Kirk Smith, PhD

Bike fit / used bike questions - looking for a used bike for my partner (162 cm). Found this used Gitane aluminum xc bike, size M, rockshox Judy 26", hydraulic brakes, 2x9, SRAM or Shimano (I forget). We tested it - rides smooth, shifts and brakes well. Owner claims it was ridden on greenways, asking 200 EUR.

Does this size/price look right? I know the seat needs raising from the photos with her on it. The seat is in a higher position in the workshop photo.

She said she felt pretty far forward/in an aggressive position. Would a riser stem help? I have a spare Jones Loop H-Bar I could throw on. Not messed around much with bike geometry so I'd appreciate crowd input to see if we could make some cheap mods to make it more comfy! Or to pass and keep looking. FWIW it would be used for commuting/greenways/some xc mtb. We live in a hilly area with a lot of double and singletrack trails.

Thanks in advance #BikeTooter #BikeFit

Feb 5 at 1:20pmWeb
Show threadDavvaFeb 5
@kirk
It is difficult to raise at kind of stem, so you might want to try a different bike. That said, a more upright bike while more comfortable on greenways would be less good for gravel.
As to cost, it depended on the year of make and the components on the bike.
Show threadEorlingur RexFeb 5

@kirk It looks like the person has their knee up very high on picture 2. That would indicate relatively short legs and a need for shorter cranks. That is not common on any old bike so that is an expense that you should budget for with every used bike.

Good luck bikehunting!

Show threadplookingtonFeb 5
@kirk try the manufacturer's website. Some will offer a sizing chart for body size to suggested frame size. Some even archive these charts for earlier year models.
Show threadJackFeb 5
I think so. I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Show threadsmells of bikesFeb 5
@kirk you can get a shorter reach, riser stem, and riser bars. For good or bad, both stems and bars are available in a bewildering variety. A shorter stem that's flat will even help. Bars can have various rises (how much higher the part you hold is than the center) and sweep (how much they diverge from straight.)
Don't worry a lot about crank length right now. Adjust the seat height so the rider's leg, with the foot in a comfy position on the pedal, has the leg straight at bottom center.
Show threadsmells of bikesFeb 5
@kirk leg position not terrible btw, raise seat maybe 3cm and see how that feels, and if it's ok keep raising it until the rider just barely has to rock their hips to keep their feet on the pedals (flat, not pointing toes) then drop it 1cm from there. You can scoot the seat forward on its rails. That'll also feel more upright. You want forward shin to be vertical when cranks are flat to set seat fore/aft.
Show threadsmells of bikesFeb 5
@kirk keep raising it in small increments btw don't make big changes because it can result in leg pain. But in general the higher you can get the seat without discomfort, the better it is for your knees long term.