Bike size discussion.

[Gravity Aided]

I think it depends on the frame and its' riding characteristics. But I'm one of those people who need a frame of about 62, or it looks like I'm riding a flagstaff for a seatpost. But my best fitting bicycle is close to 65cm. This has not worked for me in the past. I had a higher end Schwinn that was too tall for me in this size, but the Trek 600 fits me perfectly.

 

[Firestorm]

I bought my KTM from my brother who was getting a smaller frame. His flexibility had improved in the year previously and he could now hold a lower racing position, so he replaced the frame.

 

[Slick]

I think it depends on who you talk to. I have a 54 frame but Evans reckon I should have a 58. I think that a big difference.

 

[screenman]

I think too much stress is put on, what you look like. So sad.

 

[Milzy]

I think too much stress is put on, what you look like. So sad.

Yes, if you can pedal stroke well and turn the bars then fine. Racey compact frames make you feel scrunched up a bit, if you're flexible then stretch out I say.

 

[Cuchilo]

If the points of contact fit you and the bike behaves itself well,it is right. Small frames permit a lower bar position.
Very small and large riders have to make do with poorly sized frames.

I had the pleasure of meeting the designer of my Giant TCR Advanced 1 and the displeasure of loaning him my bike for the day
He told me that he designed all his bikes as small and they scale them up from there . Small was the perfect size as it was his size .

 

[alecstilleyedye]

compact frames can, within reason, be made to suit smaller/larger rider by altering seatpost and stem length, according to Giant anyway.

bought my son a frame slightly smaller that fits him now, but would fit me with a few tweeks when he grows out of it or gets bored of cycling (looking likely)…

 

[Grant Fondo]

I think it depends on the frame and its' riding characteristics. But I'm one of those people who need a frame of about 62, or it looks like I'm riding a flagstaff for a seatpost. But my best fitting bicycle is close to 65cm. This has not worked for me in the past. I had a higher end Schwinn that was too tall for me in this size, but the Trek 600 fits me perfectly.

Crikey! I am 6ft 4 and have had 58s in the past, currently 59....are you the tallest cyclist in Britain?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Crikey! I am 6ft 4 and have had 58s in the past, currently 59....are you the tallest cyclist in Britain?

depends if the bike is compact or horizontal top tube, the measurement is different…

 

[Grant Fondo]

My MTB I think is a 23 inch frame... Is this a record?

 

[Gravity Aided]

Crikey! I am 6ft 4 and have had 58s in the past, currently 59....are you the tallest cyclist in Britain?

No, but I might be the tallest fellow in my cycling club in Illinois, now. 6'2", but long legs for height, so my doctor says. I usually ride a 60 or thereabouts in road, a good bit smaller with a long seatpost on a hybrid, currently. I have a 26" tourer I made from an old rigid mountain bike, but that was a large frame as well.

 

[Gravity Aided]

depends if the bike is compact or horizontal top tube, the measurement is different…

Horizontal, on all but the hybrid. (Sorry I took so long to get back, but my furnace man came by).

 

[Grant Fondo]

No, but I might be the tallest fellow in my cycling club in Illinois, now. 6'2", but long legs for height, so my doctor says. I usually ride a 60 or thereabouts in road, a good bit smaller with a long seatpost on a hybrid, currently. I have a 26" tourer I made from an old rigid mountain bike, but that was a large frame as well.

... sorry very remiss of me to forget an international CC colleague.
Anyhow, good evening to you sir, and hope the new Pres does better than you hope!

 

[Gravity Aided]

... sorry very remiss of me to forget an international CC colleague.
Anyhow, good evening to you sir, and hope the new Pres does better than you hope!

Thank you, I'm hoping he'll turn out okay. Regardless of stated views and beliefs, one always wants the best for ones' country.

 

[GuyBoden]

Once you find your ideal(ish) position, which can take months, even years. Take measurements between your feet, your sit bones and your hands.

The bike position is a triangle:

Feet to Seat
Seat to Hands
Hands to Feet

Once you find your ideal riding position:
1.) Measure the distance between the pedal to sit bones. (With the Pedal nearest the floor.)
2.) Measure the distance between your sit bones to your hands. (Usually to the hoods.)
3.) Measure the distance between your hands to the pedal. (With the Pedal nearest the floor)

This gives a triangulation of your positional measurements. Keep notes of these measurements for future reference as a guide to setting up your bike and checking if a new bike might fit...........