Bike sizing - bigger better than smaller?

[shumster@yahoo.]

Hi

Coming to the US in Nov - contemplating getting an entry level triathlon bike to repalce the Giant I have now. Searching and searching all summer, settled on Leader TT frame or Bikesdirect.com Nemesis. My question is this:

Have been in email correspondence with both companies and have been given suggestions to get 60cm Leader frame and 58cm Motobecane. I ride a Giant M size OCR frame which I feel is too small for me (got fitted by a bike shop but I suspect they were getting rid of stock and I knew nothing).

Would it better for the frame/bike to be slightly too big or slightly too small? I'm aware that the frame/bike will not fit perfectly and I'll have to bring it back to get fitted properly, but would it be easier to adjust (downsize) a large frame or upsize a small frame, through the components?

I'm 6' 1", with 32" inseam BTW - if anyone would like to give me advice on which one/size to go for. Am aware taht different frames have different sizing system, but would like to get one as close as possible to my size.

Thanks

[Dalai]

Very general rule of thumb is to go down a size from your road bike size ie road 56cm tt/tri 54cm frame.

[bvfrompc]

Just to add to your confusion, go to inside out sports dot com and check out some of the deals they have on Cervelo, I just got a 9sp Ultegra (RD,FD,Crank) Dual for the same prices as the Nemissis. They are factory paint belishes which in my case was a bb size white spot on the black top tube decal.

And they had a 56 or a 58 which should be in your range. And they will know how to fit you better over the phone than either leader or bikes direct becuase they are a tri shop and this is what they do as opposed to the other two who are road bike sellers who happen to carry a tri-bike.

I had a great expereince with them and got a great bike for $1k.

[bvfrompc]

And to your sizing questions, I am 6'2" with a 34inch inseam (bike inseam, not pants) and ride a 58 Dual now, and used to have a 58 Felt. I ride a 60 road bike.

[Dalai]

And to your sizing questions, I am 6'2" with a 34inch inseam (bike inseam, not pants) and ride a 58 Dual now, and used to have a 58 Felt. I ride a 60 road bike.

That's why a good bike fit is worth the minimal investment before buying if you can...

I'm 6'1" 33.85" inseam (converted from 86cm). I ride 56-57cm road bikes (56cm preferred size) and my TT bike is a 52cm Cervelo P3 Al.