Frame Size

J.C.93

I'm 5' 7'' tall, would a size 56 frame be too big for me, or would a size 54 be more suitable?. I know I could go to a bike shop, but Ive seen some nice racing bikes in the small ads. I would appreciate it if someone could could give me some advice on this issue.

Joey Joe-Joe Jr

It's different for everyone, inside leg measurement can vary for people even if they are the same overall height and bike frame geometry can play a part but broadly speaking I would say a 56 frame would be too big for you. I'm 5'7 and I ride 53 road bikes.

J.C.93

Thank's for that Joey Joe-Joe Jr, a 52-54 would be big enough so. My inside leg is 78cm, a bigger frame would be a bit of a stretch.

Pablo Rubio

I'm 5 11" and ride a 54cm .You have to consider inside leg measurement and torso and arm length.A 56cm would probably be way to big for you.

Heres a basic guide.
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=40

Link here contains info to measure inside leg and set saddle height.
http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/technique-how-to-get-your-seat-height-right-14608/

P.S. , it also depends on what type of cycling you want to do , a smaller frame with loads of seat tube will give you sharper bike handling and allow you to put your handlebars lower for a more aero/aggressive position(although you may not want this). If you are just starting off, a frame with an upwards sloping top tube may be better/more comfortable. Have a look around the bikeshops and try and get an idea for yourself.

J.C.93

Thanks for the advice Pablo Rubio, I have done a lot of cycling up to about three years ago, I had other committments so I had to put it on hold for a while. I have ridden an alu framed Giant for about ten years and steel framed Carltons and raleighs before that. I want to buy a good carbonfibre machine, thats why I want to get the size right. Sorry for banging on, Thanks again

dancecatz2000

depends what bike it is if its a Trek a 54cm would suit, Bianchi would be a 53cm, Giant would be a Med, Ktm 53cm, wouldn`t go bigger than a 54cm top tube, cube could be a 56cm as that would really be a 54 top tube, Ridley maybe a 52cm, as there usauly between 2/4 cm bigger than a normal bike,

Virtual top tube in link is B1,

http://www.bianchi.com/Global/Bikes/Bikes_Detail.aspx?ProductIDMaster=59443
click on Geometries.

kincsem

I'm 5'8" with a 76cm inside leg. My bikes are 54 cm. You have a longer leg than me and a shorter torso. Frame size should be picked to suit torso size, as you can adjust for leg length easily by moving up / down the saddle. My guess is a 54 cm (or a 53 cm / 52 cm) would suit you.

J.C.93

Thanks for the great advice guys, more than helpful.
What make would you recommend for between 3k and 4k ?
Most of my cycling will be done in the mountains, so I'll need
something suited to that terrain.
Thanks again
J.C.93

kincsem

Titanium is tough and won't rust, very slightly heavier than carbon. Its a bike for life so choose well. I would go for the Etape as it will take mudguards and a rear rack.
http://www.enigmabikes.com/bikes

J.C.93

Thanks for the advise Kincsem, will look into that.

lecker Hendl

Hi, I don't know my inside leg measurement, but I'm 6ft. Would a 52cm road bike be too small? Can you not just adjust the height of the saddle on a smaller frame?