How important is frame size really?

[thatsme]

apparently short people don't sell their bikes.

 

If I get a bike with a frame size an inch or 2 bigger than "recommended", am I seriously handicapping myself or is it something you can live with?

[Jeepdude]

i have found you can make a smaller frame work for you but bigger frames you struggle with , just the geometry angles stretches your attempts to make it smaller

[Jeepdude]

i am no authority on bike fit though

[The Ghost]

I suppose there is an argument for the geometry of the bike in question, as well as your riding style, but for me Id rather be a bit small rather than big - thats just me.

 

I think frame size is very important.

 

Had one a bit big in the past and I sold it pretty quickly as it was an accident waiting to happen - MTB of course.

Edited March 23, 2012 by Richard Best

[Thomo]

Sizing up or down can be tricky ... possible ... but tricky.

 

If you're spending substantial cash, then rather look for something which fits.

[Taps]

Ask your wife / girlfriend if size matters and that will answer your question. Bike size does matter!

Edited March 23, 2012 by Taps

[Wonder Woman]

apparently short people don't sell their bikes.

 

If I get a bike with a frame size an inch or 2 bigger than "recommended", am I seriously handicapping myself or is it something you can live with?

 

I have a 50cm and a 48cm. I've set them up as close to each other as possible. I keep hitting my knees on the top tube of the 50cm and am just that little bit uncomfortable on it. Rather get the size you are in my opinion, it'll just make the comfort on the bike so much better and prevent any problems.

[stewie911]

And now I just built up a 29er with a too large frame, thinking I could make it fit.

[The Ghost]

And now I just built up a 29er with a too large frame, thinking I could make it fit.

 

Ouch

[Desi]

I am one of those short people. I can get a compact 48cm, a 50cm or a 51cm to fit by changing saddle position and stem (without messing up riding position), but as soon as I get a 52cm bike, it feels too big. And there is nothing you can do to make the distance from the seat post to the headset shorter! Just doesn't fit.

[Iron]

frame size is what makes a bike feel like its made for you , you kind of connect and become one .

 

small running shoes ............... just dont work

 

running shoes that are too big can have paper stuffed in the front but lets be honest , you not gonna run a 10km like that.

 

buy right !!

Edited March 23, 2012 by Iron

[JGR]

Been looking for a 2nd hand 29er in Small for a while now and have just bitten the bullet and got one new ... i compromised on my current bike (which feels to big) and never again.

[thatsme]

Damn, this is not what I wanted to hear

currently riding one that's even bigger than the too-big one I want to buy, and I've been getting along fine on it, but maybe I just don't know how good it could be.

ok ok, will try and hold out

thanks

[DJR]

I've bought 3 second hand small frame bikes in the last year (for my children). They do come on the market, you just have to keep your eyes peeled and move quickly .Got 2 off Gumtree and one off The Hub.

[JGR]

I've bought 3 second hand small frame bikes in the last year (for my children). They do come on the market, you just have to keep your eyes peeled and move quickly .Got 2 off Gumtree and one off The Hub.

 

Granted your kids might ride at a decent level but i was looking for a fairly well specced bike and those are few and far between - certainly onthe 29er side.

[thatsme]

Granted your kids might ride at a decent level but i was looking for a fairly well specced bike and those are few and far between - certainly onthe 29er side.

 

exactly. But patience is a virtue I hear..