Bicycle sizing
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Bicycle sizing
I am interested in a hybrid bike (GT Tachyon 3.0, Fuji Absolute 2.0, Diamondback Insight 3). I would have to get it online, so I would not be able to try it out. I am 6'2" with a 34.5" inseam. Should I go with the 21" frame or 23". thank you
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The Tachyon lists the standover heights of their bikes under the geometry tab. Deduct an inch from your inseam standing flat-footed (with shoes, assuming that you'll be riding with shoes on), to get close to what your approximate standover height should be. I'd look at the specs pages for the other two bikes as well. This will be a good starting point.
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I wouldn't buy a bike if I couldn't make sure it fit me. The problem isn't just stand-over height, it's that the larger frame will put the handlebars further forward, making you reach further, which could be a good or bad thing depending on how long your arms and legs are, and other stuff like that.
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The 23" inch bike might be a bit on the small size.
Based on your current knowledge of sizing, it would be advisable to check out some bike shops. They will at least give you an indication of proper sizing. Some of them may give you a quick bike fit.
Personally, I think I'd skip buying a bike on the Internet unless I was very sure of what I wanted. That, and the fact that in the long run, the bike shop will probably be a bit cheaper and provide you with a much more useful product that fits you.
Based on your current knowledge of sizing, it would be advisable to check out some bike shops. They will at least give you an indication of proper sizing. Some of them may give you a quick bike fit.
Personally, I think I'd skip buying a bike on the Internet unless I was very sure of what I wanted. That, and the fact that in the long run, the bike shop will probably be a bit cheaper and provide you with a much more useful product that fits you.
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I wouldn't buy a bike if I couldn't make sure it fit me. The problem isn't just stand-over height, it's that the larger frame will put the handlebars further forward, making you reach further, which could be a good or bad thing depending on how long your arms and legs are, and other stuff like that.
X2. Stop in a couple of bike shops and take one or two for a ride. A decent bike shop shouldn't even sell you a bike unless you ride it. That will give you an idea of the size and geometry that fits you. A larger size (even if it has a sloping top tube) will sometimes have a longer top tube as well. You are looking for the geometry that fits you...not just the c-c measurements. Not all bikes with a 54CM C-C will ride the same.
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thanks guys. I found out there was a near by Performance bike store by my house which has the GT, Fuji, and Scattante, so I will go there and try them out.
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They may have a Diamondback with a similar frame so see if you can that ride too.
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With sloping tube designs, standover is not the issue, length or reach is the deciding factor. Try both sizes if you can.