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Why do LBS's pick my bike size based on my look/height?

  • 25-07-2011 8:01am
    #1
    eddiem74
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,027 ✭✭✭


    Not that I am aware of anything more accurate or scientific however found it interesting when looking at new road bikes recently (after many years not on a bike) that most sales staff would look at me and say "ah, I'd say your a 56" or whatever size depending on the bike make.

    While I am tall I would tend to be longer on top rather than in the legs.

    I guess this doesn't play a part into the size significantly and does more so when it comes to the fit/set-up afterwards? :confused:


Comments

  • #2
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Experience and/or laziness.

    The same thing happens in tailors. "31 waist, 32 leg? Suits you sir".


  • #3
    Rofo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 172 ✭✭Rofo


    Sounds like you are the perfect size for exactly what they have in stock...


  • #4
    Pred192
    Closed Accounts Posts: 89 ✭✭Pred192


    Normally depending on your height you would be within a certain range so they could estimate what bike size you are but they should get you up on a bike and get you to cycle it so they can see. Sometimes people might look like they could be a 56 but need a 58 instead the important thing to check is your reach. Again a simple fitting (including changing stem length) can fix it if you do have a smaller frame size.

    And about the post above me, a 56cm frame is normally the one that most shops don't have in stock because it is a very common size.


  • #5
    Wicklowrider
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,029 ✭✭✭Wicklowrider


    Agree that they'll get you on one close to your size and then should go up or down sizes based on how you look pedalling. In all the bike shops I've visited only one has asked me what cycling I do or experience I have. When I was selling bikes I always wanted to know and listened carefully to the answers. You can pick up a lot of helpful info from the customer regarding their experience, any injuries, what they did or did not like about their old bikes etc.


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