Northern California - Bike sizing question

The bike is for my son who is 6' tall, weighs 210 lb and wears 32" inseam pants. I don't want to go to a bike store and then not buy a bike from them. Also, I don't want to spend too much because he may not like riding. I'm looking to buy one off craigslist or eBay if local. What size bike do you think he'll need?

I should've started this thread in Road Cycling. Never mind.

I'd say a 58-60cm for road and a 19-20 for mountain bike. Have him try it out before buying. If it's a suprise, then the above should be close enough. Of course this is a rough approximate.... ;)

try using competitive cyclist's fit calc. This should give you a good idea on pinning down his fit for a frame.


http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

Pants inseam didn't count when I went to the shop. Have him hold a broomstick level and firmly pulled into his crotch, and meaure that distance from the top of the stick to the floor.

The bike is for my son who is 6' tall, weighs 210 lb and wears 32" inseam pants. I don't want to go to a bike store and then not buy a bike from them. Also, I don't want to spend too much because he may not like riding. I'm looking to buy one off craigslist or eBay if local. What size bike do you think he'll need?

I am the same height and pants inseam. I ride a 56 and 57 cm bikes. Works well for me.

Thanks guys!

Update:

I bought him a 56cm Trek 1500 off craigslist today. Looks like it fits fine and the bike is in really good condition. Thanks again for the advice!

I figured that would work. Good deal.

The size should be fine cantdrv.. I am 5'11 and have a 32/I and I ride a 56cm just fine and cozy. Nice find on the bike, the 1500 is rated very well as the cost effective entry level bike.

Should be an easy sell, the bike work will make his H20 polo better (stronger legs, better cardio).. :)

I am the same height and pants inseam. I ride a 56 and 57 cm bikes. Works well for me.

Same for me. 56 or 57 cm center to center. That would make a 58 or 59 cm center to top (Trek).

Should be an easy sell, the bike work will make his H20 polo better (stronger legs, better cardio).. :)
He played his last HS water polo game a couple of months ago and is now gaining weight. He hopes to play in college. Maybe he'll like cycling and ride enough to get back in shape.

I'm the same height and wear pants with the same inseam, and I WAS that weight, until the "Food Holidays" hit.

My CYCLING inseam is 34.5". My bikes are a 58 c-to-c, a 59 c-to-c, and a 61 "virtual"(that one runs small, though).

Your son could probably ride a larger frame, but hey - if he's comfy, that's what counts!

you gonna put up a picture of the bike?? :) Would love to see it. I think it was the 1500 that came with the team disco paint scheme.