New rider
08-30-17, 05:26 AM
#2
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Sorry .... there is no bike that will fit you. Better take up the piano or something.
No, seriously ... there is no size of bike that will fit you because Every bike is a different size. I'd say generally a 58-cm frame, but some 58s will be way too long and some way too cramped, and some 56s perfect and some tiny ....
Every single bike frame has slightly different geometry, and often that geometry changes as the sizes for a specific model change---so you might ride a 56 of one bike, and think, "If it were just a little longer ..." but the 58 has a different head- and top-tube length and head-tube angle and fits your body completely differently.
Then, of course, every body is different. Are your legs proportionally shorter or longer than your arms for your height? Some have long arms, long legs or long torsos .... or, some parts are long and others short. Not everyone can wear the same size clothing even if they are the same height.
How flexible are you? What style of riding do you like? it takes a lot of core strength to be comfortable laid out like a Tour de France pro rider, but for riders who are fit enough, some find it very comfortable. If you get a bike designed to be ridden in that posture, you might never be really comfortable ... but if you get a bike designed to be ridden more upright, you might never be able to get into that low, long posture you really want.
This tool (https://www.competitivecyclist.com/S...ulatorBike.jsp) can Help you get some idea of your proportions and what Might fit. Some folks have really good results---some get ridiculous responses. It is just a specialized calculator... it can't see what you look like and can't tell how you ride. I have had great results, so I recommend it, but with a warning.
Generally ... start looking at bikes in 56- to 58-cm frame size. That will usually mean a top tube (or an effective top tube, or a virtual seat tube (see the problems multiplying already?)) of about 56- 58 cm. Most bike shop employees will probably stick you on a 58 if you are about six feet tall.
Remember a couple things .... how a bike feels in a store, how it feels on a five minute test ride, and how it feels after two hours are all very different. Also, the more you ride, the more you will develop the specific muscles which make riding more comfortable.
Your best bet is to ride as many different bikes as possible in a specific price range/component level, and picking the one which feels best.
Also, if you are brand new to cycling and not sure how committed you might be .... don't buy the $1500 bike. Get the $500 bike or, if you have any bike-savvy friends, help them pick out a used bike.
Two possibilities: One, you won't really like riding, won't do it enough to make it feel good, and will sell the bike for a huge loss in a few years when you get tired of stepping over it in the garage;
or
You will love riding, and will ride regularly, and in a year will know what kind of bike would really suit you and make riding even more of a joy---and at that point, you don't want to be stuck with an expensive "wrong" bike which you cannot afford to replace with the right one.
As for the size though .... look at 56- and 58-cm frames first.
No, seriously ... there is no size of bike that will fit you because Every bike is a different size. I'd say generally a 58-cm frame, but some 58s will be way too long and some way too cramped, and some 56s perfect and some tiny ....
Every single bike frame has slightly different geometry, and often that geometry changes as the sizes for a specific model change---so you might ride a 56 of one bike, and think, "If it were just a little longer ..." but the 58 has a different head- and top-tube length and head-tube angle and fits your body completely differently.
Then, of course, every body is different. Are your legs proportionally shorter or longer than your arms for your height? Some have long arms, long legs or long torsos .... or, some parts are long and others short. Not everyone can wear the same size clothing even if they are the same height.
How flexible are you? What style of riding do you like? it takes a lot of core strength to be comfortable laid out like a Tour de France pro rider, but for riders who are fit enough, some find it very comfortable. If you get a bike designed to be ridden in that posture, you might never be really comfortable ... but if you get a bike designed to be ridden more upright, you might never be able to get into that low, long posture you really want.
This tool (https://www.competitivecyclist.com/S...ulatorBike.jsp) can Help you get some idea of your proportions and what Might fit. Some folks have really good results---some get ridiculous responses. It is just a specialized calculator... it can't see what you look like and can't tell how you ride. I have had great results, so I recommend it, but with a warning.
Generally ... start looking at bikes in 56- to 58-cm frame size. That will usually mean a top tube (or an effective top tube, or a virtual seat tube (see the problems multiplying already?)) of about 56- 58 cm. Most bike shop employees will probably stick you on a 58 if you are about six feet tall.
Remember a couple things .... how a bike feels in a store, how it feels on a five minute test ride, and how it feels after two hours are all very different. Also, the more you ride, the more you will develop the specific muscles which make riding more comfortable.
Your best bet is to ride as many different bikes as possible in a specific price range/component level, and picking the one which feels best.
Also, if you are brand new to cycling and not sure how committed you might be .... don't buy the $1500 bike. Get the $500 bike or, if you have any bike-savvy friends, help them pick out a used bike.
Two possibilities: One, you won't really like riding, won't do it enough to make it feel good, and will sell the bike for a huge loss in a few years when you get tired of stepping over it in the garage;
or
You will love riding, and will ride regularly, and in a year will know what kind of bike would really suit you and make riding even more of a joy---and at that point, you don't want to be stuck with an expensive "wrong" bike which you cannot afford to replace with the right one.
As for the size though .... look at 56- and 58-cm frames first.
08-30-17, 05:53 AM
#3
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As Maelochs said, probably something like a 58. But, there are other dimensions that need to be considered, such as inseam and reach. If you are buying from an LBS try to find one that will give you a basic fit before choosing a bike. If you're buying on-line that Competitive Cyclist site is good. Be aware that you can probably fit in a range of sizes. I am 5'9" (thanks to age) with a 32" inseam and I can ride from 54-58. Of course stem length changes with the extreme sizes. Back in the day you would measure your inseam wearing only socks, convert to cm and multiply that number by .667 and you'd be in the ballpark. Different these day due to sloping TT.
08-30-17, 06:19 AM
#4
Senior Member
Test the 58 and 60 and see which one you like. Get a fitting done.
