irish 40
07-22-07, 04:30 PM
hi i am new to biking i am looking for a good road bike i am 5foot 7 inside seam 29 inches what size bike do i need and what is a good make of bicycle dont want to spend over 800 $ thanks
Eastern Canada - road bike size
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Treker
07-23-07, 08:21 AM
hi i am new to biking i am looking for a good road bike i am 5foot 7 inside seam 29 inches what size bike do i need and what is a good make of bicycle dont want to spend over 800 $ thanks
Good question. Your optimum size could dependent on the geometry of the frame that you choose. 52/54cm as a guess but a visit to any reputable LBS will ensure that you get what's right for you. Ask around and get some recommendations on who does great fittings. A good fit is crucial to a positive biking experience.
I'm 5'8" and I'm on a Trek 1000 52cm with an very positve stem rise . We tried a 54 cm but the fit specialist didn't like my leg extension, arm reach etc so we settled on the 52cm. I can sit in that saddle for hours and not feel any tension...
As for bikes under $800, I recommend you look at the Trek 1000 or the Giant OCR3. Both are priced in that area, both are great starter bikes and both come with pedals with toe clips so you would not need to invest in clipless shoes and pedals (another $150+ combined) Both received very favourable reviews in Bicycling magazine and with the summer half over, you may be able to get a deal. The Trek I bought in August 2004 was marked down to $700 from $840. Both have carbon forks and reasonable gearing systems. And if handled gently, either will give you years of enjoyment.
Something else you may want to consider are the extras that will make your experience more enjoyable: water bottle and cage, bike shorts and jersey (look at MEC in the $30 -40 category), tube repair kit, floor pump with gauge, mini-pump, saddle bag, chain oil, and helmet. You may be able to get the LBS to throw in the small stuff for free and give you a discount on the bigger stuff. It's a lot a first, and with tax it could all come to @$1,000 (mine did) but it's a wise investment.
Good luck and let us know of your progress. We all like to share our experiences and help each other where we can.
Good question. Your optimum size could dependent on the geometry of the frame that you choose. 52/54cm as a guess but a visit to any reputable LBS will ensure that you get what's right for you. Ask around and get some recommendations on who does great fittings. A good fit is crucial to a positive biking experience.
I'm 5'8" and I'm on a Trek 1000 52cm with an very positve stem rise . We tried a 54 cm but the fit specialist didn't like my leg extension, arm reach etc so we settled on the 52cm. I can sit in that saddle for hours and not feel any tension...
As for bikes under $800, I recommend you look at the Trek 1000 or the Giant OCR3. Both are priced in that area, both are great starter bikes and both come with pedals with toe clips so you would not need to invest in clipless shoes and pedals (another $150+ combined) Both received very favourable reviews in Bicycling magazine and with the summer half over, you may be able to get a deal. The Trek I bought in August 2004 was marked down to $700 from $840. Both have carbon forks and reasonable gearing systems. And if handled gently, either will give you years of enjoyment.
Something else you may want to consider are the extras that will make your experience more enjoyable: water bottle and cage, bike shorts and jersey (look at MEC in the $30 -40 category), tube repair kit, floor pump with gauge, mini-pump, saddle bag, chain oil, and helmet. You may be able to get the LBS to throw in the small stuff for free and give you a discount on the bigger stuff. It's a lot a first, and with tax it could all come to @$1,000 (mine did) but it's a wise investment.
Good luck and let us know of your progress. We all like to share our experiences and help each other where we can.
AEO
07-23-07, 12:04 PM
Hi, I'm 5'7 with a 30" inseem, I know that most 54cm bikes would be slightly too tall. 48~51cm would fit you much better I think. My maximum size is 52~53cm for classic geometry, 53cm is pushing it a bit, mind you. Like Treker said, it's best to go to a bike shop to get you fitted properly.
The alternative to buying a new road bike
A: Used is not a bad option either as long as you are willing to spend some time looking for a bike that would most likely fit you.
B: older stock like last year or 2~3 yr old bikes have a good discount. If the price is the same for a new 07/08 and an older 05/06 the latter would come with better components. These are generally pretty good deals, assuming you can find one in your size.
The alternative to buying a new road bike
A: Used is not a bad option either as long as you are willing to spend some time looking for a bike that would most likely fit you.
B: older stock like last year or 2~3 yr old bikes have a good discount. If the price is the same for a new 07/08 and an older 05/06 the latter would come with better components. These are generally pretty good deals, assuming you can find one in your size.
irish 40
07-26-07, 05:02 PM
thanks for the reply how is frame size measured these days. thanks once again
pinerider
07-26-07, 06:11 PM
Frame size measurement varies, I usually go from c/l bottom bracket vertically to c/l of top tube, others measure to top of top tube, some measure on the angle of the seat tube.
I have lotsa bikes, I'm 5'9" tall, 30" inseam, my bikes vary from 50cm to 56 cm, most of them are around 52cm - I feel like I'm driving a bus on the 56cm bike, but I love them all!!!
,
I have lotsa bikes, I'm 5'9" tall, 30" inseam, my bikes vary from 50cm to 56 cm, most of them are around 52cm - I feel like I'm driving a bus on the 56cm bike, but I love them all!!!
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