Notices
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational) This has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like : "Unbound Gravel". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

Sizing question

Old 09-23-06, 03:39 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Posts: 16

Bikes: Raleigh C700, Trek 8500 LT

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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!
ToasterLocker is offline  
Old 09-23-06, 09:46 AM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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).
markcov is offline  
Old 09-23-06, 12:58 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 248
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by ToasterLocker
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!
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.
highlyselassie is offline  
Old 09-23-06, 01:56 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Leandro
Posts: 2,900

Bikes: Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Basso Loto, Pinarello Stelvio, Redline Cyclocross

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 336 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
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.
cyclintom is offline  
Old 09-23-06, 03:21 PM
  #5  
Dude who rides bike
 
BikeInMN's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: U S of A
Posts: 642
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
BikeInMN is offline  
Old 09-23-06, 03:46 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 248
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclintom
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!
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?
highlyselassie is offline  
Old 09-24-06, 03:06 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Leandro
Posts: 2,900

Bikes: Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Basso Loto, Pinarello Stelvio, Redline Cyclocross

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 336 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
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.
cyclintom is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.