Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
sheline
09-05-11, 10:15 AM
I'm looking to buy a bike for college, but I have no idea where to begin. I've been looking on craigslist for cheap bikes, but I'm not sure what size or type of bike I should be looking for. I go to school in Pittsburgh, so I need a bike that's light and can manage the hills/rain/snow. I'm around 5'7''-8''.
any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks :)
hybridbkrdr
09-05-11, 01:16 PM
I'm 5'8" and my inseam was measured in a bike shop as 83.5cm. When I measured myself against a wall and a book, I measured 83.0cm. I was told I could take either a Trek (touring bike) 520 in 51cm or 54cm. The difference is whether you want your arms higher up to be slightly more comfortable over longer distances or whether you want more agility. I'd prefer the 51cm for more maneuvrability. :)
Charts and sizing calculators recommend 56cm which means if I go 51cm or 52cm, I'm two sizes below 56cm. I'm not the only one here who said they prefered two sizes below. Now, for bikes measured in inches, I find it more difficult to say. I'm really comfortable with 18 inches although I think I'd slightly prefer 17 inches with 16 inches being the one I'd want to feel in total control if I wanted to jump a curb etc.
I don't know what way you want to lean between mountain, road, hybrid, comfort, cruiser etc. But, in my opinion, I think hybrids/touring bikes make a rational choice. I think the GT Traffic 3.0 is an intersting choice (and Kona Smoke).