Fit
Fit
The key elements to proper frame fit are to achieve optimal lengths for the top and head tubes. Once these two factors are considered everything else falls into place. When looking at a Tournesol please keep in mind that we are building you a bicycle that is primarily designed to be comfortable over long distances with less emphasis on a “powerful” or “aero” position.
When constructing a bicycle frame for a rider, we look at several factors. The principal dimensions we ask for are:
Saddle Height
Handlebar height from the ground
Saddle-to-handlebar reach
As the head tube lengthens, so must the seat tube if we wish to avoid a sloping top tube. Since we build these bikes to look as traditional as possible, a level top tube is preferred – particularly when building with lugs. There will be times, however, when a sloping top tube becomes the best solution to fitting a particular rider.
A good rule of thumb in calculating your seat tube length is found using PBH minus 25cm (as an average – more for tall folks, less for shorter) or saddle height X .77. This will build a frame that shows a “fistful of seatpost” and avoids an excessive amount of stem showing.
We recommend frames built to the above specifications for those wanting to be both comfortable and fast while riding longer distances. Please note that we at Cycles Tournesol de-emphasize the importance of stand-over height (straddling the bike with your shoes flat on the ground) because we believe that this measurement has little value regarding the fit of traditional, non-sloping frames. Since we don’t straddle our bicycles – we ride them – we only need enough room to stand comfortably.
Bon chance et merci!
Douglas Brooks, Steve Hampsten
