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How to measure bike size?

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Old 06-19-19, 03:14 PM
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The 585
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How to measure bike size?

The Surly Pacer road bike I purchased was advertised on craigslist as a size 54. However, underneath the crank next to the serial number, "PACER-52" is embossed into the frame, which made me think it's actually a size 52.

The measurement from the crank to the END of the seat tube (where it becomes the seat post) is 54 cm. The measurement from the crank to the center of the top tube is 52 cm. Which is the proper measurement to tell the size of a road bike? Thanks in advance!
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Old 06-19-19, 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by The 585
The Surly Pacer road bike I purchased was advertised on craigslist as a size 54. However, underneath the crank next to the serial number, "PACER-52" is embossed into the frame, which made me think it's actually a size 52.

The measurement from the crank to the END of the seat tube (where it becomes the seat post) is 54 cm. The measurement from the crank to the center of the top tube is 52 cm. Which is the proper measurement to tell the size of a road bike? Thanks in advance!
Most use center to center measurements of the seat tube and top tube. Measure from the center of the crank/bottom bracket to the center of the intersection with the top tube. Measure top tube from center of head tube intersection to center of seat tube intersection.
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Old 06-19-19, 05:33 PM
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Check the geometry chart and compare your measurements to it. Should be easy to find on Surly's website.
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Old 06-19-19, 06:01 PM
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Thanks guys. I found the geometry chart for this bike: https://www.bicycleroots.com/media/c...469136680.jpeg

Looks like the "seat tube length (center-top)" is 540.0 for the 54cm bike. Which confirms what I measured. Then why would it have "Pacer-52" embossed near the serial number? lol!
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Old 06-19-19, 06:09 PM
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Because it’s 52 cm measured center to center?

Read Sheldon’s write up of frame sizing:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html
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Old 06-19-19, 09:27 PM
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What's the top tube measurement?
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Old 06-19-19, 11:02 PM
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Originally Posted by The 585
Thanks guys. I found the geometry chart for this bike: https://www.bicycleroots.com/media/c...469136680.jpeg

Looks like the "seat tube length (center-top)" is 540.0 for the 54cm bike. Which confirms what I measured. Then why would it have "Pacer-52" embossed near the serial number? lol!
Surly measures the seat tube to the top of the top tube, not where the seat tube ends. Like this:

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Old 06-20-19, 06:02 AM
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Originally Posted by seau grateau
Check the geometry chart and compare your measurements to it. Should be easy to find on Surly's website.
Measure the HEADTUBE and compare it to manufacturer’s geo chart. When trying to determine frame size, I find that is the easiest measurement to take accurately. If 2 diff frame sizes have same HT lengths (somewhat rare) then I start taking other measurements...
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Old 06-20-19, 06:20 AM
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Ever since sloping TTs came into existence, people have been confused about frame size. I measure C to C using "virtual" points and that works for me. My latest bike is a CAAD 12 in size 52. My ideal size is 54-55. I measured virtually and my 52 is actually a 54 and fits me perfectly.
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Old 06-23-19, 04:20 AM
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Originally Posted by bruce19
Ever since sloping TTs came into existence, people have been confused about frame size. I measure C to C using "virtual" points and that works for me. My latest bike is a CAAD 12 in size 52. My ideal size is 54-55. I measured virtually and my 52 is actually a 54 and fits me perfectly.
Quite true. Most bikes now are sold as S-M-L-XL, like basic clothing! I was thinking the Pacer had a conventional diamond frame.
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