I'm in the market for a new frame that will allow fenders, large wheels, racks etc... to take to the local farmers market, picnics with the wife - general purpose non racing stuff. The Salsa Caseroll seems perfect, but I am torn between 2 sizes as I generally prefer to be more upright due to shoulder issues that I've been fighting for a long time.

My current frame is a Lemond with a 72.5 degree seat tube. Effective top tube is 575 and the head tube is 171mm. I'm using a 10 degree 100mm stem flipped up. Also have approx. 20-25mm of spacers under the stem. The Salsa has a 73 degree seat tube so I realize that the Lemond "seems" slightly longer than it really is.

The 2 sizes of the Salsa that I am considering have an effective TT of either 560 or 585. Corresponding head tube sizes would be 165 or 185. I'm worried that the 560 would not give me enough head tube height and the the 585 would leave such a short stem that handling would suffer.

What do you think - is it possible that one of these two would fit?

Thanks for the help,

Zach

factor in fork length and BB drop when looking at HT length for bar height

The BB drop on the Lemond is 67.5 mm and the Salsa is 76mm. I do not have a fork length on the Lemond (I could measure, where does it end - at the base of the headtube?).

What impact does the drop have on handlebar height? I am visually challenged (read- a moron)?

Thanks for the help,

Zach

The BB drop on the Lemond is 67.5 mm and the Salsa is 76mm. I do not have a fork length on the Lemond (I could measure, where does it end - at the base of the headtube?).

What impact does the drop have on handlebar height? I am visually challenged (read- a moron)?

Thanks for the help,

Zach



well, if the BB drops lower (with same BB-saddle height), you are sitting lower, which effectively raises the bars.

and if the fork is longer, the HT can be shorter without resulting in lower bars (if the HS stack, spacers, stem height and rise are all the same).

If'n yer gettin' a Rivendell-style bike, you should prolly use Riv's fitting methods...

http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/fit_sizing_position

I'm just sayin'...

If you like being upright, get the bigger one and ride that stem high and proud.

Reading the geometry chart, I see a 73.5 degree STA on the 53cm model. That lengthens the reach to a nearly identical 57cm, compared to your Lemond. The lower BB also requires less head tube length, so head tube of 165mm will actually raise the bars a few millimeters, relative to your saddle, with the same headset, stem and spacer setup. See how easy that was?

There's a Salsa forum - which takes you to MTBR.com (it's all good) - and I've noticed Salsa participates in the exchange. Maybe they could help you more. I'm in process of building up a Caseroll now and really excited about it. Good luck
Stinky

seems like a little steeper seat tube would shorten the reach....but anyway, i think a 90mm stem on the 58.5 TT frame would handle OK because it's a long stable geometry anyway

seems like a little steeper seat tube would shorten the reach....


only if you don't match the saddle position relative to the BB position (not height but horizontal plane or 'set-back')

Thanks for all the responses - I never would have factored the lower BB into the equation.

Zach

Hey all! Thanks for all the great answers. One more thing to add. I'm not sure if your looking to build up a frame-set or a complete bike, but either way the steerer tube on the fork will come un-cut which allows you to run a ton of stack. If you are planning on running a lot of stack spacers here is something to consider. As the steertube gets longer it also gets closer to you due to the head tube angle. As an example, I recently built up my 2008 casseroll frame for pulling this kids around in the Burley and wanted an upright position as well. I built up a 53cm (56eqiv) when I would normally ride a 51cm (54equiv). I'm running about 70mm of stack and its perfect. Now...I know that running that much stack might be dorky looking...but it sure is comfy. And...thats the beauty of the un-cut...run it how you want it. Just don't run your drop bars up-side down. That might be going too far. :D

Bobby
Salsa Cycles