How important is sizing in fixed/SS

[SWSteve]

Saw a lovely Fuji fixed/single speed in a debt shop today, but it was a 56cm frame.
Being only 5'7" (5'8" on a good day) a 52 is best for me, 54 a bit big, but would 56 be too big?

 

[fossyant]

Same rules as any other bike. It's too big !

 

[tyred]

Try it, stand over it and check for suitable clearance between the frame and your private parts. At least an inch.

You need to check the reach too but there may be scope to fit a shorter stem.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Too big unless you have arms like an orangutan

 

[musa]

Too big dont bother

 

[eck]

You've answered your own question.
If 54cm is a "bit too big", then 56cm is going to be a bit more than a bit too big.
I'm 5'7" on a good day, and 52/53cm is just right for me.


ETA: If, by a "debt shop", you mean somewhere like Cash Converters (other debt shops are available), they are popular fencing outlets for stolen bikes, so beware on that count too.

 

[SWSteve]

When I say 54 is a bit big, with specialized bikes I fall into the bottom range for a 54.

The reason I asked was I wondered if shorter cranks, I would check this, wouldn't this make the bike 'shorter' in effect? Although it would be equally long.

I would pay with a credit card to protect myself against stolen goods, if there was an issue I would ask M/card to set the dogs on them as it was a 'cash converters' style shop (a national chain I cannot remember the name of)

 

[Rob3rt]

When I say 54 is a bit big, with specialized bikes I fall into the bottom range for a 54.

The reason I asked was I wondered if shorter cranks, I would check this, wouldn't this make the bike 'shorter' in effect? Although it would be equally long.

I would pay with a credit card to protect myself against stolen goods, if there was an issue I would ask M/card to set the dogs on them as it was a 'cash converters' style shop (a national chain I cannot remember the name of)

No.

 

[musa]

No your reach Is compromised

That should be the main measurement whether your bollocks will dangle or not is not an issue

Over stretching will do damage

 

[musa]

Look for something on LFGSS there a good bunch

 

[Smurfy]

In my humble opinion, reach is more important than seat-tube length (unless the frame is so large your knackers are at risk).

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

In my humble opinion, reach is more important than seat-tube length (unless the frame is so large your knackers are at risk).

+1 if you can straddle it you can ride it, but you may have to try different stems to feel comfy. That said, my geared bike is a 56cm where as my Trek District belt drive is 60cm, both comfy.

 

[Smurfy]

Some of this is more about fashion than anything else. A long time ago, top-tubes were horizontal, and the fashion was to ride the largest frame you could swing your leg over. Nowadays huge lengths of seatpost protruding from the frame are more fashionable.

 

[Smurfy]

And another thing, in some respects the aheadset system was a step backwards, because once you've cut the steerer you're stuck with it. Mainly it just cuts costs by saving the manufacturers from putting a thread on the steerer.