Jamis Sputnik and Sizing
 

Hi guys, I've been lurking here for a while and have finally decided on buying a bike; a Jamis Sputnik!

I live in Korea (Seoul) and over here it's difficult to find proper sizing for heights ~6ft (183cm). Also, the bike shops I've visited don't allow test rides which blew my mind. Anyway, I've decided to buy a second hand bike because of my budget.

I've messaged a few people selling Sputniks and they all tell me the same thing: their bike will fit me. A guy I just messaged said he's selling a size 50 Sputnik. I told him that's too small for me. He asked me my height. I said 183cm. He said he's 188cm and rides it just fine... are you kidding me?

Another guy selling a size 53 Sputnik said he's 180 and it's a bit small for him but would probably be decent for me. I want to believe him.

I can test out these second hand bikes no problem. My question is: What size Sputnik should I be looking to test? Like I said, I'm ~183cm with shoes on and have a 84cm (33inch) inseam (again, with shoes on).
If you guys could provide me with some help I'd be greatly appreciative.

TLDR: 183cm tall, 84cm inseam, Jamis Sputnik size = ?

The traditional answer on here is to use a fit calculator - there's one linked in the sticky threads at the head of the forum.

As for your varying responses, I think you'll find it's got a lot to do with large frames being unavailable and so tall riders are being forced to make do.

Yes, according to the fit calculator I should be using something sized 56 and up. In Korea this is considered a "large" size, and if it's not non-existent it's a very rare size to come across. Bikes of this size need to be special ordered and imported from overseas; the bike shops here do not carry large sizes due to low demand.

I guess what I'm asking is: can I "make do" with a size 53 bike? I'm not concerned so much with comfort as I am with injury. Also, are there any bar styles out there that would make a smaller bike more bearable? Drop bars/bull bars/etc.

Thanks again.

Hi. I'm 184 cm tall, with a longer torso. I ride a 57cm 2012 Sputnik, which fits me perfectly with a 110mm stem (steerer uncut, more upright) or 100mm stem (steerer cut down, more tucked (as I prefer)).

Photo is a bit older, but that's the fit. Phil http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=375155

Added thought: You might try a 55cm, and depending on your body proportions, look for a 110 or 120mm stem. I wouldn't recommend smaller than a 55cm. Don't listen to the shop.

Order the frame from OS. Sure, some Americans make a pigs ear out of shipping stuff but others don't. I imported one frame from an ebay seller in the US that arrived safely at a decent price - don't look at the shipping cost, look at the overall cost.

Shipping from Asia, Europe or even Australia is also an option - Eastern Europe has been a good source of good (second hand) frames at good prices for a long time. The US is only the centre of the world if you're in the US, elsewhere, look elsewhere, you won't always get a better deal but you do have access to more deals.

I'm six foot tall and 58cm bikes feel TINY to me. But that's just me, and everyone is different. But 53-55 is almost certain to feel cramped for you.