I had a road bike years ago but got out of the sport, and am now getting back in.
My fit measurements are as follows, in inches:
Code:
Inseam 34.25
Trunk 27
Forearm 14
Arm 26.25
Thigh 24.25
Lower leg 21.5
Height 72.2
I have settled on a bike with the following geometry:
Code:
Size Seat Tube Effective Stack Reach Head Tube Head Tube Seat
(c-t) Top Tube Angle Angle
XS 47.0 51.5 51.1 37.9 11.0 72.0 74.5
S 50.0 52.5 51.8 38.2 11.5 72.0 74.5
M 53.0 53.8 54.8 38.6 14.5 73.0 74.5
L 55.0 55.7 56.2 38.9 16.0 73.0 73.5
XL 58.0 57.0 58.5 39.3 19.5 73.0 73.0
XXL 61.0 58.5 60.1 40.1 20.0 73.5 73.0
Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of many knowledgeable LBS' around where I live, so I'll be buying online. The Competitive Cyclist calculator gives me the following:
Code:
The Competitive Fit (cm)
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Seat tube range c-c: 56.8 - 57.3
Seat tube range c-t: 58.5 - 59.0
Top tube length: 55.5 - 55.9
Stem Length: 11.7 - 12.3
BB-Saddle Position: 75.1 - 77.1
Saddle-Handlebar: 55.6 - 56.2
Saddle Setback: 7.0 - 7.4
The Eddy Fit (cm)
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Seat tube range c-c: 58.0 - 58.5
Seat tube range c-t: 59.7 - 60.2
Top tube length: 55.5 - 55.9
Stem Length: 10.6 - 11.2
BB-Saddle Position: 74.3 - 76.3
Saddle-Handlebar: 56.4 - 57.0
Saddle Setback: 8.2 - 8.6
The French Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 59.7 - 60.2
Seat tube range c-t: 61.4 - 61.9
Top tube length: 56.7 - 57.1
Stem Length: 10.8 - 11.4
BB-Saddle Position: 72.6 - 74.6
Saddle-Handlebar: 58.1 - 58.7
Saddle Setback: 7.7 - 8.1
So, my problem is this. For this specific bike, if treating the top tube length as the driving measurement, the "large" size is correct. But, this puts me on a smaller frame size, assuming frame size = seat tube length, than most other calculators / tables suggest. If I were to go by frame size alone, I would go for the x-large size in this bike.
I'm sure most people will say go ride a bunch of different frames, see what feels right, etc. But I don't have that luxury due to my location and work schedule. So, should I go for the large size of this bike, which according to CC has the correct top tube length for me, or should go with the x-large size, which matches what I would be traditionally sized with based on frame size / seat tube length.
For what it's worth, I prefer a slightly more relaxed seating style.