Originally Posted by
bruce19
40 yrs ago when I began cycling I was 5' 10 1/2" with a 32.5" inseam. At age 76 I am 5' 8 1/2" but with the same inseam. Back then a 54/55 was perfect for me. And, that is also true today. If I had to choose between a frame too big or too small I'd go with smaller to save weight. Otherwise Pagacar will start dropping me.
same, same for me. At 27 I was 6'0" had an 88.5 cycling inseam, now at 73 I'm 5'9.5" (maybe some shorter since last measurement...) 88 cm cycling inseam , long wingspan of almost 72" (182.5 cm) - so mostly all 'lost' in what was already a very short torso... When I go out to eat, I ask for a booster seat ! LOL!
rode 60 & 59 cm BITD, now a 58 is too big, because of 'reach' mainly from TT - I like a longer reach, with a greater percent forward from the stem/head. Even in the 'old days' a 59 or 60 with >58 cm TT was too 'truck-ish' handling, so 57 - 57.5 TT worked well. I now ride a 56 cm roadie (Tarmac) with 56.5 TT (horiz. measure) with a 12cm stem and it feels nice.
I still ride with significant forward torso lean, very comfy for back, arms, legs and butt... flexibility not an issue, yet...
anyway, NOT too Large and NOT too small - just right.
if you're a std/median human with Da Vinci proportions, a 'square' frame prolly works well, if you're long in torso, a little longer TT would prolly work fine, if short in torso a little shorter TT is often nice.
there are so many bikes to choose from, no need to compromise, if you know what you want or need...
Ride On
Yuri