Sizing question
 

Hey folks,

I'm looking at ordering a cyclocross online, but I'm unsure of what size would be best. There really isn't a store nearby that I can try anything at, so I'm wondering what would be a good fit if I ride a typical size "large" in mountain bikes. I'm thinking most 56 cm would work, but I would like to hear from you guys.

Also, if it helps, I'm 6'1" and typically wear pants with a 34" inseam. Thanks!

I'm also 6'1", wearing a 34" inseam pants...and have been looking at cyclocross bikes. :-D
I tested some bikes yesterday and 58cm seemed to fit me best.
This was on a Trek XO1. Trek has all their geometry online, so perhaps their 58 might be equivalent to a 56 in another model. Hope it works out for you.

Any bike-owning friends of similar size nearby that you could use? The difference between the road and cyclocross frames seems to be pretty minimal for sizing (IMHO).

56cm would be ok, if you don't mind the bars 7 inches below the saddle. If you like them higher, I'd say 60, maybe 62.

You really need to go to a shop and try a few on for size, just taking a stab at the right size for you is gonna bring heartache.

YIKES! highlyselassie - I don't know what sort of riding you do. Most bikes these days have the bars WAY too low. That's the style now. Just look at the pictures of bicycles in any bike magazine. Bars are so low now that almost everyone rides on the tops and never in the drops. And we all have back pain and neck pain from having to tilt your head so far back to see ahead. Imagine you trying to be practical!

56-57 cm should be about correct. I'm 6'4", with a 34" inseam and ride a 57-58 cm. I also have a 55 cm Pinarello that rides OK but definitely is a little small.

Pay more attention to the top tube length than seat tube length. Cyclocross bikes should be a little larger than MTB's were in the early days of the sport.

You should come down to the twin cities and try something out rather than buying on-line. Also, doesn't the shop that replaced ONAG stock something? I know they're hooking all the Grandstay guys up with Redline Team bikes for this season.
Seriously, Mill City Cyclery, Freewheel and Grand Performance all stock cross bikes. GP has Orbea, Scott and Bianchi stuff in stock and it's only an hour away...

PS - First CX race of the season in MN is in your backyard tomorrow. I'll be there racing As

I find the one thing that never goes out of style, for me at least, is comfort. Everything else is just minor details.

You say bars are too low, yet you ride a tiny frame for your size...sarcasm?

55 cm was the largest frame that Bridgestone made in mountain bikes. What do you suppose that was? When you're climbing the bars are up at the proper level.