Originally Posted by
junkmanj
Thanks for your advise. The LBS approach may be best in my case to ensure comfort. There are many LBS's in my area so I'll ask around to see which ones who are knowledgeable and helpful.
My LBS's take on fitting is that it's so important, they won't let anyone test ride anything until after they've been fitted.
Find an LBS like that.
As for the inseam method of ballparking it, it depends on two other things as well--torso length and foot size.
Torso length determines the "reach" from the seat to the bars. I find that to be the more important measurement, and it's a lot harder to adjust this since changing stems also affects bike handling.
Until recently, I hadn't considered foot size. A custom frame builder on another forum explained that when we pedal, we extend the ankle, which makes foot length a consideration in saddle height. The proof is that extending the ankle activates the calf muscles, and cyclists as a group have huge calf muscles.
If I went purely by inseam, I'd be in a 58 or 59 cm frame. But my gangly limbs are attached to a short torso. A 55 cm top tube fits me best. Of course I need an extra-long seat post to go with it.