shumster@yahoo.

Hi

Coming to the US in Nov - contemplating getting an entry level triathlon bike to repalce the Giant I have now. Searching and searching all summer, settled on Leader TT frame or Bikesdirect.com Nemesis. My question is this:

Have been in email correspondence with both companies and have been given suggestions to get 60cm Leader frame and 58cm Motobecane. I ride a Giant M size OCR frame which I feel is too small for me (got fitted by a bike shop but I suspect they were getting rid of stock and I knew nothing).

Would it better for the frame/bike to be slightly too big or slightly too small? I'm aware that the frame/bike will not fit perfectly and I'll have to bring it back to get fitted properly, but would it be easier to adjust (downsize) a large frame or upsize a small frame, through the components?

I'm 6' 1", with 32" inseam BTW - if anyone would like to give me advice on which one/size to go for. Am aware taht different frames have different sizing system, but would like to get one as close as possible to my size.

Thanks

Dalai

Very general rule of thumb is to go down a size from your road bike size ie road 56cm tt/tri 54cm frame.

bvfrompc

Just to add to your confusion, go to inside out sports dot com and check out some of the deals they have on Cervelo, I just got a 9sp Ultegra (RD,FD,Crank) Dual for the same prices as the Nemissis. They are factory paint belishes which in my case was a bb size white spot on the black top tube decal.

And they had a 56 or a 58 which should be in your range. And they will know how to fit you better over the phone than either leader or bikes direct becuase they are a tri shop and this is what they do as opposed to the other two who are road bike sellers who happen to carry a tri-bike.

I had a great expereince with them and got a great bike for $1k.

bvfrompc

And to your sizing questions, I am 6'2" with a 34inch inseam (bike inseam, not pants) and ride a 58 Dual now, and used to have a 58 Felt. I ride a 60 road bike.

Dalai

That's why a good bike fit is worth the minimal investment before buying if you can...

I'm 6'1" 33.85" inseam (converted from 86cm). I ride 56-57cm road bikes (56cm preferred size) and my TT bike is a 52cm Cervelo P3 Al.