Is my Bicycle too large for me?
10-23-11, 09:20 AM
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Is my Bicycle too large for me?
Hi everyone, i recently just bought a second hand bicycle , realized the size of the frame isn't my size, i am about 173cm(176cm with shoes) tall, and the bike has a "XL" frame on it, i looked it up on Google, and realized frame of "XL" is about 53cm and are meant to be for people like 185+cm tall. I've just started biking , so i don't know much about them, they are all the same to me..... and it was cheap so i just bought it. However i don't have any trouble riding the bike tho, in fact i don't feel uncomfortable at all, its just i cant really land my feet on to the ground while seated on the saddle (even tip toe), i have to slide off down to the frame to land my feet every time when i stop. So just want some ideas from everyone who knows bikes: Is the bike too dangerous for my to ride? Will it look stupid or weird to see a regular sized man riding on a "XL" frame on the street? or Have you seen anyone with about my size cycling with a "XL" frame? any comments would be great, Thanks =)
10-23-11, 09:25 AM
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It would be so much easier to simply post a picture of you on your bicycle.
You should be able to reach the floor with your tip when on the saddle.
You should be able to reach the floor with your tip when on the saddle.
10-23-11, 09:28 AM
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I think it's more or less important for distance from saddle to pedals. If you can slide onto the top tube from the saddle, and touch the ground from there, you should be fine.
10-23-11, 09:34 AM
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10-23-11, 09:43 AM
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Hi everyone, i recently just bought a second hand bicycle , realized the size of the frame isn't my size, i am about 173cm(176cm with shoes) tall, and the bike has a "XL" frame on it, i looked it up on Google, and realized frame of "XL" is about 53cm and are meant to be for people like 185+cm tall. I've just started biking , so i don't know much about them, they are all the same to me..... and it was cheap so i just bought it. However i don't have any trouble riding the bike tho, in fact i don't feel uncomfortable at all, its just i cant really land my feet on to the ground while seated on the saddle (even tip toe), i have to slide off down to the frame to land my feet every time when i stop. So just want some ideas from everyone who knows bikes: Is the bike too dangerous for my to ride? Will it look stupid or weird to see a regular sized man riding on a "XL" frame on the street? or Have you seen anyone with about my size cycling with a "XL" frame? any comments would be great, Thanks =)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5SjHvHDuxg
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10-23-11, 09:47 AM
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As much as many here try to turn fit into a formula or exact science...it is far from that...especially for a new rider.
OP...You are average height if that and on a XL bike. If most would simply buy the bike per their size they would be well on their way toward a decent fit. You should be on a Medium...not a XL. I ride a XL and am over 6' with long legs and could ride a Large. I am basically a Large guy who should be on a Large in other words...pretty simple. I ride a XL because I have XL long legs.
So I would say, yes, you are on the wrong frame.
Good Luck.
OP...You are average height if that and on a XL bike. If most would simply buy the bike per their size they would be well on their way toward a decent fit. You should be on a Medium...not a XL. I ride a XL and am over 6' with long legs and could ride a Large. I am basically a Large guy who should be on a Large in other words...pretty simple. I ride a XL because I have XL long legs.
So I would say, yes, you are on the wrong frame.
Good Luck.
Last edited by Campag4life; 10-23-11 at 09:50 AM.
10-23-11, 09:47 AM
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Don't size a bike off standover height. Size a bike by the top tube. You but it to ride, not stand over.
Last edited by thirdgenbird; 10-23-11 at 09:50 AM.
10-23-11, 09:48 AM
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If you are talking a road bike, then a 53cm frame should be a medium and would fit you fine. I would consider 60cm or larger to be an XL.
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