Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Touring
Reload this Page >

Help to choose surly LHT frame size

Notices
Touring Have a dream to ride a bike across your state, across the country, or around the world? Self-contained or fully supported? Trade ideas, adventures, and more in our bicycle touring forum.

Help to choose surly LHT frame size

Old 05-09-17, 06:32 AM
  #1  
dark5511
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Help to choose surly LHT frame size

Hi all!
I am from Russia and here no any LBS which can sell or order or help with surly frameset.
I have a height of 176cm, weight 79kg and an inseam parameter of 81cm.
Because before I did not really bother with the choice of a bicycle and frame size, now I have a problems with the definition of a frame sizing.
I tried to select a frame using the Competitive Cyclist Fit Calculator and it suggest me next frame parameters:
The French Fit (cm)
Seat Tube Range c–c:
Seat Tube Range c–t:
Top Tube Length:
Stem Length:
BB–Saddle Position:
Saddle Handlebar:
Saddle Setback:55.4 - 55.8 cm
57 - 57.5 cm
54 - 54.4 cm
9.8 - 10.4 cm
66.8 - 68.8 cm
53.5 - 54.1 cm
5.3 - 5.7 cm












The calculator advises me a frame with ETTL 540-544 mm which сorresponds to 52cm frame size with 26'' wheels.
I want to try the 700c wheels but I don't know if these wheels better than 26''.
There is also the difficulty with these wheels, because the minimum frame size on the 700c wheels is 56cm with a standover of 81.19cm, which is more than my inseam parameter.
And based on the calculator result, I should choose either 52 or 54 size on 26 '' wheels.
Does it matter if I will use butterfly/trekking handlebar?
So the question is which frame size will be best for me? 52cm, 54cm or 56cm with 700c wheels?

I stopped on surly because it is cheaper frameset then other, but if you suggest something another I will consider it)
dark5511 is offline  
Old 05-09-17, 06:29 PM
  #2  
cb400bill
Forum Moderator
 
cb400bill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 21,292

Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista

Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3054 Post(s)
Liked 6,319 Times in 3,658 Posts
Bump for thread that got caught in the machine.
cb400bill is offline  
Old 05-09-17, 10:35 PM
  #3  
DropBarFan
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150

Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times in 43 Posts
I'm 180 cm height, bought the 56 cm 26"/559mm wheel Trucker, standover is OK but 54cm frame would have given option to use a suspension seat post. For your 176cm height the 52cm/26" wheel might work best?
DropBarFan is offline  
Old 05-09-17, 11:18 PM
  #4  
bwgride
Slow Rider
 
bwgride's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Georgia, USA
Posts: 1,043
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 38 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Either 52 or 54cm should work.

Some user inputs on size with scatterplot showing relation between height and frame size
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...GQ/edit#gid=23

second sheet with height and frame size with comments
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...BGQ/edit#gid=0

Another thread with similar information
https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/53...l-trucker.html
bwgride is offline  
Old 05-09-17, 11:36 PM
  #5  
GamblerGORD53
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Elevation 666m Edmonton Canada
Posts: 2,445

Bikes: 2013 Custom SA5w / Rohloff Tourster

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1217 Post(s)
Liked 311 Times in 238 Posts
Get the 56. No doubt.
FAR too many get an LHT too small and end up with ridiculously jacked up steer tube spacers
If you don't believe me, go thru all the loaded tour bike pics thread.
GamblerGORD53 is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 07:01 AM
  #6  
mstateglfr 
Sunshine
 
mstateglfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,506

Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10873 Post(s)
Liked 7,354 Times in 4,125 Posts
Originally Posted by GamblerGORD53
Get the 56. No doubt.
FAR too many get an LHT too small and end up with ridiculously jacked up steer tube spacers
If you don't believe me, go thru all the loaded tour bike pics thread.
To be fair to all those riding comically small frames, Surly also has a serious problem with designing frames which have short headtubes.
What you say may(and probably) have some truth, but their road frames at least are hurting for more headtube height in a bad way.
mstateglfr is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 07:07 AM
  #7  
mstateglfr 
Sunshine
 
mstateglfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,506

Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10873 Post(s)
Liked 7,354 Times in 4,125 Posts
Originally Posted by dark5511
I am from Russia and here no any LBS which can sell or order or help with surly frameset.
Are you able to import one and if so, is it from Europe only?
...curious about how this all works from your side of the border.
mstateglfr is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 07:38 AM
  #8  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
Ride a bike, measure its dimensions, then decide if its a good size in comparison to the one you cannot test ride.
fietsbob is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 08:43 AM
  #9  
kabt53
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 34

Bikes: Hardtail MTB, dropbar commuter

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm almost the same size as you, and have been shopping around for bikes recently.
If you are set on the LHT, just buy the 52cm size with 26in wheels and then make adjustments with stem and handlebar height. When you order, see if you can get them to send it to you with the fork steerer uncut.
kabt53 is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 11:09 AM
  #10  
phughes
Senior Member
 
phughes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,026
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1008 Post(s)
Liked 1,232 Times in 711 Posts
Originally Posted by dark5511
Hi all!
I am from Russia and here no any LBS which can sell or order or help with surly frameset.
I have a height of 176cm, weight 79kg and an inseam parameter of 81cm.
Because before I did not really bother with the choice of a bicycle and frame size, now I have a problems with the definition of a frame sizing.
I tried to select a frame using the Competitive Cyclist Fit Calculator and it suggest me next frame parameters:
The French Fit (cm)
Seat Tube Range c–c:
Seat Tube Range c–t:
Top Tube Length:
Stem Length:
BB–Saddle Position:
Saddle Handlebar:
Saddle Setback:55.4 - 55.8 cm
57 - 57.5 cm
54 - 54.4 cm
9.8 - 10.4 cm
66.8 - 68.8 cm
53.5 - 54.1 cm
5.3 - 5.7 cm












The calculator advises me a frame with ETTL 540-544 mm which сorresponds to 52cm frame size with 26'' wheels.
I want to try the 700c wheels but I don't know if these wheels better than 26''.
There is also the difficulty with these wheels, because the minimum frame size on the 700c wheels is 56cm with a standover of 81.19cm, which is more than my inseam parameter.
And based on the calculator result, I should choose either 52 or 54 size on 26 '' wheels.
Does it matter if I will use butterfly/trekking handlebar?
So the question is which frame size will be best for me? 52cm, 54cm or 56cm with 700c wheels?

I stopped on surly because it is cheaper frameset then other, but if you suggest something another I will consider it)
Personally I would stick with 26 inch rims. You will have toe overlap issues with 700s. Yes, you could deal with it, but why would you want to? I have a 56 LHT and chose the 26 inch rims. I love it.
phughes is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 12:34 PM
  #11  
jonc123
Ozark Hillbilly
 
jonc123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Show Me State
Posts: 680

Bikes: Long Haul Trucker

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 136 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
"Does it matter if I will use butterfly/trekking handlebar?"

I would think so, if the hand positions your using on the bars most often get you too far upright or stretched out too far. I've only used dropbars on mine so I won't be of much help. I'm sure a few people have converted from dropbars to your choices.
jonc123 is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 12:35 PM
  #12  
dark5511
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Oh! Thanks for all your replies!
I asked the same question in russian forums recently and nobody answered to me yet)
Here in Russia people more like offroad touring and usually they disscuss about surly troll, ogre, ecr frames or other frames with similar geometry.
Your answers is really helpful for me, especially spreadsheet.
Today I remeasured inseam parameter more accurate and it increased to 83cm.
So I think I should try to find either 54cm or 56cm 700c surly DT frames.
Also I read today about Soma saga dc frame which has 54cm 700c size and I think it also can be suitable for me.
I will looking a little bit larger frames than fit calculator suggested me, because I will use trekking/butterfly bar which a little bit closer to me than other bars (dropbar or flatbar).

So my next step is to find dealers who are ready to send frame to Russia.
dark5511 is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 12:53 PM
  #13  
dark5511
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mstateglfr
Are you able to import one and if so, is it from Europe only?
...curious about how this all works from your side of the border.
Thanks for question. This is a good theme for discussion)
For USA I can use some shipping services which gives their domestic addresses where I can ship purchases and for additional cost they will send my purchases to Russia.
It is very convenient if the right thing is not saled in Russia. And sometimes it cheaper than buy the same things directly in Russia.
But in my current case those shipping services сan refuse me because of the size of the shipment.
So at first I will ask dealers/sellers ship frame directly to Russia.

And you are right - several europe bikeshops can ship frames directly to Russia. I will check them also.
dark5511 is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 02:10 PM
  #14  
robow
Senior Member
 
robow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,857
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 595 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times in 188 Posts
Fwiw,I would go 54 if 26in.or 56 if I had to have a 700c wheel.
robow is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 02:14 PM
  #15  
dark5511
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mstateglfr
Are you able to import one and if so, is it from Europe only?
...curious about how this all works from your side of the border.
Thanks for question. This is a good theme for discussion)
For USA I can use some shipping services which gives their domestic addresses where I can ship purchases and for additional cost they will send my purchases to Russia.
It is very convenient if the right thing is not saled in Russia. And sometimes it cheaper than buy the same things directly in Russia.
But in my current case those shipping services сan refuse me because of the size of the shipment.
So at first I will ask dealers/sellers ship frame directly to Russia.

And you are right - several europe bikeshops can ship frames directly to Russia. I will check them also.
dark5511 is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 02:47 PM
  #16  
Doug64
Senior Member
 
Doug64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,481
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1181 Post(s)
Liked 822 Times in 430 Posts
I'm 183 cm in height, and ride a 58 cm LHT (700c). Not a perfect fit but with a little shorter stem it feels pretty good. My legs are disproportionately longer than my torso, so the long top tubes on the LHTs are not optimum for me. I would think the 56 cm bike would work for you.
Doug64 is offline  
Old 05-10-17, 10:33 PM
  #17  
DropBarFan
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150

Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times in 43 Posts
Originally Posted by GamblerGORD53
Get the 56. No doubt.
FAR too many get an LHT too small and end up with ridiculously jacked up steer tube spacers
If you don't believe me, go thru all the loaded tour bike pics thread.
Yes, on my 56 cm/559 mm Disc Trucker I have at least 5 cm spacers but stem is fairly short. Truckers have long top tubes, with shorter frame one can use a longer stem. Shorter frame might allow use of a suspension seat-post for those rough Russian roads?
DropBarFan is offline  
Old 05-11-17, 06:53 AM
  #18  
phughes
Senior Member
 
phughes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,026
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1008 Post(s)
Liked 1,232 Times in 711 Posts
Originally Posted by dark5511
Oh! Thanks for all your replies!
I asked the same question in russian forums recently and nobody answered to me yet)
Here in Russia people more like offroad touring and usually they disscuss about surly troll, ogre, ecr frames or other frames with similar geometry.
Your answers is really helpful for me, especially spreadsheet.
Today I remeasured inseam parameter more accurate and it increased to 83cm.
So I think I should try to find either 54cm or 56cm 700c surly DT frames.
Also I read today about Soma saga dc frame which has 54cm 700c size and I think it also can be suitable for me.
I will looking a little bit larger frames than fit calculator suggested me, because I will use trekking/butterfly bar which a little bit closer to me than other bars (dropbar or flatbar).

So my next step is to find dealers who are ready to send frame to Russia.
I am about 179cm and ride a 56. I could ride a 54. I think you would be safe getting the 54. As I said before, I prefer the 26 inch wheels. I wouldn't give the wheel size too much thought. Buy the bike that fits.
phughes is offline  
Old 05-11-17, 07:00 AM
  #19  
Trevtassie
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Down Under
Posts: 1,936

Bikes: A steel framed 26" off road tourer from a manufacturer who thinks they are cool. Giant Anthem. Trek 720 Multiroad pub bike. 10 kids bikes all under 20". Assorted waifs and unfinished projects.

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1188 Post(s)
Liked 1,154 Times in 640 Posts
Another option if you want 26" wheels and trekking bars would be the Intec from Bike24 in Germany. More in the style of the Troll, but much cheaper than that or the LHT.
Some other bars to consider would be the Velo Orange Crazy bars. I recently switched from Butterflies to them, and find them nicer...
Trevtassie is offline  
Old 05-11-17, 09:55 PM
  #20  
DropBarFan
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150

Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times in 43 Posts
Bike24 German trekking bikes have more standard features & options & better prices than Surly or other US companies. Russian roads are reputedly bumpy, several German trekking bikes come with suspension forks that might be more comfortable & perhaps even more efficient than 26"-wheel Trucker with fat tires. Plus the German bikes come with flat bars so switching to butterfly bars would probably be fairly easy.
DropBarFan is offline  
Old 05-12-17, 05:13 AM
  #21  
gif4445
Senior Member
 
gif4445's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kearney NE
Posts: 598

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Specialized Diverge, Volagi Liscio, LHT, Trek 1.2

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 141 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times in 32 Posts
I am your height and own an 56 cm LHT. Could have gone with the 54, but wanted the 700 wheels. No regrets.
gif4445 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MasterDwarf
Road Cycling
20
08-25-15 09:34 AM
bikecommuter13
Fitting Your Bike
11
01-12-15 09:04 PM
Bike4Hunter
Fitting Your Bike
24
09-05-14 02:08 PM
wheysted
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
29
05-25-14 03:49 PM
mariachi
Road Cycling
8
05-26-13 05:35 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.