Frame sizing question...

[Jman]

Not sure if this is quite the right place for this so let me know I'll post it somewhere else. I have a medium Chameleon frame that I built up as more of an all mountain type ride to go and beat up. Lately I've been wanting to ride it for more of an XC/trail ride (to use the magazines verbiage) Right now I'm running a Tora 302 fork which works pretty good but the cockpit seems pretty cramped and my legs don't extend down quite far enough. I'm using a Raceface Deus XC stem at I think 110mm, an FSA seat post and Raceface Prodigy DH cranks (being 207 lbs I really beat up cranks so I like the heavy duty ones). I'm wondering what exactly I can do to stretch the cockpit out a bit? Do they make longer stems? Are DH pedals shorter than XC? Also can I get a decent seatpost that sweeps back a bit to open things up a bit more. One last question and then I'll leave all you nice folks alone. How high on average can a seat post go...I'm not sure if this question makes sense. I guess the seat post has about 6 inches showing above the quick release, could I go higher without worrying?

I'd just like to thank everyone in advance for any help you might be able to throw my way. I rode it today and it was awesome and I was really hittin' some steep hills but I think if I stretch out a bit it might be even better. Thanks again, I look forward to hearing from you.

[jruiz]

how tall r u?

I used to ride a 15 inch bike and im 5'8''. No matter what i did it alsways felt like i was riding over the bike rather than on or in the bike. I went wth a medium and never looked back.

[Jman]

Oops sorry that'd help wouldn't it. 5'10"

[mottmcfly]

Originally Posted by Jman

Not sure if this is quite the right place for this so let me know I'll post it somewhere else. I have a medium Chameleon frame that I built up as more of an all mountain type ride to go and beat up. Lately I've been wanting to ride it for more of an XC/trail ride (to use the magazines verbiage) Right now I'm running a Tora 302 fork which works pretty good but the cockpit seems pretty cramped and my legs don't extend down quite far enough. I'm using a Raceface Deus XC stem at I think 110mm, an FSA seat post and Raceface Prodigy DH cranks (being 207 lbs I really beat up cranks so I like the heavy duty ones). I'm wondering what exactly I can do to stretch the cockpit out a bit? Do they make longer stems? Are DH pedals shorter than XC? Also can I get a decent seatpost that sweeps back a bit to open things up a bit more. One last question and then I'll leave all you nice folks alone. How high on average can a seat post go...I'm not sure if this question makes sense. I guess the seat post has about 6 inches showing above the quick release, could I go higher without worrying?

I'd just like to thank everyone in advance for any help you might be able to throw my way. I rode it today and it was awesome and I was really hittin' some steep hills but I think if I stretch out a bit it might be even better. Thanks again, I look forward to hearing from you.

First off. If you are looking for leg extension, adding a longer stem is not going to help there, not will the seat post. DH pedals are no different that XC as far as leg extension goes. Thompson does make a seat post that sweeps back. General rule of thumb is that the seat post resides in the frame 2 inches below the clamp. That is not gospel, just what I heard. The last post asked how tall you are. I think inseam or standover might be useful as well. I think in the end you are looking at one of two things. Bigger frame or longer cranks. Do you know the crank size you are using now? Usually its in between 170 and 175mm. If you're at 170, going to 175 might help but will also have other repercussions on your overall ride.

Hope this helps

Mott

[FyrFytrRyn]

im currently doing the same. i recently sold my cannondale because i was tired of it and it was a little too large for me (i had zero standover, the boys were concerned) so i made my P.2 into a AM trailbike. the 350mm post wasnt long enough, so i purchased a Titec El Norte Pyro 'Scoper 7075 (Gold) Seatpost from greenfish sports. its 410mm!!! i only needed a little more than the 350 would offer, and 410 will leave plenty in the frame. next im going to get a longer stem (about 1/2" to 1"). in closing, longer stem will open it up, as will a longer post. away from those two options, you'll need a bigger frame.

[Rob]

Get a Thomson 410mm layback seatpost in the diameter your bike requires. I wouldn't go any longer on the stem. The thomson post will have a marking on it letting you know the max extension point.

[autoduel]

Originally Posted by mottmcfly

General rule of thumb is that the seat post resides in the frame 2 inches below the clamp. That is not gospel, just what I heard.

I'd also make sure the seatpost is long enough to drop below the top tube or equivalent. You don't want the seat tube to take all that torque unbraced.
I don't think the seatpost would fail, but rather the seat tube at the clamp due to minimal insertion.

[CalEpic]

Originally Posted by autoduel

I'd also make sure the seatpost is long enough to drop below the top tube or equivalent. You don't want the seat tube to take all that torque unbraced.
I don't think the seatpost would fail, but rather the seat tube at the clamp due to minimal insertion.

Listen to this man. Regardless of what the marking on the seatpost says, the bottom of the post must be below the top tube where it joins the seat tube.

The Chameleon is a cool do-it-all bike.

C

[Jman]

Thanks for all of the great replies. I'll head out this week and see what the LBS carries in seat posts. My stem is 110mm is there anything longer and if so do you give up anything in stability or steering control? Thanks and yeah I agree the Chameleon is a really cool do it all bike. It's a perfect compliment to my Heckler.

[FyrFytrRyn]

Originally Posted by Jman

Thanks for all of the great replies. I'll head out this week and see what the LBS carries in seat posts. My stem is 110mm is there anything longer and if so do you give up anything in stability or steering control? Thanks and yeah I agree the Chameleon is a really cool do it all bike. It's a perfect compliment to my Heckler.

dont know if there is any longer stems. i just ordered a 75mm for my P.2. the longer the stem, the more stable and less twitchy it will feel, ive heard.