Angeln007

So I am 5-10 im looking into getting a new bike and I found one that I like would riding a bike at 52 cm be bad?

Retro Grouch 

Not enough information. Since the days of sloping top tubes that question has gotten more complicated.

livedarklions

did you test ride it?

guachi

Without more information I'd say a 52 would be too small. Your can always test ride it.

My wife is 5' 6" and has a 52 cm bike. I'm 5' 10" and I can ride her bike no problem when it's hooked to the turbo trainer and I don't want to put my bike on.

It's not the best but it works.

Phil_gretz

Too little information provided to even evaluate the question. In all fairness, if you are 5'10" and have a modicum of computer literacy, and have a friend with whom you can make accurate body measurements, then you can use a Fit Calculator application to give you frame dimensions.

Rough guess might be 55-56 cm top tube and 56 cm seat tube for you. Get measured and do it right.

Wilfred Laurier

As above, sounds like it is possibly too small and therefore not a good purchase, but impossible to say for sure based on information given.

CyclingFever

Is there such a thing as a perfect fit on a bike? lol

LS1BadBird

For what it's worth based on the info, I'm 6-1 and a 58 fits me like a glove.

BirdsBikeBinocs

The 52cm bike is too small for you. You'll be sticking your knees up into the curled bars. Not good. Especially when you come up off the saddle to pedal.

teejaywhy

Maybe not but there certainly is such a thing as a bad fit.

fietsbob

Walk into a proper bike shop and try on bikes in person.. take test rides

NB: they may require holding a legal ID before letting you ride one .



I'm 5'10" I have a variety of bikes the way they measure them varies ..

road/ touring frames with a horizontal top tube I have a 56, 57 & a 58..


Sloping top tube ? question is how much slope.. in person stand-over is best,,

CyclingFever

True that.

BobKl

to make sure geometry of bike fits your dimensions.

imakecircles

First, go to several bike stores and test ride several bikes for different riding styles you may be interested in, like cruisers, mountain, and road bikes, noting costs and sizes of what’s available as well as what feels right for you. Then shop around for a bike in a size and style that suits you whether it be with those bike shops or craigslist/whatever else.

mrt2you

a 52 might be a little small for you. the biggest difference maker is how long are your legs?
i an 5'10" with short legs at 30" inseam. i fit perfectly on my specialized roubaix 54 framed bikes. the seat post sticks out a little over 3 ". i also like riding more upright so i have a 15* rise stem.
you could probably make it work for you with the proper mods.
another thing to consider is the price. will the cost of the mods make the price higher then a proper size bike without mods? also is it priced right so if you find you really don't like it and can sell it easily without loosing to much $$$.
also what type of bike is it? road, hybrid? and how will you be riding it?
the most important thing is test ride it for more than around 1 block. if you are comfortable riding it then buy it.

as others have posted. do some online research on sizing charts in the type of bikes you are interested in. different style bikes have different geometry. more knowledge will help you narrow down what you are looking for.