General Cycling Discussion - Sizing Question

If i have a 31" inseam, which would be 79cm, what size frame would be suggested? I was thinking a 51? I was looking at an Ibex X-ray Sport, which is ordered direct from the internet, so hopping on and trying it out isnt a possibility, it's Cyclocross bike.

http://www.cbss.ca/Custom.htm maybe!

If i have a 31" inseam, which would be 79cm, what size frame would be suggested? I was thinking a 51? I was looking at an Ibex X-ray Sport, which is ordered direct from the internet, so hopping on and trying it out isnt a possibility, it's Cyclocross bike.

Hi bigman!

Not such an easy question to answer - Bike companies measure their bikes' "sizes" quite differently. What is a "51cm" in one brand may be as large as a "54cm" in another. Additionally, the frame styles affect fit. Compact geometry frames allow some flexibility; standard frames offer less.

Finally, inseam alone isn't a sure measure. Your foot size and leg geometry matter too. Bowlegged? Your fit is different than for someone who has straight bones. Got monster feet? You may need a larger frame.

In my humble opinion, fit matters. It matters more than anything else about the bike. Unless you've ridden an Ibex in exactly the size you're considering and liked the fit, I wouldn't order from the internet. That's just me, though - if you can afford the potential loss on a bike you don't like (or that doesn't fit), then go for it.

Otherwise, I wouldn't consider spending over $50 on any bike that I can't test ride (extensively) first. I've been-there-and-done-that on a couple of e-Bay purchases that I ended up reselling.

Just my two-cents... Good luck & happy shopping!

Go to a bike shop and feel how long you want the bike from the seat to the bars, as well as from seat to the pedals. The Ibex site didnt have any details on dimensions of their frames. I would like a bike like that except I am not in love with integrated headsets. When you have the info on the length and height that fits you give Ibex a call.

ditto all the above, but that said... think 52-54