Bike Size - how much does it matter?

[Tacet]

When I bought my MTB, my LBS measured me and suggested a Large, and eventually sold me a Large which I feel fits me perfectly.

 

Now, I want to buy a secondhand road bike. I'm 1.78 m tall, with an inner leg of about 89 cm. According to Calculator that means that I need a 59, but that I can consider a 57-61.

 

How important is it to stay within that range? I'll only use the road bike for the occasional 94, not for general training. Can I deviate, or will I end up cursing myself after 20km?

[dee_biker]

Hi,

 

I am 1.84, with the same inseam as you, and all calculators say I must have a 58. I currently ride a 55.5 with 10cm stem and 2cm back on my saddle, saddle height 75cm. It depends on your riding style / preference. I like to have my upper body low, but not stretch when I'm in the drops.

 

Long answer short, you can definitely deviate.

Edited September 5, 2013 by dee_biker

[Madlight]

You will end up cursing yourself I am sorry to say. I've been riding on a frame that's 2cm too small for me for a while and just couldn't get relaxed at high speed. At low speeds it just felt very responsive, but generally OK - over 45km/h it sucked.

[dee_biker]

You will end up cursing yourself I am sorry to say. I've been riding on a frame that's 2cm too small for me for a while and just couldn't get relaxed at high speed. At low speeds it just felt very responsive, but generally OK - over 45km/h it sucked.

 

Agree with him, but you need to test it.

Edited September 5, 2013 by dee_biker

[flatwheel]

Bikes are expensive and the wrong size will make you hate it! I have had the wrong size Giant frame and after replacing it with the correct size Felt I only realised how important the correct size is. The wrong size will cause various problems such as neck pain, shoulder pain, ITB, etc, etc ... For the perfect fit I would also recommend taking your bike to Cycle Fit for a proper setup. 100% worth the 590 bucks!

[udxcob]

If its your totie (size doesn't matter) if its your bike size matters

[Tacet]

Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll wait until something nice in the 58 range comes up on the classified, then.

[DIPSLICK]

THIS WILL END POORLY

[Tacet]

THIS WILL END POORLY

 

Why? The reason I'm asking advice is to prevent catastrophe. What is looming on the horizon here?

[DIPSLICK]

Why? The reason I'm asking advice is to prevent catastrophe. What is looming on the horizon here?

s

sorry being negative, sorry hope you get your answers

[Tacet]

s

sorry being negative, sorry hope you get your answers

 

Well, I asked if I can buy a bike of a different size than I should. TheHub said "no". I will listen.

[Jakkals.]

I know this is not accurate, but with you length and height, Id recommend something with a top top of 55.

[Gnarly]

Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll wait until something nice in the 58 range comes up on the classified, then.

 

How much you wanna spend?

[girot6]

I have the same inner leg measurement, ride a size 56 with a 130mm stem

Benefits: shorter tubes means stiffer frame, less weight and shorter wheel-base, resulting in a more responsive ride aswell as tighter turns!

[Tacet]

How much you wanna spend?

 

I'm looking for a 2nd hand RC6000, there are a few of them on the classifieds for about R5k.

 

Seems like a visit to my LBS is simply a must. Ideally I know that I should see what suits me best, but I've never ridden a road bike for long distances, so I don't really know how "right" should feel. Also, I'm used to MTB, so the seating of a road bike will feel wrong, no matter how well it fits. So yeah, a simple question with a very interesting answer set!

[cadenceblur]

There is no way you should be riding a 58cm bike. Unless your body has strange proportions. That's way too big!

I don't know what calculator you're using, but I think it's way off!

I'm 1.87 and I ride a 56cm - and that's confirmed through an Ergo fit session.