centre of gravity further behind the bottom bracket and I reckon you'll feel the benefit.