Too far to the ground...

[Classvino]

I've had my '13 C14 for a week now and am already thinking about changing some things...   I'm 6'0", with a 28" inseam.  (It's been suggested that my physique is more neanderthal (or even ape-like) than homo sapiens by some of my riding buddies.)   I can't put both feet flat on the ground when stopped, and though I'm fine on the balls of my feet when actually stationary, I tend to plan my stops so that I don't have to move the bike very much in neutral, or stop on a sideways grade...  Backing out of a parking spot is probably almost comical to watch, and can be nerve-wracking for me.   However, all that disappears as soon as I'm in motion, and this is by far the smoothest, best bike I've owned.  So, a different model isn't going to make me happy - I'm going to stick with the C14, I just want to try to make it fit a little better...  (I remember it all being so much easier 20 years ago, but that was probably as much related to age and fitness as the bikes...)

What combination of risers/peg kits/lowering kits/alt seats have you found that works for you?

There just seems to be so many different solutions to the same problem that I don't know quite where to start.  Lower seat?  Lowering kit?  But I'm a big guy (circumference as well as height) and don't want to mess with decreased suspension height - or do I?  If I get a lower seat, I think I'll need lower pegs so I don't kill my knees...

I've read through a ton of related posts on the forum, but they all seem to deal with a single one of these possible fixes, and I'm having a difficult time determining which one (or two or three) might be best for me...

I realize that every case is unique, and that opinions are, at best, personal (ymmv, imo, and all that...)  but if it's OK, I'd like to pick your brains for suggestions so that maybe I can approach this from a better informed place...

Thanks
Jamie

[VirginiaJim]

Welcome to the forum.  There's probably a bazillion threads on that subject and someone will chime in soon to help you out that's more knowledgeable on that subject.  Which brings to mind, I really need to put links to all this information in one place.  I'll work on that when I get time to breathe.

[Classvino]

Any help is appreciated...

I've tried to do my due diligence (spent a few hours searching and reading), and attempted to ask the question in such a way so as not to get told "RTFM", but while the volume of posts on each of these options is high, there aren't many that involve using more than one solution...   

For example - I'm wondering what would be better : a 3" lowering kit, or maybe a 2"lowering kit and a 1" lower seat.  Or something else entirely...   I'm not rich, but I'm certainly not destitute, and plan on spending what I need to make the bike 'right' for me.

Thanks for the reply and I look forward to doing more than lurking in the future.

Jamie

[gPink]

Hey Jamie,welcome. Hang loose a bit and our short legged yoda will be along. He goes by Maxtog and he damn well means it. 

[Rhino]

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=15234.0;topicseen

[ZG]

For example - I'm wondering what would be better : a 3" lowering kit, or maybe a 2"lowering kit and a 1" lower seat. 

Welcome to the forum CV. 


Don't do anything more than a 1" lowering link IMO, if you still need more get a lower cut seat.


I did a 1" Muzzys lowering link and had a Corbin seat custom cut which made it sit almost 2" lower than the oem seat did. 

[maxtog]

I've had my '13 C14 for a week now and am already thinking about changing some things...   

Welcome!
And I thought *MY* legs were short in comparison to my height!!!  I am only 26.5" inseam, but 5'7"!

Use the search function...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.0

[VirginiaJim]

I've updated the information in the link that Rhino provided..  I've also unlocked it.

[Broz]

Try the Corbin seat the stock is pretty uncomfortable anyway. It will lower you some not sure if it will be enough.  I have the Corbin but I really was not wanting to be lower but still like the seat. That plus some thick soled riding boots and you should pick up at least 2".  Good luck.

[Classvino]

Welcome!
And I thought *MY* legs were short in comparison to my height!!!  I am only 26.5" inseam, but 5'7"!

Use the search function...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.0

Thought I had searched - obviously not well enough - that link is exactly the type of thing I was looking for...

Yeah, If my legs were porportional to my torso, I'd be close to 6'6" or so...   or about 5'4" the other way...

Thanks.

[gPink]

Search function is finicky. The info is probably in here somewhere but using the right words and/or terms is somewhat problematic.

[Classvino]

Don't do anything more than a 1" lowering link IMO, if you still need more get a lower cut seat.


I did a 1" Muzzys lowering link and had a Corbin seat custom cut which made it sit almost 2" lower than the oem seat did. 

Based on ZG and Maxtog's experiences, I'm ordering the Muzzy lowering links - opinions seem mixed on whether the front end needs to be correspondingly lowered or not, so I'll start with just the rear and see how it goes...   

About the seat, I think a second factor is that it seems wide - if it was a touch narrower I think I could reach the ground a bit easier, but would probably have to sacrifice a bit of comfort... Decisions, decisions...

Again, thanks for sharing your experiences...

Jamie

[jonathan]

Using a seat from a ZX14 or using the accessory gel seat will get you 1 inch closer to the ground.

[BMahar]

  Also try boots from Boot Barn with raised heels and soles. They are about $160 but makes all the difference in the world. Gives you confidence when stopping.

[ZG]

Based on ZG and Maxtog's experiences, I'm ordering the Muzzy lowering links - opinions seem mixed on whether the front end needs to be correspondingly lowered or not, so I'll start with just the rear and see how it goes...  

You need to lower the front as well.

[maxtog]

Thought I had searched - obviously not well enough - that link is exactly the type of thing I was looking for...

I find the search on this board to be very irritating.  But keep playing with it.

Yeah, If my legs were porportional to my torso, I'd be close to 6'6" or so...   or about 5'4" the other way...

Exactly.  If my torso were proportional, I would be 5'11" instead of 5'7".  I keep telling people, relaying standing height or inseam alone means nothing.  You must have both measurements to know how someone fits on a bike.

Based on ZG and Maxtog's experiences, I'm ordering the Muzzy lowering links - opinions seem mixed on whether the front end needs to be correspondingly lowered or not, so I'll start with just the rear and see how it goes...   

I strongly recommend lowering the front by the same amount, which is proper.  But you will need handlebar risers to do that.  Also recommend lower seat, but you are correct that the lower it is, the wider, and that can make it more difficult on inner thighs.

Just remember, no matter how frustrated you are, I am MUCH worse off...

[Cuda]

I find the search on this board to be very irritating.  But keep playing with it.



Just remember, no matter how frustrated you are, I am MUCH worse off...

You have my deepest sympathy

[pistole]

question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?

If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?

Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?

Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.

.

[ZG]

question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?

If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?

Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?

Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.

.

Buying a bike and keeping it stock has never been the case for me, I like the bike and it was easy to modify to fit me, so I did. 

[VirginiaJim]

question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?

If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?

Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?

Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.

.

I never thought about that when I bought mine.  A sit on test isn't the same as actually riding it for a bit, although I agree that it's better than nothing.  I think I sat on mine before I bought it but I just don't remember.  That whole day is a blur.