Road Bike 56 or 58

[BigBoy10]

Hi

 

I need some unbiased advice please. I am a novice to road cycling. I am 1.84 m tall and the calculation they do for size frame comes to 57.23. No some shops advice buy a 56 and some shops advice buy a 58?

 

Can someone maybe assist?

[AndreZA]

Here's another problem thrown in. Are you talking classic or compact geometry?

[BigBoy10]

Here's another problem thrown in. Are you talking classic or compact geometry?

dont know what you mean? looking for the frame size?

[Eugene]

Either or............your size is slap bang in the middle. Having said that, it may be better to head towards the 56. It's always easier to make a small frame fit you than it is to make a big frame fit you (by changing stem lengths etc).

 

Also, remember, different manufacturers have slightly different sizing methods. A size 56 on one brand may be different to a 56 on another. So it is always a good idea to ride the bike first and take the one that is most comfortable.

 

Compact frames have a sloping top tube, which effects the method of measuring. A 56 is normally regarded as large. In compact terms, a 56 may be an extra large.

Edited February 18, 2011 by Eugene

[CAAD4]

I rode a 56 cm for a few years, (I am 1.82) after being told that it was the correct size and ended up trying everything to get comfortable, even adjustable stems. When I bought a new bike, I was measured thoroughly and was told that I should be riding a 58. They did a computerised set up, and I haven't changed a thing for over two years, and my neck and lower back love it. Get measured properly. M 5 CW.

[Gman1834]

I have the same problem, best is to go to someons that knows what they are doing. Cyclefit is quite good. http://www.cyclefit.co.za/ phone Arron

[BigBoy10]

I have the same problem, best is to go to someons that knows what they are doing. Cyclefit is quite good. http://www.cyclefit.co.za/ phone Arron

 

how tall are you and what size do you ride?

[Minion]

Become an informed consumer. Have a look at the Competitive Cyclist fit calculator to get an idea of what your frame measurements should be. Then look at various manufacturers websites to find a frame size that roughly matches those recommended.

 

This provides a good starting point, but isn't definitive and shouldn't be a substitute for a proper bike fitting.

 

You can get problems if your body proportions deviate significantly from the average. In my case, I have proportionally much longer legs than arms and torso, so I tend to ride a smaller frame than the rough inseam calculation would indicate (I ride a 56, inseam calc says I should ride 59+). It does, however, limit my choice of frames since I need to choose a frame geometry that has a longer head tube so my saddle to handlebar drop is not too big.

[Buchu]

Ek het presies dieselfde probleem. Ek is 1.85m en het vir 'n fitment gegaan.

Ek het 'n 58 tans, maar die stem moes ek 60mm lank gemaak het. Die fiets is dan nie so stabiel nie. As jy die geld het, koop 'n 56 en jou lyf sal jou eweig dankbaar wees.

[Gman1834]

how tall are you and what size do you ride?

 

Im 186cm and ride a 56. the frame is ok but I would be more comfortable on a 58. I had my setup done long after I bought the bike. Arron got me 90% comfortable but recomended a 58.

 

O and the big "boep" doesnt help on the small frame.

 

My X bike was a 58 and very comfy.

[BigBoy10]

Become an informed consumer. Have a look at the Competitive Cyclist fit calculator to get an idea of what your frame measurements should be. Then look at various manufacturers websites to find a frame size that roughly matches those recommended.

 

This provides a good starting point, but isn't definitive and shouldn't be a substitute for a proper bike fitting.

 

You can get problems if your body proportions deviate significantly from the average. In my case, I have proportionally much longer legs than arms and torso, so I tend to ride a smaller frame than the rough inseam calculation would indicate (I ride a 56, inseam calc says I should ride 59+). It does, however, limit my choice of frames since I need to choose a frame geometry that has a longer head tube so my saddle to handlebar drop is not too big.

 

thank you this has helped alot, one question the c-c measurement? is this the one you find when you enquire about the size fo the bike ex 54 / 56 / 58?

[MTB_Roadie]

I use a 56cm with a 90mm stem.....I am 1.84m tall...my new frame I am getting is going to be a 55cm, reason for that I can feel that I sometimes lean a bit to forward but the shorter stem makes my knee touch the handlebars when i climb....

[Bram_on_Madone]

1.84 is borderline for 58, so probably err towards 56. If you're a novice, its not going to make that much difference anyway. Get the bike you can get the best deal on (cheap one), decide if you like cycling and then spend some real time finding a dream machine (and sell the junky cheap one you started with). Its also not such an exact science as some people (mainly those making money from it) lead you to believe.

[Minion]

thank you this has helped alot, one question the c-c measurement? is this the one you find when you enquire about the size fo the bike ex 54 / 56 / 58?

Usually, but the whole thing's a bit complicated by compact geometries etc. and it also varies from brand to brand. Some brands size based on virtual top tube and virtual seat tube, others on C-C, others on C-T. You need to check the actual geometry charts to be 100% sure. On older, traditional geometries, the top tube was horizontal and the C-C length was usually the same as the top tube length.