Road Cycling - Bigger vs. Smaller

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idland
08-14-02, 07:07 AM
When it comes to frame size, isn't the conventional wisdom "go as small as you can"? I'm curious what people's personal opinions are if they seem to feel equally good on a stock frame in two sizes. Is it possible to say, in general terms, what the performance differences are between a bike that's a bit smaller and one that's a bit bigger? A sales guy at one of my local LBS's said that he would recommend going larger to somebody who felt good on two bikes, because the ride would be more stable when you're pounding the pedals in a sprint. I don't really have the experience yet to judge if that's crap or not.

Sorry if this discussion has already been hashed over a thousand times. I did a cursory search before posting, but didn't see much on it.

cogito
08-14-02, 07:17 AM
Forget frame size! Buy the top tube length that best serves you. Seats can easily be adjusted-even during a ride. Stem length cannot. If the torso/arm fit(top tube!) isn't right, then bigger/smaller is irrelevant.

Given an equal top tube length, I'd say go smaller for racing and larger for touring or longer "sport riding" distances. That's because racers tend to like low h'bars while long distance riders prefer them higher.
pokey
08-14-02, 07:17 AM
NO..............get the right size. If between sizes,smaller is better for some people,a bit big is better for others.Everyone is different,so it pays not to generalize.Too small a frame can cause problems with getting the bars high enough and and if the TT is too short, using too long a stem to compensate can frig with weight distribution. For many, a too big frame just feels big and awkward. I prefer a bit small.Otheres will differ and your mileage will vary.

lotek
08-14-02, 07:35 AM
My understanding is that Rivendell, and some of
the other custom builders tend to lean more towards
larger frames (and that is NOT to say TOO large).
I think the theory goes we are all not pro racers, and
need to open up a bit.
I agree with Pokey that a too small frame (particularly
the top tube) will cause all sorts of problems if stem
and seat set back is required to get bike to fit.

Marty