How flexible are C&V hunters regarding frame size?
08-12-11, 08:41 AM
#26
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I'm glad this topic was broached because I've been uncertain whether I really "can" ride a bike too small for me. The charts say I need 60-62 cm, but those are rare at yard sales. My Pinarello is a 58, but I can't see letting it go just because it's a little small. The two bikes I ride the most, my Suburban and my Peugeot, are too small at 23", but I ride 'em anyway.
08-12-11, 08:46 AM
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55 to 57 usually, most of my bikes are 55. I keep hanging onto my 52cm Waterford Paramount, hoping it will grow a bit. And I rode a 53 for a long time, so I am close...
To the above, my last garage sale find was a 62cm Cannondale, beautiful bike, $40. Needed a new bb and the typical cleanup. Picked it up at 10:30AM, couldn't believe it was still available (neighborhood garage sale, and it was mobbed). I put my hands on that bike FAST!!
To the above, my last garage sale find was a 62cm Cannondale, beautiful bike, $40. Needed a new bb and the typical cleanup. Picked it up at 10:30AM, couldn't believe it was still available (neighborhood garage sale, and it was mobbed). I put my hands on that bike FAST!!
Last edited by wrk101; 08-12-11 at 08:50 AM.
08-12-11, 08:47 AM
#28
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I don't have a great concern for the ST length...but...I always keep the TT in the 56.5-58 range (57 being ideal).
STA is important as well...a slack angle and a longer TT will work...The Calfee I just bought has a 58.3 TT but has a 72.5 deg STA...the frame is marked as a '60'.
As I have refined my fit I pay more attention to setback and front center so that I get good knee position and avoid major toe overlap as well...
STA is important as well...a slack angle and a longer TT will work...The Calfee I just bought has a 58.3 TT but has a 72.5 deg STA...the frame is marked as a '60'.
As I have refined my fit I pay more attention to setback and front center so that I get good knee position and avoid major toe overlap as well...
08-12-11, 08:50 AM
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I bring a measuring tape and look for a top tube length of 57-58cm.
I don't even bother measuring the seat tube most of the time.
I don't even bother measuring the seat tube most of the time.
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08-12-11, 09:46 AM
#30
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On traditional horizontal TT frames, my 'correct' size is 53/54, but I can ride 52 to 56. The 52 looks better, but the bar is a little low. Most comfortable is probably a 55.
08-12-11, 11:21 AM
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I have a short inseam with long arms which reduces my options. I don't look at any bike without a 53-54 seat tube and build them to fit with stem length. A 52 cm ST requires too long of a stem and 55 cm ST's require the seat low and rule out aero seatposts.
08-12-11, 11:53 AM
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This describes my range as well. The 58 puts my privates just in contact with the top bar. Less than 54 and it feels less stable to me with the longer stem and raised seat.
08-12-11, 12:02 PM
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I fit best on something around 58, but I've ridden my 63 (measured) far enough to consider it comfortable.
08-12-11, 12:36 PM
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08-12-11, 01:02 PM
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The SMALLEST bike I can ride for shorter distances is the one specified for me on the Internet sizing charts.
My preferred size is 5 or 6cm larger, but I'm OK with one even a little larger than that.
My preferred size is 5 or 6cm larger, but I'm OK with one even a little larger than that.
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08-12-11, 01:22 PM
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55cm to 61cm (reach is important on the 61's, some I can't ride because the top tube is just too long, others are fine). Ideal size for me is 56-57cm. Not worried about stand over, or banging 'the boys' on the top tube, you can always lean it sideways when you stop.
08-12-11, 01:30 PM
#38
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I'm not very flexible with frame size any more. I used to be, and it taught me that I am at home on a 55cm square bike, measured c-c.
Side benefit - If I bought every nice 54-57 cm bike that came along I'd be living under the freeway by now, so being specific helps keep the fleet manageable.
Side benefit - If I bought every nice 54-57 cm bike that came along I'd be living under the freeway by now, so being specific helps keep the fleet manageable.
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08-12-11, 01:33 PM
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08-12-11, 01:36 PM
#40
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Delighted to see such a response! And I'll be more delighted when I show it to the bunch of clowns I ride with. Completely agree with everyone here; there's so much more to a proper fit than just the ST size. A stem can change it all.
08-12-11, 01:50 PM
#41
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If I buy something that doesn't fit it's a great incentive to flip it, and thereby add funds to the bike kitty.
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08-12-11, 02:16 PM
#42
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I'm not worried about smashing my testicles against the top tube. It never happens to me. If I have to make a panic stop, I tip the bike over to the side.
My ideal size is 56cm, and I've had bikes ranging from 54 to 58cm. I had a Surly Cross Check in 58cm, but that was effectively bigger because the seat tube extends above the top tube. I also had to install an extra short stem, so it seemed like I was pushing my luck. I have to admit I was perfectly comfortable, but I traded that frame. I now have a 54cm Cross Check, but I haven't built it into a bike yet.
My ideal size is 56cm, and I've had bikes ranging from 54 to 58cm. I had a Surly Cross Check in 58cm, but that was effectively bigger because the seat tube extends above the top tube. I also had to install an extra short stem, so it seemed like I was pushing my luck. I have to admit I was perfectly comfortable, but I traded that frame. I now have a 54cm Cross Check, but I haven't built it into a bike yet.
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Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
