what is the right frame size for me?

[Claudia]

hey all,

I'll be getting the 2013 viking cote d'azur very soon - this one comes with 2 different frame sizes, 47 and 53cm. I am 5'3" (1m60) so not the tallest out there (!). I emailed one of the sellers that has this bike in stock and they suggested the 47cm one. But all the sizing charts I checked, suggest the 53cm one...

I like to be tall (ish) on my bike but not the kind of tall I need to throw myself to the floor to get off the bike because I can't stand on it to reach the floor... :/

Any suggestion?

 

[vickster]

I would think a 53cm will be too big unless it has an odd geometry

I am 5'9 (and a bit) and ride a 54cm frame in different bikes

Riding a bike that is too big can lead to issues - I am still struggling after tennis elbow - caused by a too big bike and has required 2 ops. You'll be too stretched, nothing to do with reaching the floor - the measurement refers to the top tube usually

Assume there is nowhere to test ride?

 

[Claudia]

Nope. I'm buying it online... Guess I'll have to go to the 47cm then, also it has drop bars so this one might be easier to reach and more comfortable.

 

[Dusty Bin]

Can I suggest NOT buying that? What budget do you have to spend?

 

[Claudia]

Why not? I was trying to don't go over the 300...

 

[Dusty Bin]

I'm sorry to say this, but it looks like a horrendous piece of junk with some seriously outdated kit on it. Why not look at something like the Triban 3 from Decathlon instead. That is just about within budget - but you will get a significantly better (and lighter) bike for it.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-road-bike-white-id_8239800.html

 

[vickster]

What he said ^^^ They have a good range of sizes too - go to Decathlon at Canada Water

 

[Claudia]

I won't argue about the kit, I'm sure you know more about it than me but I confess I love the looks of this one... Actually it was the first thing I fell for and then I asked my bf to look at the specs for me to make sure I wouldn't get another crappy bike. That btw was a btwin... But I'll ask him to have a look at this one too. Thanks

 

[Claudia]

Vickster, I go to canada water more often than I go to oxford circus shopping just haven't seen a lot that fits my budget, lately...

 

[Dusty Bin]

I won't argue about the kit, I'm sure you know more about it than me but I confess I love the looks of this one... Actually it was the first thing I fell for and then I asked my bf to look at the specs for me to make sure I wouldn't get another crappy bike. That btw was a btwin... But I'll ask him to have a look at this one too. Thanks

Did your BF say the Viking was ok? You should dump him...

 

[vickster]

You are very lucky - the only red Triban Decathlon has online is a 48cm... http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

Better than the white one which replaced it

 

[Claudia]

Aw. What's SO bad about this bike? I've been daydreaming about it, counting down the days until the next pay... This is heartbreaking! Lol

 

[vickster]

It's just made of rubbish old fashioned components made of cheese, and the frame of pig iron If it's just a hack to get through winter or until it gets half inched on the mean streets of London it may be ok...however, the Triban will last you a proper amount of time (but make sure you get some proper security - probably cost not far off a £100 if you plan to leave it anywhere)

The Viking has weird shifters on the handlebars for starters! It is a nice colour though

 

[Claudia]

I better drop Santa a letter to help me out here then...

 

[vickster]

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