Is a 52cm traditional frame road bike suitable for 171cm?
10-26-13, 10:56 AM
#1
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Is a 52cm traditional frame road bike suitable for 171cm?
Is a 52cm traditional frame road bike suitable for 171cm？
My standover height on the bike is less than 1 inch, maybe half a inch. Is the bike too large for me? Is choosing a traditional frame requires a smaller size than compact frame?
My standover height on the bike is less than 1 inch, maybe half a inch. Is the bike too large for me? Is choosing a traditional frame requires a smaller size than compact frame?
10-26-13, 11:52 AM
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Think of frame size as something like pants length. It relates to leg length first, other proportions second.
(Related to that the length of the bike and the height/length of the head tube are associated with torso/arm length.)
So, for example, I'm about a 29" inseam but I'm 5'7" (which is about your height). If someone asked me if a 29" long set of pants would fit a person 5'7" that's not really an accurate question. It would fit proportionate 5'2" people as well as me.
Likewise my top tube and stem length are equal to one used by a teammate who rides a 60 or 63 cm frame. So is that length okay for someone that's 5'7"? Yes, if it's me. It also works for someone who is 6'3".
I used to ride a 52 cm SystemSix, but it was too short in length for me. I felt okay straddling it although I had very little clearance. I ended up getting an inexpensive custom frame that was about 5 cm longer in effective length.
(Related to that the length of the bike and the height/length of the head tube are associated with torso/arm length.)
So, for example, I'm about a 29" inseam but I'm 5'7" (which is about your height). If someone asked me if a 29" long set of pants would fit a person 5'7" that's not really an accurate question. It would fit proportionate 5'2" people as well as me.
Likewise my top tube and stem length are equal to one used by a teammate who rides a 60 or 63 cm frame. So is that length okay for someone that's 5'7"? Yes, if it's me. It also works for someone who is 6'3".
I used to ride a 52 cm SystemSix, but it was too short in length for me. I felt okay straddling it although I had very little clearance. I ended up getting an inexpensive custom frame that was about 5 cm longer in effective length.
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10-26-13, 02:01 PM
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Maybe yes, maybe no...it is not just the standover height but the overall frame fit to your body.
Standover is the general and maybe/maybe not useful method for sizing...it is merely a very rough starting point. General rule of thumb is basically an inch...a bit more or less...
Top tube length is also very important...you can only go so far with changing out stems before you are either too short or long a stem affecting "cockpit" fit...percentage of body over front/rear of bike...affecting steering control and comfort, etc.
If considering a "frame" opposed to a built bike and not having a "fit" done, I'd use a built bike with as close to matching frame measurements as possible to sit on...I use a magnetic trainer and have the rider sit the bike to measure and test varied body points to frame points, etc.
Now you have empirical data to use, compare and think about regarding the fit, comfort, efficiency, etc. of the frame/bike you are considering.
I'd never buy or recommend any but a casual rider's bike using just the standover method.
Standover is the general and maybe/maybe not useful method for sizing...it is merely a very rough starting point. General rule of thumb is basically an inch...a bit more or less...
Top tube length is also very important...you can only go so far with changing out stems before you are either too short or long a stem affecting "cockpit" fit...percentage of body over front/rear of bike...affecting steering control and comfort, etc.
If considering a "frame" opposed to a built bike and not having a "fit" done, I'd use a built bike with as close to matching frame measurements as possible to sit on...I use a magnetic trainer and have the rider sit the bike to measure and test varied body points to frame points, etc.
Now you have empirical data to use, compare and think about regarding the fit, comfort, efficiency, etc. of the frame/bike you are considering.
I'd never buy or recommend any but a casual rider's bike using just the standover method.
10-26-13, 02:29 PM
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As others have said, more information about your dimensions is needed. For your height a 54 cm would be about mid range obviously depending upon the maker's interpretation in terms of top tube length, head tube height, and such. No harm in considering the 52 cm bike, but the top tube could be a little short.
10-26-13, 02:50 PM
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Pay attention to the top tube length. Older bikes had longing top tubes. Like others mentioned you are very limited in adjusting the bike horizontally. As long as you have some crotch clearance you will be ok. You will need some when you stop at an incline.
Last edited by rishardh; 10-26-13 at 02:53 PM.
10-26-13, 03:08 PM
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Back in the day some traditional frames were made in 1/2cm increments resulting in about 25 different sizes. I mostly ride traditional sized frames and sold them for 12 years and have found TT length to be more important. I know others will counter this but I can ride just about any traditional frame with a 54cm TT. Every now and then I come across an odd ball like my Vitus, it has a 54 cm TT with a 51cm ST, its just not tall enough for me.
As long as a bike has a 54cm TT I can comfortably ride anything from 53 to 55.
Back then I sized riders by having stand over the TT in bare feet. I'd then have them lift the balls of their of the floor while leaving their heels firmly planted. I'd then have rider bend their knees, I wanted to see 1/2-1" of clearance. That was it. Traditional frames were sized tighter to crotch than modern frames with semi-sloping TT's.
Another quick way to size a traditional frame is lay a 2X4 flat on the floor under each wheel, if you can get bare heels on the floor with your toes up its not too big.
As long as a bike has a 54cm TT I can comfortably ride anything from 53 to 55.
Back then I sized riders by having stand over the TT in bare feet. I'd then have them lift the balls of their of the floor while leaving their heels firmly planted. I'd then have rider bend their knees, I wanted to see 1/2-1" of clearance. That was it. Traditional frames were sized tighter to crotch than modern frames with semi-sloping TT's.
Another quick way to size a traditional frame is lay a 2X4 flat on the floor under each wheel, if you can get bare heels on the floor with your toes up its not too big.
10-26-13, 03:09 PM
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Top tube length and Front-center distance (bottom bracket spindle to front axle) seem to be the more important parameters with modern sloping top tube geometries. A tiny person will have plenty of clearance over even quite large frames these days and can adjust the saddle height accordingly, but can end up with a really bad position because they're way stretched out.
A few examples of how much more matter than your height:
I'm 5'9" and ride a 56-56 traditional diamond frame. I had a housemate who was 6' tall who couldn't stand over any of my bikes without getting a top tube to the crotch.
I have another friend who is about my height (some debate recently since she crushed two vertebrae in a crash. she's fine now.) who rides much smaller frames than me-- typically a 52 if it's a diamond frame.
And you also have to measure the actual frame. With modern frame construction, framebuilders have gotten a little wacky in what they call what size. A 52 cm from one builder might be a 56 if you made it as a diamond frame with the same contact points and axle/spindle positions.
The short answer is you should either get a fit or try a bunch of bikes (or both).
A few examples of how much more matter than your height:
I'm 5'9" and ride a 56-56 traditional diamond frame. I had a housemate who was 6' tall who couldn't stand over any of my bikes without getting a top tube to the crotch.
I have another friend who is about my height (some debate recently since she crushed two vertebrae in a crash. she's fine now.) who rides much smaller frames than me-- typically a 52 if it's a diamond frame.
And you also have to measure the actual frame. With modern frame construction, framebuilders have gotten a little wacky in what they call what size. A 52 cm from one builder might be a 56 if you made it as a diamond frame with the same contact points and axle/spindle positions.
The short answer is you should either get a fit or try a bunch of bikes (or both).
