Bicycle Mechanics - What measurement determines the size of the frame?

I have the specs. for my bike that is a Cannondale F5 and is XL and fits fine. However, I am looking on Craig'slist to find a bike near Anchorage Alaska, a place I visit often, and most sizes are given in inches.

How do I determine what size to get (i have to have someone buy it for me before I can get there) based on my bike being an XLarge. Like i said, I have the specs, but don't know which ones pertain to the size of the bike. Actually, I'll post a link that shows the specs. I'll be thankful to anyone that can help me.

Here's the link: http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/CUSA/geo/geo.html?geoName=hardtail

Ben

Have you actually read the text at the link you provided? The answer is right there in front of your face.

Hint: "'Size' on road frames is ..."

I feel stupid now. Thanks though. I guess the 75 point something is in centimeters.

ben

I have the specs. for my bike that is a Cannondale F5 and is XL and fits fine. However, I am looking on Craig'slist to find a bike near Anchorage Alaska, a place I visit often, and most sizes are given in inches.

How do I determine what size to get (i have to have someone buy it for me before I can get there) based on my bike being an XLarge. Like i said, I have the specs, but don't know which ones pertain to the size of the bike. Actually, I'll post a link that shows the specs. I'll be thankful to anyone that can help me.
There's no simple answer to that, but you might find this article helpful:

http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing

Sheldon "Top Tube" Brown

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| The one-size-fits-all baseball cap worn backward |
| has to be the stupidest fashion trend since the |
| invention of the necktie. |
| Nothing says "I'm a moron" quite like that |
| plastic snap strap across the forehead. |
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Ben: I certainly could not add to what Sheldon writes in his article on sizing. But based on your XL F5, your mountain bike would equate to about a 20-21" frame, for comparing to other seat tube sized frames. As Sheldon's article points out you really need to look at the top tube length (25" for your F5), as that is really more important for comparing sizes. Unfortunately, the top tube length is usually not listed in a Craig's list ad. Oftentimes you can look up the manufacturer web site and get the specs (like you did on your Cannondale) on a bike you see in an ad.

Your post jumped out for me as I live near Anchorage and frequently look at bikes on Craigs List as well. Good Luck.

I can't add to what others have written about sizing, but I will suggest two things:

First, if you visit Anchorage often, maybe do a little searching while you're there and find one you can actually look at and ride.

Second, I do know that there's at least two or three places that rent decent mountain and hybrid bikes in the Anchorage area. I've rented twice from a place downtown called, you guessed it Downtown Bike Rental on, I believe, 2nd ave? Right across the street from Army Navy Surplus, if you know that part of town.

They rent mountain, hybrid, flat bar "road" bikes and regular drop bar road bikes. I've rented flat bar road bikes and most recently a drop bar road bikes. Great experience both times: the bikes were well tuned and worked well.

The other place I know rents moutnain bikes only is Sunshine Sports out on Northern Lights near Spenard (also near the REI and AMH). I haven't rented from them though.

I believe there's one or two othrs.

This might be an alternative if you're looking to ride when your in Anchorage.