Road Cycling - Internet Bikes

Hi,

I am going to purchase a road bike via the Internet and I need some help on sizing. I am right on the boarder of 58 or 61 cm frames. I am 6'2". I currently ride a Cannondale hybrid in their large size. I sometimes feel a little "squished" on it but by leg height is perfect with the seat where my LBS put it. I'm looking at an Ibex Aprisia Team Pro or the Ibex Vantage 6500. I am also curious to know if any of you biking experts are familiar with Ibex Bikes? There is also a Scwhinn Fastback Pro in the running.

Thanks,

Ron

Even if you're going to buy on the internet, find a bike shop with a certified fitting specialist and get sized for a bike. They can tell you all your ideal measurements for top tube length, etc. If you're not buying a bike from them, they will charge you for the session, but it will be worth it in the long run.

While I concur with Crack'n'fail's comments and recommendation above, sometimes it just isn't feasible. A less reliable but still fairly accurate way would be to go through the sizing programs over at wrenchscience.com or competitivecyclist.com

55/Rad

The fitting should only cost about $150USD maximum. Try to find a discount coupon if your LBS has one.

Hi,

Thanks for the help. I asked this question on four different bike forums and everyone has recommended a LBS. I purchased my last bike at a LBS and I received a huge $25 discount on a Cannondale hybrid. I guess my wallet is going to be a bit lighter.

Ron

You may THINK you're saving a huge amount by buying online, but if the bike doesn't fit you properly, you'll end up "penny wise, pound foolish" - you'll either ride less, like it less, or even end up with injuries that could have been prevented.

Pay for a fitting at an LBS so you KNOW the bike you order fits you - it'll be the best investment you can make.

Hi,

I am right on the boarder of 58 or 61 cm frames. I am 6'2".
Ron

Look at your standover height. I am 6'1" and ride a 59. My range would be 58 to 61 as well. I like larger frames myself and would go larger before I would go smaller because I go on longer rides that are not races. If you race shorter distances, I would go with the smaller size.

Mark

I have a 2003 Ibex Corrida 4.4. No major problems since I got it last November. Just the usual tune-up stuff. I used the sizing chart and my stand-over height and got the 54 cm size. I'm not sure about the Aprisia, but I think the Vantage only comes in small, medium, and large. It has compact frame geometry. They can get away with limited frame sizes when they use compact geometry. If you have any questions, you can call the 800 number. Customer service is excellent. Goo luck.

Hello and welcome!

When I first came here with questions I was sure everyone of the "users" were a LBS employee trying to promote business. Oddly, that is not the case.

If you have experience with road bikes and know exactly what you need/want I see no harm in going on-line for your purchase.

If you are new to road cycling, unfamiliar with current components, or are asking sizing questions on-line you will be best served (on average) at your local bike store.

i'm not as big a fan of a $150 fitting. i think the handy fit chart thing at competitivecyclist.com is good due dilligence but i think that plus test rides of overprice bikes at LBSs is good enough.

i mean if you ride a 58 or a 61 someplace local and like it (apart from the price) just make a note of the top-tube length and order one that matches those two dimensions. those two things alone won't determine fit completely, but it's not like we're talking about a custom bike - you have to pick a list of somebody else's geometry numbers in any case.

If you are new to road cycling, unfamiliar with current components, or are asking sizing questions on-line you will be best served (on average) at your local bike store.


I'm not sure I agree with that. It depends on the store. While I like to keep my favorite shop going and I know we need local bike shops, some of them just steer people to current stock with the highest markup.

Find a good shop.

i'm not as big a fan of a $150 fitting. i think the handy fit chart thing at competitivecyclist.com is good due dilligence but i think that plus test rides of overprice bikes at LBSs is good enough.

i mean if you ride a 58 or a 61 someplace local and like it (apart from the price) just make a note of the top-tube length and order one that matches those two dimensions. those two things alone won't determine fit completely, but it's not like we're talking about a custom bike - you have to pick a list of somebody else's geometry numbers in any case.

This isn't necessarily so easy. What's important is not top tube length, but effective top tube length, which is a different measure all together. If you ride a bike at the LBS or from a friend that is a more typical geometry then buy something that is a compact geometry with the same frame size and top tube length, the bike will be much shorter.

On the other end of the argument, if you guesstimate your size and order on line and it's a little different you can always make adjustments via the stem and seat post.

Thanks for all the help. The Competitive Fit Calculator is great. I was at one of my LBSs yesterday and the guy didn't have a bike to fit me. He had nothing over a 56 cm frame. He sold Treks and Giants and recommended the Trek over a Giant. He also said the Ultegras were substantially better than 105 drive trains and shifters. I don't know about that. I checked on a bikereview form and most there felt that the upgrade wasn't worth the money. What do you guys think. I am not a racer but ride recreationally with some pretty good riders.

Ron