Sizing a bike

[FigBug]

How do you size a bike? It looks like I'm going to need to order a bike online, since no stores in my area stock them. I found this (http://www.coachcarl.com/training_articles/bike_fit.htm) and came up with needing a 56 cm frame. Does that sound right for a male that is 5'11"?

[CafeRacer]

Welcome to the flaw in mail order. Sizing a bike requires 100% trying it on. For example Im also 5' 11" but need a top tube of at least 57.5 or elese I have to slide the rails waaaaaaaay back on the seat and run a 120mm stem.

The best advise. Find a shop that has one to try.

[Gummee]

How do you size a bike? It looks like I'm going to need to order a bike online, since no stores in my area stock them. I found this (http://www.coachcarl.com/training_articles/bike_fit.htm) and came up with needing a 56 cm frame. Does that sound right for a male that is 5'11"?There's a few online fit guides. Sizing varies...

ONE of the things you can do is talk to a custom builder: Russ Denny, Tom Teesdale, etc. and tell em your measurements and let em go to it.

The other's basically to ride roughly the same size as you do on the road.

HTH,

M