Road bike sizing

[suburbanreuben]

I'm thinking about taking my life in m y hands and getting a road bike; what sort of size should I be looking for as a first effort?
I'm 6'1" with a 34" inseam and arms like a gibbon. I'm happiest on a 20/21" mountain bike with a 23.5/24" tt.
suggestions please.
Ta.

 

[nammonk]

You sound about my dimensions. I think you should be aiming for a 60cm centre to centre seat tube and similar top tube (depending on how stretched out you like to be). You could go higher (I've had up to 64cm in the past without problems, but found that a bit gate-like). I actually ride 58cm these days, with a lot of seat post showing (not good if you want a retro seatpost, but fine with modern ones).

Given the age of my back, I now find I need to have quite a bit of stem showing (for a quill stem; or spacers for threadless) on this size frame, whereas in my younger days I would have the stem slammed right down. Hmm, maybe that's why my back's not great actually...

If you can, get someone to let you have a go on a 60cm as a starting point and see how it feels. If you're aiming for sedate riding, you might want at least that size; if you want something stiffer and more sprightly, and you are looking at old steel like 531, then don't rule out 58.

Hope this helps,
Nick

 

[orbeas]

Frame size

It might be an old one but always works

"Inside leg length without shoes minus 9 inches"

with todays design for smaller frames make the 9 a 10 !!!!

 

[mattsccm]

1980's sizing rule. Inside leg minus 10"

 

[suburbanreuben]

So 60cm seems to be the general consensus. The one I'm looking at is a 58. Close enough?
Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Midlife]

Is it a modern bike you are looking at or a traditional / vintage "square" frame

Shaun

 

[nammonk]

Like I said, I ride 58 with no problem. You'll probably want a fairly long stem (ca. 120mm) to not feel too cramped length-wise. Do try to get a ride on a 58 before committing too much cash on something you may find too small for you.
Nick

 

[suburbanreuben]

It's a modern steel frame, but I don't intend to spend much.

 

[nammonk]

If it is a sloping frame, and actual 58 rather than effective, then it should be pretty much right.
FWIW, you can see how I've got one of my traditional square 58cm frames set up for a 34" inside leg and 6'1" height here:
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... 67e3dfb53c
Nick

 

[surripere]

I was in a similar situation. Not ridden road bikes and took the plunge with a Giant Peloton purchased on here from was8v. I'm also 6'1" but longer in the body, I think inseam was around 33" and I ride 19" and 20" retro Konas. The Giant is 58cm and I've set it up with approx 4" of seatpost showing and the stem is up as far as it will go. It's early days and I think my body is still struggling to adjust to the different set up of a road bike but I think sizewise it's in the right area.