Originally Posted by
joejack951
Road bike (as in drop bar bike) sizing is different than flat bar bike sizing. The drop handlebars add additional reach and the frame geometry is different enough that you can't compare sizing between the two. For instance, I ride a 53cm road bike (measured from crank center to level top tube center) which translates to an almost 21" frame. No way I can ride a 21" flat bar bike. As noted, even a 19" MTB is too big for me.
Thanks for the comparisons. It helps.
I did a chat with Nashbar regarding the Flat Bar rd bike with bar across. I asked them with my inseam and height, which size would they recommend.
Reps response:
At your size I would recommend the 19" frame. Bike is more like a hybrid and generally you would want to size up from what you would in a road bike.
I then asked him what is the smallest person he would put on the 19".
Rep's response:
I really would not recommend it for someone under 5'5".
I bet I could go either way and fit both. Maybe with shoes, that would put me a little taller and the 19" might be fine and good? I wish I wasn't in the middle of sizes. Dang it. Sure would make things so much easier. lol