How to judge if Bike Frame is too big for you?

tommyh1977

Hi, got a bargain from a local guy recently, who bought a bike and hated cycling. I bought a Trek 1.2Alpha in immaculate condition for €170.00, as he had got it on Bike to work scheme and didn't care what he got for it second hand. It's in such good nick and had so little use the plastic cling wrap was still on the cranks.

I am 5'8" and the bike is 56cm. The guy I bought it off is also 5'8" and this is the size the bike shop fitted him with. However according to the Trek website I should be on a 54cm. Is there any guide as to whether a bike is actually too big or would a frame size make a huge difference?
Either way I wasn't leaving that bike there for that money.

mkdon05

tommyh1977 wrote: »

Hi, got a bargain from a local guy recently, who bought a bike and hated cycling. I bought a Trek 1.2Alpha in immaculate condition for €170.00, as he had got it on Bike to work scheme and didn't care what he got for it second hand. It's in such good nick and had so little use the plastic cling wrap was still on the cranks.

I am 5'8" and the bike is 56cm. The guy I bought it off is also 5'8" and this is the size the bike shop fitted him with. However according to the Trek website I should be on a 54cm. Is there any guide as to whether a bike is actually too big or would a frame size make a huge difference?
Either way I wasn't leaving that bike there for that money.

The 56cm is a tad too big for you, you could still use it but it would be difficult to get the correct setup.

victorcarrera

I would say that a 54cm would be better for you but a 56 can be made to fit in most cases by adjusting the saddle position up/down and forward/rear, changing height of handlebars and you might have to change the stem for a different length.
Might also depend on your proportions. If its any consolation I am 180 cm and have 54,56 and 58 cm frames all of which I have made fit to an acceptable degree. The 58 has a very long headtube which makes me sit up a little higher than the others but it is not a problem for what I use it for.

lizzylad84

tommy, i recently purhased the same bike in a 56 frame, im 6ft 3and although the bike is suposed to be too small for me, i find it perfect. when buying the bike i took it and several others for a cpin and the 1.2 seened right.

kincsem

I'm 5'8" and all my bikes are 54 cm.

petethedrummer

you could move all the kit to a correct sized frame and sell the 56 on. Planet-X and chainreactions (I think) have some good deals on frames at the mo.

Seaneh

petethedrummer wrote: »

you could move all the kit to a correct sized frame and sell the 56 on. Planet-X and chainreactions (I think) have some good deals on frames at the mo.

This was going to be my advice.

There was a Ridley Orion for sale here recently and it should fit you. was going for a really good price.

iregk

It's not just about frame height/size. The top bars are different lengths as is your bar stem etc... I'm 185cm and technically speaking should be riding something a little larger than my 55cm frame. That said my body shape/proportions make that a much more comfortable bike for me than a larger one. Also take into account compact frame etc...

tommyh1977

Hi all, sorry for late reply but internet was acting up. I've decided to shorten my stem from 105 to 90mm. I find the rest of the bike ok, just the bars slightly over reach. Maybe the 15mm won't help, maybe it will but for €20.00 delivered for a Bontrager stem from Evans, it's worth a shot. Thanks for all the help

FISMA

tommyh1977 wrote: »

I am 5'8" and the bike is 56cm. The guy I bought it off is also 5'8" and this is the size the bike shop fitted him with. However according to the Trek website I should be on a 54cm. Is there any guide as to whether a bike is actually too big or would a frame size make a huge difference?
Either way I wasn't leaving that bike there for that money.

Tommy,
The size depends on your proportions, mostly on your inseam. However, 54cm is probably a good estimate. You may even be suited for a 52cm.

A nice rule of thumb is to stand over the bicycle - you should be able to lift the bike an inch before the top tube gently hits your undercarriage, not the family jewels, so to speak.:o

Do you have any clearance if you standover the bicyle? If you have not, then it is probably too big. But if it is a great deal, then you may be able to deal with a bigger frame.

Andy Magic

tommyh1977 wrote: »

Hi all, sorry for late reply but internet was acting up. I've decided to shorten my stem from 105 to 90mm. I find the rest of the bike ok, just the bars slightly over reach. Maybe the 15mm won't help, maybe it will but for €20.00 delivered for a Bontrager stem from Evans, it's worth a shot. Thanks for all the help

I did the exact same thing recently, although I shortened mine to a 70mm though and moved my seat forward.

michael196

http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer/road-bike



for me , the calculator comes up with 53, but i ahve a very comfy 54.