Frame size

[vickster]

A 54cm Boardman hybrid takes its size measurement from the seat tube not effective TT which is 61.5cm apparently

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-comp-bike

I don't think you can compare hybrids and road bikes directly. My Planet X 54cm (TT) was too small for me once converted to flat bars even with an extra 3cm of stem!

The 54cm Merida ride which @Johnno260 is looking at has a 55cm effective TT, again the 54 bit comes from the seat tube measurement

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/road-fitness/tour/2015/ride-300-2243.html

 

[Johnno260]

OK so size guides are exactly that, guidance and nothing beats getting on the bike and trying it out.

Also I think my upper body is a tad short, the reach on my Hybrid feels good, only thing I changed was postions of the levers Halford had them pointing upwards slightly, and bar ends for additional hand positions, I don't feel stretched on it but any longer and I would struggle a tad.

Cheers for all the replies, sorry for all the questions I ask.

 

[Johnno260]

A 54cm Boardman hybrid takes its size measurement from the seat tube not effective TT which is 61.5cm apparently

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-comp-bike

I don't think you can compare hybrids and road bikes directly. My Planet X 54cm (TT) was too small for me once converted to flat bars even with an extra 3cm of stem!

The 54cm Merida ride which @Johnno260 is looking at has a 55cm effective TT, again the 54 bit comes from the seat tube measurement

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/road-fitness/tour/2015/ride-300-2243.html

Oh wow that's actually quite a difference in length.

 

[vickster]

Oh wow that's actually quite a difference in length.

Exactly! You can't compare due to the two different riding positions. If you are 6ft you would likely be on the upper limit of a 55cm TT depending on other things like the stack or headtube height, but just tall enough for the large Boardman

 

[Johnno260]

Exactly! You can't compare due to the two different riding positions. If you are 6ft you would likely be on the upper limit of a 55cm TT depending on other things like the stack or headtube height, but just tall enough for the large Boardman

Cheers for all the info Vickster I will see if the guy has a 2017 Ride 300 in stock in L and XL and see how they feel.

Failing that there is another Merida stockist 15miles away.

 

[vickster]

Merida don't seem to size Large etc, but by number? Unless it's different for 2017?
As mentioned above, all manufacturers go down a different route when sizing and labelling

 

[Sharky]

I'm 5' 9" and in old days always rode 23" steel frame which equates to about 58cm. But now, with the modern frames, I ride 56cm frames. But i also ride a 54 fixed and my tandem is a 21" front. In all cases i fit appropriate stems etc to give the same riding position.

 

[Johnno260]

With regards to Merida brand bikes, are there potential issues/weak points I should be aware of that people know about?

 

[vickster]

Never seen anything but worth googling and looking at reviews. Also check frame warranty etc. Also ask your lbs?

Big brand, major link to Specialized

 

[Johnno260]

Never seen anything but worth googling and looking at reviews. Also check frame warranty etc. Also ask your lbs?

Big brand, major link to Specialized

I tried Google and tbh it threw up some issues, nothing consistant like BB failures etc, most complaint threads were people who ordered mail order so transit damage was possible.

I am always a little hesitant to ask questions like that from the shop, as they're trying to sell you something after all.

They do have a lifetime frame warranty.

 

[vickster]

I doubt there's a bike out there that has never had an issue or component failure

Buy the one that speaks to your heart from your LBS so any issues can be effectively handled

 

[Johnno260]

I doubt there's a bike out there that has never had an issue or component failure

Buy the one that speaks to your heart from your LBS so any issues can be effectively handled

Will do, I understand all things have issues, main thing is I didn't see people complaining about the same problems which is good.

People hit the LBS hard with vouchers for my birthday, so my fund is growing, also I am going to see if I pass the finance check I am temping at the mo so it may flag as an issue.

The two that I love is the Ride 300 and 400, the 400 is £150 more expensive, I just need to decide if having the 105 over the Tiagra is worth the extra expense, frame/comfort wise there was no difference, it's literially looks and gearing, and a little weight reduction.

 

[vickster]

If one isn't black, buy that one

 

[Johnno260]

If one isn't black, buy that one

Funny you say that I am really reluctant to get a black bike for visibility reasons, the 400 with 105 gear set is a nice bright blue.

 

[Grant Fondo]

Will do, I understand all things have issues, main thing is I didn't see people complaining about the same problems which is good.

People hit the LBS hard with vouchers for my birthday, so my fund is growing, also I am going to see if I pass the finance check I am temping at the mo so it may flag as an issue.

The two that I love is the Ride 300 and 400, the 400 is £150 more expensive, I just need to decide if having the 105 over the Tiagra is worth the extra expense, frame/comfort wise there was no difference, it's literially looks and gearing, and a little weight reduction.

Ride 400 is a cool bike and probably a smidgeon lighter as 105...i just went from Tiagra to Ultegra and TBH shifting seems about the same and 20 to 22 speed makes sod all difference everyday. Big fan of Meridas though...great value!