Comments on: Road Bike Frames, Size, Symmetry and Frame Materials http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html Perhaps the Best Hub on Cycling Information Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:25:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Sam http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3310 Sam Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:28:55 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3310 Thanks Trevor for giving us your opinion. Yep, there has nothing to be the wheel size with the frame size Thanks Trevor for giving us your opinion. Yep, there has nothing to be the wheel size with the frame size

]]> By: trevor silvera sr. http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3309 trevor silvera sr. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:46:43 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3309 From reading some of the above posts i can see that some people are confusing the wheel size with the frame size. Some say a 24" bike or a 26" bike. One should not use wheel size to discribe frame size. For example i am 5' 6" tall and i use a 47 cm compact frame size. I can also use a 50 or 52 cm size frame but with the larget size frame the top tube is straight or parrallel to the ground, while the compact frame have a sloping top tube, slopes down toward the seat tube. Both bike uses 700cc rims. Most widely use cranks are the 170 cm lenghts. riders who are 6ft. and above often use a 172.5 cm cranks. From reading some of the above posts i can see that some people are confusing the wheel size with the frame size. Some say a 24″ bike or a 26″ bike. One should not use wheel size to discribe frame size. For example i am 5′ 6″ tall and i use a 47 cm compact frame size. I can also use a 50 or 52 cm size frame but with the larget size frame the top tube is straight or parrallel to the ground, while the compact frame have a sloping top tube, slopes down toward the seat tube. Both bike uses 700cc rims. Most widely use cranks are the 170 cm lenghts. riders who are 6ft. and above often use a 172.5 cm cranks.

]]> By: Samuel http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3218 Samuel Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:15:19 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3218 what really matters when choosing your bike frame is YOUR INSEAM. 30 corresponds to 53. if you have long torsal then you can adapt and setup a longer handlebar stem to fit better and more confortable. what really matters when choosing your bike frame is YOUR INSEAM. 30 corresponds to 53. if you have long torsal then you can adapt and setup a longer handlebar stem to fit better and more confortable.

]]> By: Samuel http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3214 Samuel Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:59:32 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3214 I believe you've calculated correctly the frame size. It must be 56/57. If I were 5,4", then I'd go for the lower number and test it before, If I could. And do not worry much about the top tube whether you get the bike for pleasure, you can tune up handlebar stem and saddle later to fit better. I believe you’ve calculated correctly the frame size. It must be 56/57. If I were 5,4″, then I’d go for the lower number and test it before, If I could. And do not worry much about the top tube whether you get the bike for pleasure, you can tune up handlebar stem and saddle later to fit better.

]]> By: Confused http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3202 Confused Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:50:30 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3202 I thought I had really short Asian legs, but I measured 5 times to make sure, with the book in crotch against a wall method, and my inseam came out between 32 and 33, which seems to be either a 54 or 56cm. I'm barely 5'4" though, should I be worried about the top tube length more? And what if I just want to ride the bike casually once in a while? Would it be life-threatening if the bike was a tad big? I thought I had really short Asian legs, but I measured 5 times to make sure, with the book in crotch against a wall method, and my inseam came out between 32 and 33, which seems to be either a 54 or 56cm. I’m barely 5’4″ though, should I be worried about the top tube length more? And what if I just want to ride the bike casually once in a while? Would it be life-threatening if the bike was a tad big?

]]> By: Art http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3198 Art Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:56:40 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3198 I am 5feet 10 inches tall, I have a long torsal and short legs, My inseam is size 30. Im also a big bodyed guy. Im looking for a road bike, what size bike should I get? I am 5feet 10 inches tall, I have a long torsal and short legs, My inseam is size 30. Im also a big bodyed guy. Im looking for a road bike, what size bike should I get?

]]> By: Samuel http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3147 Samuel Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:25:04 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3147 This is easy, every person needs a specific bike. Sometimes because slopping, sometimes the carbon quality, geometry, etc. You should buy one that fits better, have you tried different sizes? this may be an answer. This is easy, every person needs a specific bike. Sometimes because slopping, sometimes the carbon quality, geometry, etc. You should buy one that fits better, have you tried different sizes? this may be an answer.

]]> By: MKay http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-3137 MKay Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:16:23 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-3137 Just bought a Trek Madone 5.2... The bike shop owner said choose frame first, then wheels, then components. I tried two bikes, Giant and Trek. Liked the feel of the Giant's solid feel, comfort, and responsiveness better and said so, The Trek frame felt a little spongy and I said so. Then, the owner talked me into the Trek because of the triple gearing on the Trek. It took me overnight to realize why I felt so strange about this. I'm not the expert on bikes. What just happened?! Any thoughts? Just bought a Trek Madone 5.2… The bike shop owner said choose frame first, then wheels, then components. I tried two bikes, Giant and Trek. Liked the feel of the Giant’s solid feel, comfort, and responsiveness better and said so, The Trek frame felt a little spongy and I said so. Then, the owner talked me into the Trek because of the triple gearing on the Trek. It took me overnight to realize why I felt so strange about this. I’m not the expert on bikes. What just happened?! Any thoughts?

]]> By: Mel http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1501 Mel Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:33:09 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1501 I'm a little confused. I did the measurement three times. My inseam is approximately 31, but I am only 5'2". I do have long legs, but this seems off. What would be the right size and what is "top tube"? Thanks! I’m a little confused. I did the measurement three times. My inseam is approximately 31, but I am only 5’2″. I do have long legs, but this seems off. What would be the right size and what is “top tube”?

Thanks!

]]> By: Tracey Carlisle http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1457 Tracey Carlisle Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:20:11 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1457 I am 6'9" and 280 lbs....As a beginner cyclist & someone who doesn't want to spend a fortune on a bicycle yet, is there even a bike out there for someone my size??? Thanks I am 6’9″ and 280 lbs….As a beginner cyclist & someone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a bicycle yet, is there even a bike out there for someone my size??? Thanks

]]> By: rapid4me http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1412 rapid4me Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:36:20 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1412 I really appreciate the work you do for filling the site with good content, pleasant design and good friendly attitude to your readers! Keep on going and good luck! I really appreciate the work you do for filling the site with good content, pleasant design and good friendly attitude to your readers! Keep on going and good luck!

]]> By: carter yeatman http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1406 carter yeatman Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:39:33 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1406 there's measurements and there's measurements. i ride 2-3 times a week maybe 25 mi each ride. so i'm not a racer, but our roads are hilly and challenging enough. in my experience, there are two key measurements to determine good "rideability". the first is the length of the seat post. some bikes are measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of where the top horizontal tube intersects the seat tube. that's called c-c. or c-t-c (center to center). this basically determines two things... how "tall" the bike will be, ie the "standover" height, and sort of the minimum distance from your butt to the pedals. you really need to be able to stand over your bike with both feet flat or nearly so on the ground. and if the seat tube is too tall or too short, you could have issues pedaling. the other key measurement is the length of the top tube from the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube. this will really influence how far you have to lean forward to reach the handlebars, or whether you can sit up more straight. most of the other distances in bike geometry can be adjusted via fiddling with the various components on the bike, eg you can raise the handlebar with a different stem , etc. now there is no standard among manufacturers for these measurements, so one makers seat tube length is c-t-c and another says it's the same size, but they measure the distance from the center to, say, the top of the seat post. you have to pay attention. i have personally found that it's better to get a larger size rather than the smaller size when there's a choice just for riding comfort. but i have also noticed that some bike shops will recommend going to the smaller size.... not sure why. i also think that the geometry chart in the article above could lead to too small a bike for enthusiastic riding. as they say, try different sizes out... there’s measurements and there’s measurements. i ride 2-3 times a week maybe 25 mi each ride. so i’m not a racer, but our roads are hilly and challenging enough. in my experience, there are two key measurements to determine good “rideability”. the first is the length of the seat post. some bikes are measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of where the top horizontal tube intersects the seat tube. that’s called c-c. or c-t-c (center to center). this basically determines two things… how “tall” the bike will be, ie the “standover” height, and sort of the minimum distance from your butt to the pedals. you really need to be able to stand over your bike with both feet flat or nearly so on the ground. and if the seat tube is too tall or too short, you could have issues pedaling.
the other key measurement is the length of the top tube from the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube. this will really influence how far you have to lean forward to reach the handlebars, or whether you can sit up more straight. most of the other distances in bike geometry can be adjusted via fiddling with the various components on the bike, eg you can raise the handlebar with a different stem , etc.
now there is no standard among manufacturers for these measurements, so one makers seat tube length is c-t-c and another says it’s the same size, but they measure the distance from the center to, say, the top of the seat post. you have to pay attention.
i have personally found that it’s better to get a larger size rather than the smaller size when there’s a choice just for riding comfort. but i have also noticed that some bike shops will recommend going to the smaller size…. not sure why. i also think that the geometry chart in the article above could lead to too small a bike for enthusiastic riding. as they say, try different sizes out…

]]> By: kimmel http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1362 kimmel Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:53:38 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1362 is this a nice bike for 280 bucks new http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/images/hour_blk_2100.jpg is this a nice bike for 280 bucks new http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/images/hour_blk_2100.jpg

]]> By: Scott http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1315 Scott Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:21:09 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1315 Hello everyone, thought I better add my two bits of advice so to speak. I'm 6'2 and like many of the tall rider problems I have just read it's not all doom and gloom. It can be very confusing with all the different sizes, shapes, types of bikes out there and you don't know until you ride a bike for a while if you feel comfortable on it. It's alright to say go ride a bike to see if you like it, but how many just go for a quick ride up the road and back to the shop. If you are going to buy a bike just on a quick ride then your setting yourself up for finding out the hard way as I have on occassion. If you want to buy a bike just based on a ride take it for a good ride, now I talking at least 10kms. It's the only way your going to work it out for yourself. You have different size bikes, but you also have different size seats, different size seat posts, forward and back seat positions & tilt, different height handle bar risers, different size cranks, all of which can be changed to give you your best ride. My advice to you is if you are going to spend over $1500 on a bike then pay an extra $150 - $200 at a good shop with a bike fit system and have a bike fitted to your ideal riding position. I just brought a $2500.00 bike and the fitting was the best investiment I made. Hello everyone, thought I better add my two bits of advice so to speak. I’m 6’2 and like many of the tall rider problems I have just read it’s not all doom and gloom. It can be very confusing with all the different sizes, shapes, types of bikes out there and you don’t know until you ride a bike for a while if you feel comfortable on it. It’s alright to say go ride a bike to see if you like it, but how many just go for a quick ride up the road and back to the shop. If you are going to buy a bike just on a quick ride then your setting yourself up for finding out the hard way as I have on occassion. If you want to buy a bike just based on a ride take it for a good ride, now I talking at least 10kms. It’s the only way your going to work it out for yourself. You have different size bikes, but you also have different size seats, different size seat posts, forward and back seat positions & tilt, different height handle bar risers, different size cranks, all of which can be changed to give you your best ride. My advice to you is if you are going to spend over $1500 on a bike then pay an extra $150 – $200 at a good shop with a bike fit system and have a bike fitted to your ideal riding position. I just brought a $2500.00 bike and the fitting was the best investiment I made.

]]> By: alastair http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1223 alastair Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:13:57 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1223 Hi Sarah. A Hybrid (not Hybird!) bike is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. The wheels are the size of a road bike, but will usually be fitted with off-road tires. The handle bars will be straight and flat like a mountain bike with the gears on the brake levers and have a large spread of lower gears than a road bike. It may or may not have suspension forks. Hybrid bikes are perfect for on road and rough tracks and paths, but not for full off-road mountain courses. Most good bike shops should sell or be able to get hold of a Hybrid bike for you as all the top bike manufacturers make Hybrid bikes. For your inseam I would suggest you go for the smaller sized frame, if you are considering a bike with a cross bar (man’s style) one with stand over height of less than your 29 inches, probably around a 15 inch frame. If you want a woman’s style frame then the step over isn’t as important. <strong>Good luck Sarah, see if you can get a test ride before you buy. </strong> Hi Sarah.
A Hybrid (not Hybird!) bike is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. The wheels are the size of a road bike, but will usually be fitted with off-road tires. The handle bars will be straight and flat like a mountain bike with the gears on the brake levers and have a large spread of lower gears than a road bike. It may or may not have suspension forks.

Hybrid bikes are perfect for on road and rough tracks and paths, but not for full off-road mountain courses. Most good bike shops should sell or be able to get hold of a Hybrid bike for you as all the top bike manufacturers make Hybrid bikes.

For your inseam I would suggest you go for the smaller sized frame, if you are considering a bike with a cross bar (man’s style) one with stand over height of less than your 29 inches, probably around a 15 inch frame. If you want a woman’s style frame then the step over isn’t as important.

Good luck Sarah, see if you can get a test ride before you buy.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1217 Sarah Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:17:07 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1217 Hi! I'm 5'2' female at the young age of 54. I'm looking for a bike that I can ride on a (smooth surface) sidewalk or a rough dirt trail. I need something lightweight in order to pick it up when I need to. What would be a good bike to look at? Hi! I’m 5’2′ female at the young age of 54. I’m looking for a bike that I can ride on a (smooth surface) sidewalk or a rough dirt trail. I need something lightweight in order to pick it up when I need to. What would be a good bike to look at?

]]> By: Sanje http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-1153 Sanje Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:12:47 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-1153 Hi I'm 5'3 and looking to get a road bike. I need major help! What's my size? I want to be able to stand over my bike and not hurt my crotch. Hi I’m 5’3 and looking to get a road bike. I need major help! What’s my size? I want to be able to stand over my bike and not hurt my crotch.

]]> By: kayleigh http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-782 kayleigh Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:14:20 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-782 hia im 5'5 in height i was wonderin if you could tell me which size id most likely need either a 16 or 18 inch? thanks hia im 5’5 in height i was wonderin if you could tell me which size id most likely need either a 16 or 18 inch? thanks

]]> By: patrick http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-781 patrick Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:13:52 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-781 Hi,i am 6,2 what height road bike can i use? thanks Hi,i am 6,2 what height road bike can i use? thanks

]]> By: John http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-776 John Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:11:34 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-776 When Companies Advertise a bike being a 24" or 26" bike, they are commenly talking about the wheel sizes. Mountainbike frame sizes commonly come in 15",17" and 19" sizes,( And and incriments in between and slightly above) best way to Fit yourself on a bike is to go to a shop and Sit on one. Bikes all have different geometry, even if measurements are similar. When Companies Advertise a bike being a 24″ or 26″ bike, they are commenly talking about the wheel sizes. Mountainbike frame sizes commonly come in 15″,17″ and 19″ sizes,( And and incriments in between and slightly above) best way to Fit yourself on a bike is to go to a shop and Sit on one. Bikes all have different geometry, even if measurements are similar.

]]> By: Justin http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-775 Justin Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:11:10 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-775 Hi I just ordered the 49cm frame size because my old bike (an SE) was a 48cm I believe. I am 5'6''. Is this right, and if I screwed up, can I change my order? Hi I just ordered the 49cm frame size because my old bike (an SE) was a 48cm I believe. I am 5’6”. Is this right, and if I screwed up, can I change my order?

]]> By: Lusha http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-771 Lusha Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:09:47 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-771 Hi I am a little confused about bike sizes, because I got a 24'' bike before, and it fit me fine (I am 5'3'') so I am not really sure what the 24'' was measuring. Here it says I should get a 49 cm frame size bike, so I am a little confused. I was just wondering if you could clarify what the standard 24'' and 26'' stand for? Hi I am a little confused about bike sizes, because I got a 24” bike before, and it fit me fine (I am 5’3”) so I am not really sure what the 24” was measuring. Here it says I should get a 49 cm frame size bike, so I am a little confused. I was just wondering if you could clarify what the standard 24” and 26” stand for?

]]> By: Chris http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-768 Chris Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:07:58 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-768 Hi, so I am 5'11'' and I am curious what size of bike do I need for my frame size? Please help me out. Thanks. Hi, so I am 5’11” and I am curious what size of bike do I need for my frame size? Please help me out. Thanks.

]]> By: Travis http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-763 Travis Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:04:54 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-763 ive never bought a road bike before and i am going to within the next few days...some of the sites i go too just list the frame size(22inches) is this enough information for me to buy the bike because according to the size chart i think its a go? ive never bought a road bike before and i am going to within the next few days…some of the sites i go too just list the frame size(22inches) is this enough information for me to buy the bike because according to the size chart i think its a go?

]]> By: Dan http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/1004_choosing_your_bike_frame.html#comment-760 Dan Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:02:10 +0000 http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/?p=1495#comment-760 Hi, I'm 6'3" and I am looking at two used bikes, one is the frame is 58cm and the other is 27in. Both in my estimation are out of my size range, is that an accurate estimation? Or can anyone over 6' ride anything 59cm's or more? Hi, I’m 6’3″ and I am looking at two used bikes, one is the frame is 58cm and the other is 27in. Both in my estimation are out of my size range, is that an accurate estimation? Or can anyone over 6′ ride anything 59cm’s or more?

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