Slightly small frame: can I get away with it?
01-03-21, 07:46 PM
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Slightly small frame: can I get away with it?
Hello friends, first post here. I'm looking to build a new road bike, and have been on the hunt for a frame. I usually ride something in the 19.5 inch, 49cm range (being all of 5'6" tall), but would like to know what range would be acceptable. Since I'm building from the frame up, I figure that if the frame is slightly small, I can compensate with the other components (correct me if I'm wrong). The frame I'm looking at is 17.5 inches: is this just looking for trouble, or can I make it work? Thanks
01-04-21, 05:15 AM
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Hello friends, first post here. I'm looking to build a new road bike, and have been on the hunt for a frame. I usually ride something in the 19.5 inch, 49cm range (being all of 5'6" tall), but would like to know what range would be acceptable. Since I'm building from the frame up, I figure that if the frame is slightly small, I can compensate with the other components (correct me if I'm wrong). The frame I'm looking at is 17.5 inches: is this just looking for trouble, or can I make it work? Thanks
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01-04-21, 12:54 PM
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I'm a short legged 5' 6-1/2" and ride a 52cm. Perfect fit. It's best to go by effective top tube length anyway, which is not how bikes are sized, unfortunately. Use the bike fit calculator: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/S...ulatorBike.jsp
and go by top tube.
and go by top tube.
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01-07-21, 08:03 AM
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if you are being paid to be fast, make the "race fit" work for you. if you want to have fun in a way that is not masochistic, get a frame that fits a normal person.
01-09-21, 10:19 PM
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The top tube length will have more of a different with fit than seat tube .
01-10-21, 12:18 AM
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So that would be what, a 44-45cm, essentially? Maybe if you've got really nubby legs. My wife is 5'6" and can comfortably ride a 54cm. The frame in question would likely be for someone under 5' tall.
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