Quick sizing question

[NaapjusuN]

Hello there!

Anyway, I am going to buy a Raleigh 100 road bike and I need to know which size to get. My inside leg is 33.5" and I am 180cm / 5` 11" tall. The sizes they offer are 51cm, 55cm and 59cm. Oh, and it also say's that is a semi compact frame.

Here is a picture of the bike: http://www.biggerbids.com/members/images/12745/public/1362642_RAL151BL.jpg

On their website they are not very specific with their sizes, it says that I could use any of those sizes but when I went to a local bike shop they had the 51cm frame and it seemed a bit small. Also, they suggested I should get the 55cm size but they didntn't seem very confident

 

[jimboalee]

That's a bit of bad luck, the 57 cm would have been your size.

Ahh.. If the 55 cm frame is Center to TOP with a sloping toptube, it might be 57 cm Center to HORIZONTAL TOP, which will be your size..

 

[NaapjusuN]

Might be? straight answer please!

 

[cyberknight]

semi compact frame means it has a sloping top tube as in the picture.

The frame size can be the real top tube as measured or a "virtual" top tube measured to where the top tube would meet the down tube if it was not sloping, like old bikes used to have .

So if the top tube drops 2 cm from horizontal by the time it reaches the seat tube it is effectively 2 cm bigger frame .You need to find out if they measure real or virtual measurement .

EG my bike is a 54 cm virtual =21 inch frame but the sticker says 19 " frame due to the sloping tube

 

[NaapjusuN]

Oh alright, I will try to find that out. But if I was to get a 55cm frame and it turned out to be the real size, would that mean that I would not be able to ride the bike affectively and should get a larger one? Or would it be OK to ride a smaller frame?

 

[cyberknight]

Thats a leading question

I would not like to say ,without knowing all your measurements and the bikes as well.

Any way to try the bike for size? always the best bet .

Heres something.........

http://www.raleigh.co.uk/htmldocs/sizeGuide.htm

As long as the seat can be made high enough+ right set back on seat you can usually get a stem to make your "cockpit" right.

best to try it for size in a shop tbh, maybe do a search for local shops that stock a raligh before you buy?

 

[NaapjusuN]

Oh thanks a lot! Btw, when I said that on the website it say's I could be using any of those sizes, I was reffering to http://www.raleigh.co.uk/htmldocs/sizeGuide.htm .

 

[Banjo]

Oh thanks a lot! Btw, when I said that on the website it say's I could be using any of those sizes, I was reffering to http://www.raleigh.co.uk/htmldocs/sizeGuide.htm .

I would be wary of that sizing guide, Most sizing guides have different charts for hybrid bikes and road bikes.Best to get measured up and fitted by someone who knows how to.

With a road bike especially its vital to have the right size.http://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing#road
http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/bike_sizing.htm

 

[jimboalee]

I would be wary of that sizing guide, Most sizing guides have different charts for hybrid bikes and road bikes.Best to get measured up and fitted by someone who knows how to.

With a road bike especially its vital to have the right size.http://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing#road
http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/bike_sizing.htm

Evans sizing chart ASSUMES the customer has a Seated Height Ratio that matches the Caucasian average of 52%.

Measuring your 'Inseam' by shoving a book up your fanny is NOT the most accurate method.
Leg Length = Standing Height - Seated Height.

Get yourself measured by someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[NaapjusuN]

Oh but does it matter that much if I get the 55cm bike and it turns out a bit too small for me? I mean, I am not trying to be picky, I just need to know I wouldn't be wasting my money on buying the bike.

 

[HLaB]

Oh but does it matter that much if I get the 55cm bike and it turns out a bit too small for me? I mean, I am not trying to be picky, I just need to know I wouldn't be wasting my money on buying the bike.

IMO a smaller bike will feel more nimble in traffic and probably climb better too but (and this is a big but) you will be more hunched up which will be uncomfortable for longer rides and roadbikes are just made for longer rides IMO I'd hold on until you get a better fit.

 

[Banjo]

Oh but does it matter that much if I get the 55cm bike and it turns out a bit too small for me? I mean, I am not trying to be picky, I just need to know I wouldn't be wasting my money on buying the bike.

Until you find out if the measurements are actual measurements or making allowance for the sloping top tube its impossible for anyone to advise you.

The best solution is find a bike shop that sells them then get them to fit you properly.Even if its a couple of quid more than buying over the internet the support of a decent local bike shop is worth it IMHO.

If you cant do that can you email whoever your buying the bike from and find out or put a post up with the make and model in the title then hopefully another owner may respond.

You really dont want a wrong sized road bike I tried a 52cm bike initially and it was so uncomfortable I didnt want to ride it luckilly I was able to change it for a 56 which is perfect for me.

There is enough adjustment on the seatpost for you to ride a bike much too small for you BUT you end up with the seat much higher than the bars and riding in a cramped up position. Some people can cope with this ,others cant.

 

[NaapjusuN]

Thanks a lot guys. But the thing is that the bike costs £299.99 on eBay brand new both 55cm and 59cm. If I was to buy it from a shop it would cost me at least £499. I would really like to buy the bike as I won't get bike as good as that for that money. The only problem with it is the sizing .

 

[Banjo]

Of course noone would suggest you go into a shop get measured for one then buy one on the net. :-)Check this sight out ,it would suggest that for 33 insideleg you want a 59
http://www.ashcycles.com/web/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3262&language=en

 

[NaapjusuN]

Damn, that opens another page in the book. Even harder to decide now Do you actually think I should be gettng a 59cm?