General Cycling Discussion - Bike sizing questions

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View Full Version : Bike sizing questions


Thurnau
07-01-08, 06:55 PM
How do I know what size bike I need? If the LBS isn't all that helpful, and betrayed my trust, what are some rules to go by?

I am slightly over 6'3", and 6'4" with shoes. I tried following Shelden Browns advice when adjusting my seatpost for height, and it is high up there. I am wondering if I bought the wrong size, and which size should I consider on my next bike purchase.


Thurnau
07-01-08, 06:58 PM
sheldon says that you should have your legs fully extended without wobbling side to side. I almost need a rolling start to mount it when my seatpost is that high.

My LBS sold me a 19 inch frame, then later let me swap it out for a 21" trek MTB

jaxgtr
07-01-08, 07:38 PM
Find another shop


deraltekluge
07-01-08, 08:28 PM
sheldon says that you should have your legs fully extended without wobbling side to side. I almost need a rolling start to mount it when my seatpost is that high.

My LBS sold me a 19 inch frame, then later let me swap it out for a 21" trek MTBRead this from Sheldon Brown and pay attention to the video clip Starting and Stopping (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/starting.html)

Did you read this from Brown? Revisionist Theory of Bicycle Sizing (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html)

Thurnau
07-01-08, 08:48 PM
Read this from Sheldon Brown and pay attention to the video clip Starting and Stopping (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/starting.html)

Did you read this from Brown? Revisionist Theory of Bicycle Sizing (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html)

So I have been kicking it cowboy style:thumb: lol.
I will work on that. First my bike was too small feeling. I can almost flat foot if my seat isn't up very high. I leaned cowboy style when expanding my seat post so my legs can fully stretch out while pedaling.

As to the bike sizing, I understand that bikes have a dishonest or inconsistent sizing techniques. I did read that. Is there a more simple guideline?

Thurnau
07-01-08, 08:56 PM
Find another shop

I bought my bike from a shop that was recommended, and respected in the area. My sales person must have been slightly green. I visited a second shop in the area, but it recently opened and the guy was young. I went there to look at a brooks saddle which was recommended to me from other forum members and the sales person put down on it. I got this second bike stores location from the Brooks Website. I do not think I'd get proper service, unless an experienced tech or the owner would help me.