General Cycling Discussion - Question - Buying first road bike

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Question - Buying first road bike

Rocket-SFK
08-07-01, 02:11 AM
Hello,

I am wondering if you can help me. I am about to buy my first road bike. My question is, how do I know if a frame is the right fit for me? I can only tell so much from a 5-minute test ride.

Thanks very much!

JonR
08-07-01, 02:29 AM
Any knowledgeable bike dealer should be able to help you find out if the frame is the right size. If he or she doesn't seem willing to spend the time to get things just right, go to a different place.

One of our Forum members, Buddy Hayden, lives in Melbourne and might be able to help you, too.
Rocket-SFK
08-07-01, 03:45 AM
Hi Jon,

Thanks for fitting my reply into your busy Bike-Forums schedule ("almost need to hire a secretary"). :p
I was more referring to what sort of things to take into consideration when asked the question "Does that feel okay?" after making an adjustment to the bike on a test-ride. Everything feels good in comparison to a mountain bike! ;)

Thanks again,

Adam

MichaelW
08-07-01, 05:34 AM
There are 2 factors to consider:
1. What size are you.
2. What position do you like to ride in.
You dont have to ride a road bike in a low extended crouch. You should find the position that you are comfortable with. You can even replicate your MTB riding position on a road bike, if thats what you like. For non-competative touring style riding, a more upright back (about 45 degrees) is favoured by many riders.

Within the limits of crotch clearance, you can get different sized bikes to obtain a longer or shorter riding position.
Different manufacturers may make longer or shorter bikes of the same frame "size".

see
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm