Road Cycling - what is the right size?

Hi all,

I am really interested in upgrading to a road bike and I would like if possible to buy it on E bay to save some cash (I live in Japan). The only thing is I was informed by the guy at my local BS in Tokyo that different brands can mean different sizes (???) :mad: That is a Pinarello 56 is not the same a s a Bianci 56cm????

Totally confused as to what to do. I am 180cm (6 foot) and 75 kilo. I am pretty average build with I guess slightly longer legs. So can anyone advise me what to do? I do not want to make a very expensive mistake. If I get a 56cm bike, do you think this would be right?

Glad to hear any advice!

Stand straight with your back against a wall and your bare feet about 10" apart. Take a book (approx. 1/2" or 1" thick) and run it up between your legs until the binder hits your pubic bone. And I mean hit it - snug against it. The side of the book against the wall on your backside should remain in full contact with the wall. This ensures the book remains level and the measurement is accurate.

Now with the book snug against you pubic bone, have a friend measure the distance from the book binding to the floor. You can do this yourself but, it is safer and potentially more accurate to have a friend take the measurement. This is your pubic bone height.

Take your pubic bone height and subtract 25cm. The resultant number is the size bike you should be looking for. It will put you on a frame that can be dialed in to a perfect fit with minor stem/seat post/saddle position/handlebar height adjustments. This method of bike fitting evolved from the French and has survived the test of time. It is not based on fad, hype or false perception. It will work and make you a happy cyclist.

There are three Japanese bike companies that come immediately to mind and build excellent bikes. On the top end is "Nagasawa" in Osaka(I believe). A one man shop with a relentless pursuit of perfection and creativity. He builds some of the finest steel bikes made, period. No cost spared but, this doesn't mean you will paying an arm and a leg. They are expensive but not overpriced - like many of the metal/plastic bikes all hyped up that you see today. Nagasawa is not in business to become rich. You will get exactly what you pay for. Only negative point with Nagasawa is that there is often a 6-12 month wait for a frame.

Another Japenese company with an enviable reputation for quality steel bikes is the "Toyo" shop, also in Osaka. Here you also get a bicycle built to near perfection by on a semi-production line set-up. In other words it is a small shop, about 5 employees, and slightly more volume oriented than Nagasawa. But, it will look as fine and detailed as just about any fine American or Eruopean bike, perhaps better. It will be absolutey straight and true. It is also much, much more cost competitive.

Another company well worth mentioning is "Toei" but I know less about this shop. I believe they focus more on the classic road or fast touring type bikes. I believe they are also in Osaka.

All these companies can help with sizing. Since you probably don't want to wait for a year on a frame, I would highly recommend the "Toyo" shop. Don't comprimise for some trendy high zoot'in bike designed to be too small for you. Small frames that cramp you will ultimately not be comfortable over the long haul - regardless of what any local bike shop tells you. If you want someone to give you good fit advice then ask Nagasawa or the Toyo shop (or, Toei).

Being 6' tall, a 56 sounds small. Shouldn't you be more closer to a 58cm frame?

Different brands do have different sizing. Some measure center-to-top or center-to-center.
The measurement you should be looking at is the top tube length. Get the correct top tube length and you will be ok.

Normal inseam length using a measurement similar to above for a 6' male is 34", which works out to a frame size of 61cm.

I have read that you take that measurement in flat shoes with legs together.

As frame size goes up, the top tube gets longer and higher, which means (we hope) the handlebars end up higher and farther away.

The extensive range found in a lot of modern seatposts means that tall people can often be fit on undersize frames with regard to saddle height. It is a mistake to do this, though, because the handlebars will not be properly located. That's why you want to look at a larger frame around 61cm.

Sizing can vary dramatically by manufacturer, geometry, and intended use. I'm 6' too and I ride a 55 cm which "should" be a bit small but it fits better than a 58 from a different manufacturer that I test rode last Friday. I would have to go up to a 60 in that frame. Also, racers tend to like smaller frames than tourers. That's why the best advice is always to do a test ride.

Yes sizes are different depending on the brand. Often their website will give information about geometries. Also check out competitivecyclist.com They have an online tool to help you with sizing and SheldonBrown.com has a lot of info on fitting as well.
GoodLuck!