General Cycling Discussion - Frame size?

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jneat2001
07-22-09, 12:38 AM
so im pretty new to cycling but i really enjoy it. so here my deal i'm 6'4 and my inseam is about 34 -35 so what size frame should i have and what is available to me? currently i only have a mountain bike but i am thinking about building my own. so is there a bigger frame i can buy or what should i do thanks for the help.

Jon

tatfiend
07-22-09, 11:43 AM
What type of bike are you considering?

For a proper fitting road bike you might need to go custom. Stop by a decent LBS, or several, and see what sizes they recommend for you.

Going by pants inseam is not accurate enough. Actual crotch bone to floor measurement in bare feet is generally what is wanted. Torso and arm lengths are also involved in a proper bike fitting.

Lots of info available if you Google "Bike Fit". Mostly drop bar road bike oriented.
stapfam
07-22-09, 02:30 PM
Never go by inseam "only" to size a frame. Or height or anything else you want to think of.

The best measurement to go on is top tube length in relation to your reach on a bike.

Only way to "Estimate" that is to try out fully built up bikes. Saddle and bar height can be adjusted- but if that top tube makes you stretch too far or hunch up- you have the wrong size frame.

And if you ride mountain bikes right now- then you will initially be going for a frame with too short a top tube as it will feel more comfortable. I did and the bike was made to fit by having a longer bar stem fitted later on to get the distance right. Didn't make the same mistake on the next bike- or the one after that.