General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Question on Bike sizing Rss Feed  
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2006-01-18 1:24 PM

Expert
936
50010010010010025
Salisbury
Subject: Question on Bike sizing
I may have found a bike CHEAP but I don't know if it is the right size. I know I should go to a bike shop to be properly fitted but this may be too good to pass up if i'ts close. Especially for a starter bike.

I'm guessing it goes by height for the majority but I'm not really sure.

I'm 5'-10" and the bike is a 57cm bike. Is that a good size?


2006-01-18 1:25 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Regular
85
252525
Kelowna
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
Only one way to find out: take it for a test drive.  I think it may be a bit big though...
2006-01-18 1:32 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
You can get some quick size estimates poking around cycling sites.

One quick check is to get into the riding position and look for the front hubs. They should be obscured by the handlebars. (Maybe with hands on the hoods, not in the drops.) If it is close, you can probably make small adjustments to get better. Will it be best? Hard to say.
2006-01-18 1:35 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Expert
1160
10001002525
Avon, CT
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
I'm 5'9 and have a 56cm...
2006-01-18 1:44 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Giver
18426
5000500050002000100010010010010025
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing

I'm 6' and most 57cm frames are just slightly too big for me. BUt I have relatively short femurs.

Kinda depends on top tube length and how long your torso and legs you have.  Unless you can test ride it, I wouldn't buy it.

2006-01-18 2:04 PM
in reply to: #326800

Expert
936
50010010010010025
Salisbury
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
Thanks for the quick responses.


2006-01-18 2:43 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Master
2288
2000100100252525
Katy, TX (West of Houston)
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
my wife is 5'5 and rides a 56cmTrek 2100, I am 5'11 and ride a 58cm Trek 2200 and a 57cm QR Caliente, The QR is way too big for my wife tho........hope this helps

Edited by Freeswimmingfish 2006-01-18 2:44 PM
2006-01-18 3:14 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Master
1728
100050010010025
Pulaski TN
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
I am 6 ft and just bought a new Trek 1500 and got fitted to be a 56cm.
2006-01-18 3:17 PM
in reply to: #326800

Pro
4054
200020002525
yep,
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
I'm 6'1" and have a 58cm trek 1000, the 60 just had me too spread out over the frame of the bike, a 57 might be a tad too big, but you can mess around with the stem length with that too.
2006-01-18 4:36 PM
in reply to: #326800

Member
74
2525
Springdale, Ar
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
I am 5'11" and just bought a QR Kilo, it is a 57cm. I couldn't have went with any bigger bike though.

Edited by ARtri-dad 2006-01-18 4:41 PM
2006-01-18 4:55 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Veteran
213
100100
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
There are a couple of web sites that match body measurements to bike frame size. The frame size may vary somewhat depending on how the manufacturer chooses to measure their frames and on the geometry of the frame. Here are some links:

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
http://www.flyte1.com/soar/janette/Store/sizing.asp

I've seen others but can't think of them right now. I hope these help.

Mike


2006-01-18 8:51 PM
in reply to: #326800

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Regular
90
252525
Philadelphia
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
I'm 5'10" also and I ride a 57" Lemond. Like others have said, you really don't know for sure until you ride it.
2006-01-19 7:51 AM
in reply to: #327065

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Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
6'-1". I usually ride a 58 or 60 depending on the manufacturer.

For my tri bike I got a 58 (Specialized) but for my road bike I got a "L" since it is a compact geometry frame. It actually measures out as a 55.5, but the top tube is proportioned for taller riders and the stem and top tube make it equivalent to any of my 58/60 bikes that I've owned.

At 5'-10" riding a 57, you should be close. But you will never know until you are fitted and really get a good test ride on it.

And Jim, at 6'-0" riding smaller than a 57?? Your upper body must be loooooonnngggg. What length stem do you need, a 140mm???
2006-01-19 7:56 AM
in reply to: #326800

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Expert
938
50010010010010025
Haddam, CT
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing

I like smallish frames.  I'm 5'6" and just got a 51".  I'm also working with a long torso and short legs. 

Different bike companies size differently (slightly), so I think a test ride would be in the works.  



Edited by lobstergirl 2006-01-19 7:56 AM
2006-01-19 8:32 AM
in reply to: #326800

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Member
198
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Baton Rouge
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
I am 5'10 and ride a 54 cm felt
2006-01-19 8:52 AM
in reply to: #327267

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Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
Wow ........

Who sized you guys on these things anyways?? I'd really like to see the people's positions on these really small bikes for their size. Not saying it's wrong, just really curious as to how they came about with the sizing!


2006-01-19 11:08 AM
in reply to: #326800

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Veteran
213
100100
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
Rick,

I think some of the bikes in question may be compact frames and thus the sizing might be a bit different. That being said too small a frame can be made to fit someone if there are enough spare parts lying around (stems, setback seatposts and so forth).

As for Greg, I think your local LBS or tri store would measure you and tell you what size frame you would need for the given manufacturer. If you are up front with them they may charge you $20 or something to help you out but at least then you will have a better idea. (The local tri shop here in LA will do this for you.) By doing this you can also get a sense for your local shops willingness to work with you and whether you should bring your bike to them or someone else to get properly fitted once you buy it.

Mike
2006-01-19 11:35 AM
in reply to: #327432

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Expert
655
5001002525
Muncie, IN
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
I'm barely 5'6 and bought a Trek 1200 50cm. I have extremely short legs at about 28" inseam, long torso and short arms. I'm a freak of nature that has an awful time finding clothes that fit let alone a good bike fit!
2006-01-19 3:51 PM
in reply to: #326800

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, Texas
Subject: RE: Question on Bike sizing
IMHO, the top tube length is the more important measurement of a bike. You can always (espeically with all the compact frames these days) raise/lower the seat without much if any consequences, but straying too far off of "neutral" with the seat & handlebar position will have consequences.

I really have no experience at this, but I've read much about bike fit, so I'm still in the learning/theory stage.

I'm a (34" inseam) 6'1" guy riding a bike with a 60-61cm seat tube and 58cm top tube. I rode a new bike with a 56cm seat tube and 58 cm top tube and it felt very similar fit-wise.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Question on Bike sizing Rss Feed