wheysted

Hello all,

I am interested in purchasing a kilo TT, but I am stuck between sizes. I know this question is asked several times on this forum, and I have searched for previous posts, but their measurements are different from mine. Please be patient, as this is my first big bike purchase.

I am stuck between the 53cm(C-C)/548mm(TT) and the 55cm(C-C)/560mm(TT).

My TT measurements are between the 53cm frame and the 55cm frame. My CC and CT measurements are closer to the 55cm frame, but I heard when you're in between sizes for the TT, you're suppose to pick the smaller size.

UPDATED MEASUREMENTS!
My measurements are:
Actual Inseam: 33.5in
Trunk: 25.5in
Forearm: 14in
Arm: 27in
Thigh: 24in
Lower Leg: 21.5in
Sternal Notch: 60in
Total Height: 72in

Results from Competitive Cyclist for competitive fit:
Top Tube Length

56.1 - 56.5 Cm

Seat Tube Range CC

55.1 - 55.6 Cm

Seat Tube Range CT

56.8 - 57.3 Cm

Stem Length

11.8 - 12.4 Cm

BB Saddle Position

72.9 - 74.9 Cm

Saddle Handlebar

55.9 - 56.5 Cm

Saddle Setback

5.9 - 6.3 Cm

Seatpost Type

Not Setback

UPDATE: After remeasuring with leveling tools for more accuracy. It seems obvious that I need the 55cm bike frame since it matches my top tube measurements. Thanks everyone for their assistance!

Thank you for your time,
J


EDIT: Remeasured with more accuracy. Info updated!

wheysted

Here are some additional info from bikesdirect website:

Sizing:
(c-c = center to center seat tube, c-t = center to top, TT = top tube c-c)
44cm(c-c) = 47cm(c-t) fits most 4'11" to 5'2"
47cm(c-c) = 50cm(c-t) fits most 5'3" to 5'5"
50cm(c-c) = 53cm(c-t) fits most 5'6" to 5'8"
53cm(c-c) = 56cm(c-t) fits most 5'9" to 5'11"
55cm(c-c) = 58cm(c-t) fits most 6' to 6'2"
57cm(c-c) = 60cm(c-t) fits most 6'3" to 6'5"
60cm(c-c) = 63cm(c-t) fits most 6'6" to 6'8"
63cm(c-c) = 66cm(c-t) fits most 6'8" to 7'
(*estimated measurements of new size)

CharlyAlfaRomeo

Since you have short legs and a long torso ETT and standover height are the most important factors.

I'd say go for the 53 so you have enough standover room and use a 10 mm longer stem to make up the difference. You'll end up with a more adjustable, stiffer and nimbler bike that you won't crush your nuts on if you have to get your feet down.

FYI C-C just means center to center. When you're talking about the seat tube use the abbreviation ST.

What are the standover heights on those two frames?

Higher Class

assuming your measurements are 100% accurate, I would put you on a 53 with a long stem. You might want to re-take your inseam measurement, though. It can be tricky (JAM IT UP THERE).

Scrodzilla

I honestly can't believe these threads are still happening.

rms13

It's happening

kitteh

europa

We need a sticky called [h=3]¶¶¶¶¶PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Before asking a question on BIKE FIT, check this thread first.[/h]

To be fair though, the thread doesn't include the advice repeated about a gazillion times on this forum - when stuck between sizes, choose the smaller one.

wheysted

Thank you guys for the assistance!

I have read through the FAQ and the sizing thread, and have calculated my measurements through the website. I have compared my measurements with those who have posted threads before, but it is difficult to compare sizing because everyone is built differently. I was going to post in the Kilo TT thread, but it seems like they do not answer sizing questions and focus more on pics.

I am going to triple-check my measurements again, but it seems like everyone is recommending the 53cm bike instead.

Thanks again!

Wspsux

Ah, Brethren! I suffer the same. Let me ask you this, where are you riding? If you're riding in a city or urban environment where you'll spend lots of time hoipping on and off your bike at stop lights the stand over is important. When I was stuck between sizes, same sizes as you to be specific, I went with a 53(54) and threw on a long stem and bullhorns. Yea, youre going to show a lot of seat post but whatever.


Or i guess you could get a 55 and learn to track stand or something?

rms13

Or lean your bike when you are stopped.

Scrodzilla

This is some of the dumbest advice ever. How often do you actually find yourself standing over your bike with both feet on the ground, especially when stopped at a red light?

Learn how to ride a bike and you'll see how standover height doesn't matter at all.

Wspsux

pretty often. lots of lights in NYC

Scrodzilla

I don't care if there's a light every fifteen feet. My point is why the hell do you need to take both feet off the pedals when you come to a stop?

I literally don't think I've ever done that in my entire life.

Wspsux

I don't know, sometimes ya feel like a nut, sometimes ya don't.

Usually, to test my glucose levels, or get something out of my bag.

Occasionally, because I get the urge to river dance at lights.

However you're right, this is usually a one footed affair.

SquidPuppet

I am six foot tall as well, and I'd be willing to bet that this measurement is way off. I'm trying to be helpful, not confrontational. I have short to normal legs and a 56cm (c-c) bike is ridculously too small for me. I'd recommend retaking that measurement and sitting on/riding some bikes with known geometry before pulling the trigger on an internet purchase. Sending them back is a big hassle and worth avoiding.

prooftheory

Repeating the wisdom of the people here who actually know what they are talking about: remeasure but, 55. Standover height is meaningless. You can lean.

rms13

Taking both feet off the pedals at a stop light makes no sense. I ride in traffic in Los Angeles and I have to be ready to go as soon as the light turns or the line of cars behind me will plow me over. And riding with clipless pedals it makes even less sense. Not going to unclip both feet to stop at a light. And even if you are using straps then it makes no sense to take both out and have to try to get both in while moving in traffic. And if you are riding fixed without retention that's a whole other issue. Even if you are riding freewheel with no retention it still makes sense for safety's sake to to have your dominant leg foot on the pedal with the pedal at 10 o'clock waiting for the light so you can take off as soon as it turns

rms13

I'm 5'11" and my 54cm Cannondale fits me perfectly. Depends on the bike.

SquidPuppet

For sure. And the body. That's why I put ZERO faith in charts and calculators, and urge to OP to ride bikes with known TT and ST numbers. It'll make comparison shopping more meanigful.

wheysted

After seeing everyone's comments, I remeasured my inseam and it resulted in 33-33.5 inches. Previously, I only had the object lightly resting in between my legs, which resulted in a lower measurement. After wedging the object closer to my pelvis, I was able to get 33 inches.

On my old cheap road bike had a 33in standover number, and It fit fine. It was a little tight near the manhood, but nothing unbearable. I believe it was a 57cm sized bike.

I am going to remeasure all measurements when I can get someone to assist me.

Thank you all for your insights!

NormanF

Are you 5'7"? I'm the same height with 30" inseam. For small guys, go with the smaller frame size on a fixed gear. 52 cm sounds about right. You can go up to 54 cm if you feel comfortable on a bigger frame but I personally find small works better here.

NormanF

Scrod,

Small guys are always hard to fit to. It gets more complicated depending on whether the proportions of their extremities are long or short.

That's why these threads keep happening. What works for average men doesn't work when you happen to be under 6" tall.

NormanF

That is way too big for a small guy! It can work in a rough sense but it will never feel like that big a bike fits you. 57 cm is for a tall guy.

The standover height on that bike is virtually non-existent.

howeeee

I go big if I am between, I have 2 fixies one that is bigger than the other,,I feel more comfortable on a larger frame,,but that is not true for everyone.

I am 5'9 and I have a SE Lager 58 cm frame I like it much better than my 56cm frame Pure fix, just more comfortable.