size of bike / wheels??

Brian, to use an extreme to make a point, thats like saying I'm a
blonde will the bike fit me? What matters is your dimensions esp. leg
length and length from waist to shoulders and arm length when it comes
to will the bike fit you. You can make lots of alterations that effect
fit, such as saddle height, bar stem length, bat width etc. but you can
also destablise a bike through bad fit.

That said, 650c wheels might work out fine! I'm in the same dimensions
as you(6'2, 205lbs), I've got a Cannondale TT bike with Spinergy X3
650c wheels and they work fine. I came 5th at a couple of events this
year and my running is cr*p ergo the bike must have been much better.
The Cannondale is a 56cm frame but has a long stem.

My climbing stinks too and this is one area in which 650c wheels can
gain, built properly, then should flex less when going up hill as they
are shorter spokes, they also turn marginally quicker which helps you
keep up the pace. You can still get a good supply of 650c tubs, tyres,
and tubes from ebay although few local bike shops stock 650c these
days.

If the bike is a good price and its what you want you'll just have to
take a risk and buy it, on the basis that if it doesn't work out you
can always sell it on for a similar price. You then get to get help
from a good bike shop on bike fit, cost around $50 and maybe a new stem
etc.

You can see my Cannondale here, the 650c is the lower of the two and
they are both 56cm frames. I'm a 33" inside leg. Anyone else is invited
to help me decide on the artwork for my apartment using the same link!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/triman/#item44523

I should say though that I use a 58cm road bike with 700c wheels.

++Mark.

Brian, to use an extreme to make a point, thats like saying I'm a
blonde will the bike fit me? What matters is your dimensions esp. leg
length and length from waist to shoulders and arm length when it comes
to will the bike fit you. You can make lots of alterations that effect
fit, such as saddle height, bar stem length, bat width etc. but you can
also destablise a bike through bad fit.

That said, 650c wheels might work out fine! I'm in the same dimensions
as you(6'2, 205lbs), I've got a Cannondale TT bike with Spinergy X3
650c wheels and they work fine. I came 5th at a couple of events this
year and my running is cr*p ergo the bike must have been much better.
The Cannondale is a 56cm frame but has a long stem.

My climbing stinks too and this is one area in which 650c wheels can
gain, built properly, then should flex less when going up hill as they
are shorter spokes, they also turn marginally quicker which helps you
keep up the pace. You can still get a good supply of 650c tubs, tyres,
and tubes from ebay although few local bike shops stock 650c these
days.

If the bike is a good price and its what you want you'll just have to
take a risk and buy it, on the basis that if it doesn't work out you
can always sell it on for a similar price. You then get to get help
from a good bike shop on bike fit, cost around $50 and maybe a new stem
etc.

You can see my Cannondale here, the 650c is the lower of the two and
they are both 56cm frames. I'm a 33" inside leg. Anyone else is invited
to help me decide on the artwork for my apartment using the same link!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/triman/#item44523

I should say though that I use a 58cm road bike with 700c wheels.

++Mark.

Brian, to use an extreme to make a point, thats like saying I'm a
blonde will the bike fit me? What matters is your dimensions esp. leg
length and length from waist to shoulders and arm length when it comes
to will the bike fit you. You can make lots of alterations that effect
fit, such as saddle height, bar stem length, bat width etc. but you can
also destablise a bike through bad fit.

That said, 650c wheels might work out fine! I'm in the same dimensions
as you(6'2, 205lbs), I've got a Cannondale TT bike with Spinergy X3
650c wheels and they work fine. I came 5th at a couple of events this
year and my running is cr*p ergo the bike must have been much better.
The Cannondale is a 56cm frame but has a long stem.

My climbing stinks too and this is one area in which 650c wheels can
gain, built properly, then should flex less when going up hill as they
are shorter spokes, they also turn marginally quicker which helps you
keep up the pace. You can still get a good supply of 650c tubs, tyres,
and tubes from ebay although few local bike shops stock 650c these
days.

If the bike is a good price and its what you want you'll just have to
take a risk and buy it, on the basis that if it doesn't work out you
can always sell it on for a similar price. You then get to get help
from a good bike shop on bike fit, cost around $50 and maybe a new stem
etc.

You can see my Cannondale here, the 650c is the lower of the two and
they are both 56cm frames. I'm a 33" inside leg. Anyone else is invited
to help me decide on the artwork for my apartment using the same link!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/triman/#item44523

I should say though that I use a 58cm road bike with 700c wheels.

++Mark.

At your height and weight I'd certainly go for 700c wheels. Small
wheels will give a punishing ride and tires will wear out relatively
fast. The 650c wheels work best for smaller, lighter riders who benfit
from less wheel mass to accelerate, and less aero wheel surface area to
affect them in crosswinds.

Coach Steve

At your height and weight I'd certainly go for 700c wheels. Small
wheels will give a punishing ride and tires will wear out relatively
fast. The 650c wheels work best for smaller, lighter riders who benfit
from less wheel mass to accelerate, and less aero wheel surface area to
affect them in crosswinds.

Coach Steve