Commuting - Bike sizing help needed ASAP!

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View Full Version : Bike sizing help needed ASAP!

BianchiDave
09-16-09, 10:19 AM
So I have been trying to sell or trade (prefer trade) my Bianchi Castro 58(cm) bike for a smaller (cm) bike. I happen to come across a bike shop (3 hours from my house) that has the exact same Bianchi Castro in a 49cm (new). I called them up and they said they would trade me straight up bike for bike.
My question is; I’m 5’6’ with (I believe) a 30 or 29 ½ inseam, would a 49cm be too small?

(My use for this bike is mainly commuting and a weekend stroll with my sons attached bike (which also clearly showed me the 58(cm) was way too big.)

canyoneagle
09-16-09, 10:28 AM
According to this http://www.bianchiusa.com/607.html the standover for the 49cm is 29.8" with stock tires.

looks like a good match to me.
BianchiDave
09-16-09, 10:35 AM
I'm a dumb a$$:o I didn't think about looking on the Bianchi website for the sizing (and I call myself BianchiDave?)

Thank you

CCrew
09-16-09, 11:21 AM
I called them up and they said they would trade me straight up bike for bike.

Good deal. The 49 is a hard size to sell, they'll move a 58 quickly.

As to whether it'll fit you won't know until you ride it, but I'd say it has promise.
aoeuhtnsi
09-16-09, 04:29 PM
it's better to go smaller than too big. i'm about the same height as you. i ride a 52cm most comfortably, but if i had to chose, 49 is much better than 58. check the top tube length if you go for the 49.
Grim
09-16-09, 04:43 PM
it's better to go smaller than too big. i'm about the same height as you. i ride a 52cm most comfortably, but if i had to chose, 49 is much better than 58. check the top tube length if you go for the 49.

Funny but I find the opposite is true. My optimum size is a 61cm. I have had a few 58cm and most I have to have the seat all the way out to ride and then the bars are lower then I like and starts giving me back aches. Vintage bikes rarely have enough seat post in a 58cm for me to get a proper seat height. I started picking up 63cm bikes because of the better to me seat to bar height. I look for the tallest bikes I can flat foot without being hard on the bar. Correcting the reach with a short stem is easier (and aesthetically better looking) then tall stems and offset seat posts.

Dave see if they will let you take it out for a 20-30 minute ride to be sure you are going to be happy with it.