frame size

[Brusheda]

I am looking into buying my first cyclocross bike and need to know what size I need if I happen to find a good deal somewhere other the the LBS. I am 5' 10" and have a 31" inseam. I am not planning on doing any real cyclocross racing, just love the design of the bikes. Thanks for the help!

[hamr22]

Brusheda: Look out for a firestorm of advice that will range from a 52cm to a 64cm bike and plenty of dogma. IMHO, cross bikes ridden for non-race situations should fit like your other bikes. If you have another bike that fits well, get the same size / geometry. If you have never had a bike fit well, then you are in for some trial and error and even more conflicting advice.

[Brusheda]

Is it true that if I make sure the standover height is not too big then the frame size isn't too big?

[hamr22]

In my opinion, not true at all. However, your proportions make it more likely that you will have a comfortable fit without handlebars that are too low. People with long legs and short reach have a harder time getting a good fit. What types of bikes do you currently ride and what size are they?

[cyclintom]

Typically if you are a road riding you'd look for whatever size frame has about the same length of top tube as your well fitting road bike.

But I'd think that you're looking for a 50 cm cross bike myself.

[jase1]

test ride as many different brands in different sizes that you can. but 50 sound like a good starting point. smaller than 50 is probably going to feel cramped.

[hamr22]

I would think that 50cm would be tiny. Isn't that about the smallest frame size available? I'm not one of those Rivendell fit guys, but that seems darn small. A 56cm top tube seems like a better starting point.

[Brusheda]

I am relatively new to cycling and all the bikes I have had are free from neighbors who no longer wanted them. I have never had a bike that fit. I am going to try to find an affordable bike at the LBS but I may find a used bike online and I don't want to regret my first bike purchase- especially since I am planning on using whatever I get for many years.

[hamr22]

IMO a 50cm bike would be tiny for a 5'10" person. That is about the smalles size that is made for road bikes and Brusheda isn't a small person. I would start with a bike that has a top tube in the 56cm range and work from there either bigger or smaller. Bigger bikes would mean that the handlebars could be raised higher and a smaller bike means a shorter reach. It's mostly trial and error and very personal.