Touring frameset size

[Spoked Wheels]

I have identified a frame to build myself a touring bike. I need to pick the right size and there isn't a retailer near me to have a try for size.

The frame I have in mind is this, built for 29" wheels

and this is the size chart for that frame

I'm 6'0 tall and I ride 58cm size bikes.

I have two road bikes, VN Euros 58cm with Effective Top Tube Length of 56.6cm

My other bike is an old 531 Reynolds frame with Effective Top Tube Length of 58cm I feel fine on both but if I had to chose one, then I'd say the 58cm effective top tube length.

I've equipped an old Carrera Subway to tour this summer for the first time and so far that bike feels very comfortable, with panniers and all. The bike is size large 20" and with Effective Top Tube Length of 59cm

In the past I've tried for size other bikes and the first reaction is to put me on a 56cm but we always move to a 58cm.... having said that, these have always been road bikes and this time I'm looking for a frame that is more MTB like than a road frame.

So, with the information that I have I could go for the small size frame with Effective Top Tube Length of 57.5cm or the medium size frame with Effective Top Tube Length of 59.9cm

I'm inclined to go for the 59.9cm, although it's slightly larger frame than I'm used to riding I'm not convinced the small frame is OK for me. I keep thinking if a rider that is 10cm shorter would also pick the same frame.....also, I expect to achieve a more upright position on this bike so I guess a shorter top tube..... I'm confused with the sizing to be honest.

The company, Surly, say that if you cannot try for size go with the Effective Top Tube Length of bikes you know you are comfortable in.

I will go an try for size a MTB with similar shape frames....(hopefully I find hard tails like that) but I still like to have your views, from a touring point of view.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Can anybody help?

 

[Ian H]

All I can say is that it seems to be a very long frame for a given seat-tube length. More mtb than touring. Probably intended for a fairly short stem.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Agree it's a bit odd that the 'S' (smallest) is already a pretty long effective top tube length. Do they expect noone under 5'8" (174) say to order one of these?

@Ian H - they don't give an effective seat tube length: the top tube is well angled down to give an easier standover height (to suit touring).

 

[Ian H]

@Ian H - they don't give an effective seat tube length: the top tube is well angled down to give an easier standover height (to suit touring).[/QUOTE]
They do give a stand-over height, which serves a similar purpose.

 

[Bodhbh]

Have you tried Charlie the Bikemonger in Swanage for a test ride? (Hi Ricardo if that's your username) He stocks a lot of Surly stuff.

I ride 60-62cm at 6fooot, but then tend to favour a fairly short stem.

Ajax regarding the large 'small' size I think Surly assume if you're small you'll ride a Troll frame instead with 26" wheels and smaller sizing options.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Are the chainstays long enough? I note the angled seat tube, and just wonder if that is for clearance on conventional tires, or extra big tires. Or do you plan to use a beam type rack? Or a rack at all?

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Have you tried Charlie the Bikemonger in Swanage for a test ride? (Hi Ricardo if that's your username) He stocks a lot of Surly stuff.

I ride 60-62cm at 6fooot, but then tend to favour a fairly short stem.

Ajax regarding the large 'small' size I think Surly assume if you're small you'll ride a Troll frame instead with 26" wheels and smaller sizing options.

Thanks for the tip.... I'll check it out.

I remembered your frame and it's a similar style to this Surly Ogre. So if you ride a 62cm with short stem then the medium would be ok with an average length stem I guess.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Are the chainstays long enough? I note the angled seat tube, and just wonder if that is for clearance on conventional tires, or extra big tires. Or do you plan to use a beam type rack? Or a rack at all?

I do intend to use a rack....

I'd like to do something like this..... different colours though

 

[Gravity Aided]

She builds up nicely that way, but, as you can see, the rack is all the way to the back, and the panniers are all the way to the back as well, apparently to avoid heel strike. You could get that rack level, and back a bit farther, if you had longer hardware betwixt the bike and the rack. Fishtailing may be a concern. (said the man with the size 14 shoes).

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Have you tried Charlie the Bikemonger in Swanage for a test ride?

Hi Sean, I paid Charlie a visit last week, very interesting but I couldn't ride anything similar to the Ogre. I tested a different bike though and I liked it, although, it had those fat 3" tyres..... very comfy

They think I should go for the large frame. I tested the medium and it felt very good but I do see why they think I should go for the size large.

Nobody seems to have the frame in stock at the moment, I have asked around and the earliest I can get one is at the end of April, beginning of May.

So, thanks for the suggestion...... now it;s decision time.