Ok, I'm a rather short guy (5'6"😉 and I am about to buy a new bike. It's a lot of money (for me) and I want to make sure I get everything right. The bike I am getting comes in a 48cm and a 52cm framesize. I stood over both and they are close though I (obviously) have more play with the 48cm frame. The 52cm frame has about 1/2in. of distance when lifted to the top of my crotch and the 48cm has about 1.5in.
...and entered my measurements. The results said that I should have a 51cm (C-T) or 50cm (C-C) which this bike does not even come in. This is a big purchase and I'd like to make sure I'm getting exactly what I need. I could use some advice. Thanks everyone!
Ok, I'm a rather short guy (5'6"😉 and I am about to buy a new bike. It's a lot of money (for me) and I want to make sure I get everything right. The bike I am getting comes in a 48cm and a 52cm framesize. I stood over both and they are close though I (obviously) have more play with the 48cm frame. The 52cm frame has about 1/2in. of distance when lifted to the top of my crotch and the 48cm has about 1.5in.
...and entered my measurements. The results said that I should have a 51cm (C-T) or 50cm (C-C) which this bike does not even come in. This is a big purchase and I'd like to make sure I'm getting exactly what I need. I could use some advice. Thanks everyone!
I would pay particular attention to the effective top tube length on the two sizes; and tend towards the size that gives a better fit with a reasonable (say 90-120mm) length of stem. The best fit will vary considerably for the same height individual depending on their relative leg/torso proportions.
I would pay particular attention to the effective top tube length on the two sizes; and tend towards the size that gives a better fit with a reasonable (say 90-120mm) length of stem. The best fit will vary considerably for the same height individual depending on their relative leg/torso proportions.
Thanks for the advice! I went by the LBS earlier and they measured me on the bike. They said that, leaning over, my nose should come to beginning of the stem. Does that sound right? I had heard that it should be over the handlebars themselves. Or perhaps I am mistaken in my recollection?
BTW... sorry for all the "newbie" type questions but I am totally new to cycling. I go out once or twice a week for 30 miles averaging 15-15.5mph on a crappy bike. I'm just reluctant to take the salesman's word for something without a consensus from others "in the know". Thanks again!!
Thanks for the advice! I went by the LBS earlier and they measured me on the bike. They said that, leaning over, my nose should come to beginning of the stem. Does that sound right? I had heard that it should be over the handlebars themselves. Or perhaps I am mistaken in my recollection?
BTW... sorry for all the "newbie" type questions but I am totally new to cycling. I go out once or twice a week for 30 miles averaging 15-15.5mph on a crappy bike. I'm just reluctant to take the salesman's word for something without a consensus from others "in the know". Thanks again!!
This will vary somewhat depending on the posture (flatness of back and forward reach). I find with most people that initially doing it by reach measurements is a little more consistent than by sight. FWIW I have usually ended up with setup where the horizontal top of the handlebars eclipses the axle of the front wheel when I am looking down in the drops; but this can change even with the variations in reach/drop/bend of the bars
