Henry Lubong's Journal

I rode my bike on a hill yesterday and tried something new. So while climbing up, I slightly moved my body backwards (about an inch or two) and for some reason, I was pedaling more efficiently and less effort with my body in this position. I tried switching back and forth to my normal riding seating position and it definitely made a big difference. Currently, my Motobecane has an effective top tube length of 52.07cm. I could use at least 5 more centimeters so I can efficiently ride on the hills. I know that buying a bike without test fitting it is a mistake. Even if I purchase my bike locally, it’s really hard to get the best fit until you start riding it on the hills and finding the best position for yourself. Now that I have a reference to go by, I can blindly look for a frame again that will match my need.

Fortunately, the new frame that I’ve been eyeing on (Sette Ace) has an ETTL of 57.5cm, which is perfect. I’m also looking at the Santa Cruz Blur XC Carbon and Superlight with an ETTL of 55.3cm. But the Santa Cruz is more money, but…but… it’s a freaking Santa Cruz I’m also interested on the Specialized Epic but I just learned that their small frame has an ETTL of only 54.5cm. So among the three, if I decided to not care for a pretty sticker on my frame, I might just go with the Sette Ace. At least, that name still starts with a big “S”