Road Cycling - Road Bike Sizing/New bike???

I am buying a new road bike and I am 6 feet tall with an inseam of 34 inches...I was wondering what a standard size is for my height? 56cm?? or bigger? I have been looking at the Felt F85, Marin Portofino, specialized Allez or a KHS...any suggestions? Thanks

I am buying a new road bike and I am 6 feet tall with an inseam of 34 inches...I was wondering what a standard size is for my height? 56cm?? or bigger? I have been looking at the Felt F85, Marin Portofino, specialized Allez or a KHS...any suggestions? Thanks

I would probably be looking at something like a 58cm frame. However, keep in mind that this is a very rough estimate. Plenty of things other than just height and inseam will effect bike fit. BTW, I like your avatar. I'm originally from Chicago and am a big fan of Hum as well as Blind Melon.

Why not go to the LBS where the bikes are you're looking for and ask? I mean, there are a lot of measurements to take under consideration when purchasing a bike, and maybe the best thing for you to do is get a bike fit or at least have some common measurements taken so you can narrow down your perfect bike.

Try Yojimbo's Garage over on Clybourn. Marcus measured me and now I have a Bike Friday that fits perfectly.

Koffee

Marcus measured me and now I have a Bike Friday that fits perfectly.

Koffee
Koffee, Are you going to use the BikeFriday for your tour overseas?

Yup. Sure am. It's at Yojimbo's now. I'm just waiting on the Ultegra crankarms to get in, and then Marcus will get right to work with upgrading the components.

Koffee

Yup. Sure am. It's at Yojimbo's now. I'm just waiting on the Ultegra crankarms to get in, and then Marcus will get right to work with upgrading the components.

Koffee
Have you tried it with a load on it? I saw they made a touring bike now and was wondering how it would handle. Also was it expensive transporting your regular bike?

...I am 6 feet tall with an inseam of 34 inches...

Phil,

The Two factors to consider when sizing a bike.

1. Proportions of your height. I also have a 34 inch inseam but I am 6'2". So more of my height is in my upper body. Conversely, you're a leg man. I like a larger frame not for the height of it but the length. A larger frame gives my upper body more room to stretch forward and not be hanging over the front wheel. I think a good rule of thumb would be - if you are choosing between two different frame sizes, choose the smaller frame if most of your height is in your legs. If your LBS associate fails to consider your proportions, he doesn't know what he is doing.

2. Preferred Riding Position.

More than likely, you'll need a 58cm - 60cm frame, depending on how it's measured (Center-to-center or center-to-top) and how long your arms are (Try to keep your stem length to no more than 110mm because of the extended length of STI/Ergo Power brake-shifter hoods). Also, go with at least 172.5mm cranks. A good bike shop will be able to dial you in. Good luck!

I am 6' with an inseam of 33.75" and I have a 58 Trek, a 57 Lemond and another 55 Lemond. I used to ride a 60 Centurion. So what does this mean? Nothing. One brand's 58 doesn't equal another's. Get to the LBS and get measured and let them help you find the perfect fit.

55/Rad

I suggest something around 60cm, though in part it depends on where your saddle is on the rails. If your saddle is way forward, you will need a larger frame to get the top tube to put the handlebars far enough away. If you are all the way back, you can go smaller.

A formula of 5.29 X inseam in inches (34) = crankarm length in millimeters (180mm), suggests your best crankarm length for road riding will be 180mm. With an inseam of 35", I use 185mm cranks. You won't be able to get 180mm without paying extra outside of Dura-Ace or Record (?), so get 175mm and plan on changing later. Ask, though, because there could be some take-offs from another bike in the back of the shop that they would like to sell.

Each bike is different. Read the geometry of the bikes on their web page. One 58 may have a longer top tube, another a higher standover.. etc. Being that I was in a similar situation, i will telly you that you're most likely a 58 trek, on a C'dale, you could go either 56 or 58. But just because your height and inseam is simiar doesn't mean that your reach and torso might be longer.. or shorter than mine. It's unique to the person. The only way to judge is to get on the bikes and ride them.

This page has a chart that you can use to help choose a frame size. Don't take it as gospel, just a helpful tool.

http://www.rivbike.com/html/bikes_framesize.html