[ccharles]

I am 6'2" with a 37" inseam, and I am trying to decide on a frame size for a cyclocross bike. I am looking at the Bianchi Axis, and I can't decide between the 59 cm and 61 cm frame sizes. The 61 cm felt a bit big, and I was thinking the 59 cm would be better for a manouverability standpoint, but then I have read stuff saying you don't want too much drop between your seat and bars. My road bike is a 59 cm with a lot of drop between my seat and bars, so I guess I am used to having a lot of drop if that is an issue. Also, when I mountain biked a lot I used a 19" frame with a higher than normal seatpost, and that worked well for me. Can others who are a comparable height tell me what size CX bikes they are running (particularly if you have a Bianchi Axis since that is the specific bike that I am looking at.

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[Surferbruce]

i ride a 54/55cm in all my bikes, road and cx, including my axis. trust your gut, if the 61 felt too big it probably is. you can always stack some spacers and raise the stem. i have a 2-3 inch drop from saddle to stem and it works great.

[mgwadz]

I am 6'2" with a 37" inseam, and I am trying to decide on a frame size for a cyclocross bike. I am looking at the Bianchi Axis, and I can't decide between the 59 cm and 61 cm frame sizes. The 61 cm felt a bit big, and I was thinking the 59 cm would be better for a manouverability standpoint, but then I have read stuff saying you don't want too much drop between your seat and bars. My road bike is a 59 cm with a lot of drop between my seat and bars, so I guess I am used to having a lot of drop if that is an issue. Also, when I mountain biked a lot I used a 19" frame with a higher than normal seatpost, and that worked well for me. Can others who are a comparable height tell me what size CX bikes they are running (particularly if you have a Bianchi Axis since that is the specific bike that I am looking at.


I am 6'2", though perhaps not quite as long an inseam.

I had the 58cm Axis, and now the steel bianchi with the same geometry. It seems like they added a size and now call the same frame a 59, but I dont' have side to side specs to compare.

the reach on that 58 is good for me. longer legs can be accomodated with a seatpost.

so, I would guess the 59 is the way to go.

as for drop- if you are long legged, I guess you have long arms too? so, a little extra drop would make sense anyway. however, with my axis I have it set up with a small drop, maybe just a couple cms. I have a threaded quiill stem with a couple spacers under it. with the threadless you could always get a stem with some rise if you need to raise the bars.

marc

[ccharles]

Thanks for your input, yeah, I think you are right about the 59 cm Bianchi, because if you look at the frame geometry specs it is listed as being 580mm for the seat tube measurement, instead of 590mm as one might expect for a 59 cm frame.

[mgwadz]

Thanks for your input, yeah, I think you are right about the 59 cm Bianchi, because if you look at the frame geometry specs it is listed as being 580mm for the seat tube measurement, instead of 590mm as one might expect for a 59 cm frame.


I just looked at the bianchiusa.com site. they have the old specs up from the last 5 years or so.

the virtual top tube, actual top tube, and seatpost measurements are the same for my 58cm (reparto corse steel, but same as the axis) vs. the current "59". there are some slight differences listed (like 72 vs. 72.2 angle for heat angle)- I don't know how accurate they all are.

but I do think they are either identical or very close.

anyway, I like the size of my 58cm bianchi.

marc

[desmobob]

I'm 6'2" with a shorter inseam/longer torso and ride a 61cm '05 Axis.

But it's all about YOUR fit. I suppose if there is a question about which size fits you best, you'd probably be better to err on the small side?

Good riding,
desmobob

[deathintransit]

I'm also 6'2"
I'm 6'2" <snip> you'd probably be better to err on the small side?

Good riding,
desmobob
i think you maybe correct. Especially if you plan on racing CX. The smaller size will make for easier mounting/dismounting.

Maybe?

[mgwadz]

I'm 6'2" with a shorter inseam/longer torso and ride a 61cm '05 Axis.

But it's all about YOUR fit. I suppose if there is a question about which size fits you best, you'd probably be better to err on the small side?

Good riding,
desmobob


yes, personal fit is the key

but probably a longer torso would call for a bigger frame ( ie longer top tube) more than inseam, since seatheight is easilly accounted for.

marc

[ccharles]

Thanks for the input guys, from what you guys are saying and from other stuff that I have read, it sounds like I could go either way. I am sort of torn because the big frame seems more comfortable, but then I want to primarily race on it, so I want something that is manoeverable and easy for mounts and dismounts. I will probably ride them again, and try to find a shop with some knowledgable staff before making a decision.

[ccharles]

I ended up getting the 61cm this afternoon. I talked to a guy at another shop who has raced cyclocross for the past few season, and he thought I was too cramped on the 59cm. Even on the 61 cm I need the seatpost just past the minimum insertion point on the stock seatpost, so I think the 59 cm would have been really small. And after riding them again, I did feel a bit cramped on the 59 cm, and came to the conclusion that the larger bike will be a bit heavier and maybe less manoeverable, but overall I will be more comfortable on it when riding which is what I will be doing most of the race, so it makes sense to get it. And I can always put a shorter stem on it, whereas on the 59 cm I felt cramped and it already had a 130 mm stem on it. I have ridden around on it this afternoon, and it feels really good, I am pretty confident that I made the right choice. So, now I am super stoked for cyclocross season to start, only 3 weeks until the first race! Thanks again for all the input, it helped me a lot in thinking it over and coming to the right decision. See you out there!