Sizing down?
 

Ok, after doing some research I think I've come to the conclusion that when one rides a track bike a smaller frame than one would ride on the road is necessary. Is this correct? I usually ride a 56/57cm road frame, but it seems to me that if I were to ride a track, or generic fixed gear, that I should ride between a 51 to 53 cm frame. I'd like to know, because my next build will likely be a track bike for road training use, and occasional track use (though the only Velodrome I know of nearby is on the other end of the state).
Thanks guys, this is my first post on this particular forum.
-Gene-

I run about the same size for my track (54TT) and road (54.5TT) bikes. I know a few that run a slightly smaller bike for the track (56TT road to 54TT track). Probably a matter of personal preference and riding style.

Some people suggest slightly smaller, yes. But goiing all the way down to 51 to 53 from 56-57 is a really dramatic jump. Without knowing anything I'd suggest 55 at the smallest. You might find that rather than riding deep you'd like to ride it long and then you'd be stuck with a small frame. I ride a 52cm Felt with a 120mm stem and feel as though it's a bit too short for me. I ride a 50/52cm road bike with a 53.5 cm top tube and a 110m stem... there are plenty of variables and until you get used to riding track bikes, and riding on a track, you won't really know how you like to ride one. But one thing is for sure - 53cm is almost definitely too small.

I prefer my rides a little snug. I can fit a 56cm, 57cm very well. I just picked up a 54cm and know from feel that 54cm is nice and fun I am 5'9" with a 30" inseam. I feel that with me at least the smaller the better i can get a feel for the bike as opposed to the bike riding me. If that makes sense. Haha anyways i enjoy a tad smaller than 56,57.

Most folks will go down about a cm.

Although I guess that shows my age, as I hear frames are only available in "small, medium, large" these days. Which doesn't strike me as an improvement.

Moreover, it seems to me that most roadies ride bikes about 10 cm. too small for them these days. A modern pack looks to me like a troupe of monkeys humping footballs. So IMO you should probably buy a track bike a size up from your road bike. Then you will at least have one bike that fits.

HTH! :lol:

My bikes are level TT's and I follow the handful of seatpost rule, so I'm not sure I qualify as a modern roadie. I guess looking for a 54-56cm frame is a good idea, then, according to everyones advice.
Thanks, all.
-Gene-