Road Bike Sizing Guide

new2triathlon

Hi everyone,

I am looking at buying a new road bike for upcoming triathlon season, budget aprox €1200. I brought my current bike last year second hand, without really giving much thought to sizing etc.I think its 56cm frame, which is probably too big for me, and I definetly have to reach too much for the handle bars. I've been to few bike shops but have been recommended a huge range of size bikes from 46cm upwards - maybe reflecting what is in stock more than what is best for me!

so does anyone have a definitive guide for bike sizes- or can they offer any insight on which range of bike frame would be right for me?

do I need a female specific bike, (I am female!!) my height is 5ft 6 (168 cm), my inside leg seam is 76cm (my legs are quite long for my height), and my arm span is 162cm.

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance,

New2triathlon

Chips Lovell

From what I've read about women's bike frames, a lot of women have longer legs relative to their torsos than men. So by the sounds of it, you'd fall into this bracket.

Bike sizes can be bewildering. One size from one manufacturer is not necessarily the same as from others. The advent of compact frames also messes up the sizing system, since the number quoted, i.e 54 or 56 is usually the measurement of the seat tube. Since compact frames have a sloping top tube and a shorter seat tube a 46 could equate to a bigger size in a traditional frame.

If you are worried about the fit, the best advice would be to try before you buy and only part with your cash for something you feel comfortable on. Specialized do women's specific bikes and seem to get good feedback, at least on here.

Lumen

If your bike really is a 56cm, it's definitely too big for you based on those measurements. How much seatpost do you have showing?

You should be riding with a comfortable bend in your arms, elbow not locked out, and shoulders in a natural position (not overextended).

Correct bike size depends on more than just your body dimensions - core strength and flexibility are both factors. Women tend to have better flexibility than men, but often weaker core.

Since fit and position are so important for triathlon, I'd go to somewhere like Wheelworx for proper advice.

petethedrummer

Do you know what brand you want? It's probably possible to find a sizing chart for each one online.

Here's one for Giant http://www.pushbikes.co.nz/wb//media/sizeguide/Giantbicyclesizingguide09.pdf

There's a sizing thing for Canyon Bikes, click on 'perfect positioning system' then 'Rahmengrosse Finden'
http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=820

I'd get a shop to fit you and bring along your current bike as a reference to point out all you think is unsuitable about it.

jollylee

new2triathlon wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I am looking at buying a new road bike for upcoming triathlon season, budget aprox €1200. I brought my current bike last year second hand, without really giving much thought to sizing etc.I think its 56cm frame, which is probably too big for me, and I definetly have to reach too much for the handle bars. I've been to few bike shops but have been recommended a huge range of size bikes from 46cm upwards - maybe reflecting what is in stock more than what is best for me!

so does anyone have a definitive guide for bike sizes- or can they offer any insight on which range of bike frame would be right for me?

do I need a female specific bike, (I am female!!) my height is 5ft 6 (168 cm), my inside leg seam is 76cm (my legs are quite long for my height), and my arm span is 162cm.

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance,

New2triathlon

Where are you based and we can recommend an honest bike shop close to you?

I'm 5' 11" and cycle a 56cm trek which I find perfect. Its not even too long with tri bars on although my saddle is pushed all the way forward. At 5" shorter than me I'd say the 56cm is way too big for you! Your getting recommended different sizes by different people because they're trying to sell you different manufacturer's bikes with different frame geometries. They'll also be pushing the sizes they have in stock!

Ask around and find a genuine bike shop owner who'll order the frame size you need. Also a shop owner who races or has raced in the past would be handy to know for advise.

new2triathlon

Thank you everyone for your replies.

Actually whoops-just did a bit of googling of bike parts, and with my existing bike I measured the top tube which is 56cm, not the seat tube- so will have to get back to you on actual frame size - (this is why I need help!) thats definetly good advice to bring it with me when I go to bike shops. Compact frame issue does definetly confuse things- is this a better frame for racing than traditional frame?? I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible before taking the plunge with a purchase.

I'm based in Dublin so any recommendations for shops would be great. I was considering buying online, as there is definetly better value for money-but don't want to end up with wrong size bike! I haven't decided on a brand yet-just the budget!

Ive found thus far that I've only been asked my height when I go to shops-but from reading on internet, the inside leg measurement seems to be the key one....

Anyway thanks everyone for your help.