Recreational & Family - Bike sizes

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cjackson54
05-06-09, 01:28 PM
I have been looking at a couple of bikes at LBS, and then found some on craigslist. Does frame size make a big difference. Im 5'9 or so. Ive been reading that I should be on like an 17-19 size bike. Is this right? would it be bad to be on a 20? Just a few questions to help with a new guy. Thanks

Jerry in So IL
05-06-09, 02:35 PM
You might be able to "fudge" on a size up or down, but it really depends on what style of riding you do (uprights, racing, laidback, ect). And it has to do with how you r body height is dished out, ie are you long or short legged or torso.

I would say how the bike fits around you is more important than just one measurment. So be sure to test ride all bikes.

And good luck, used bikes are the best bang for the buck!

Jerry
cjackson54
05-06-09, 02:46 PM
You might be able to "fudge" on a size up or down, but it really depends on what style of riding you do (uprights, racing, laidback, ect). And it has to do with how you r body height is dished out, ie are you long or short legged or torso.

I would say how the bike fits around you is more important than just one measurment. So be sure to test ride all bikes.

And good luck, used bikes are the best bang for the buck!

Jerry

well i have shorter legs im pretty sure. yeah i know about the testing it but with used i dont really wanna go all over and try these bikes and them not be right. right now im for of a laidback upright rider, but will be looking at going faster soon. just got back into riding. what do you know about trek 7.2, trek navigator 200 or giant boulder? any help with be appreciated

Jerry in So IL
05-06-09, 11:43 PM
Nothing! I went from a GT Nomad (confort upright bike) to a Specialized Hard Rock (which I still have...in parts) to a road bike (that I can't ride due to biking related injuries). Will be going back to hybrid/comfort biking or maybe a recumbent ASAP!

Jerry
JonathanGennick
05-07-09, 10:58 AM
Frame size makes a big difference. I do believe you are in the "zone of reasonableness" in looking at 17-19 inch frames, given your height.

There is room for personal preference. You can probably "fit" multiple frame sizes. I know I can. I've gone from preferring 17-inch sizes to thinking that 18 inches is more where I want to be. And some 19-inch frames that I've recently tried have felt pretty good. So there is room to maneuver.

One thing to think about is that a larger frame size will generally mean a reduced, seat-to-bar drop. That is what I most notice when going from 17-inch to 18- and 19-inch frames.