Originally Posted by
cpsqlrwn
We all have a sweet spot in terms of bike size, that perfect fit where the seat tube length and the top tube length are just right. My question is..... do a lot of you stick to that size and only consider "perfect" fit bikes for purchase, or do you have bikes that vary a little in size. And if your bikes vary a little in size (particularly in the seat tube length) do you feel it is easier to deal with a bike that is a size smaller than your perfect size or a size larger than your perfect size? And what are the consequences with regard to comfort, aches and pains after the ride, safety, etc?
I tend to change "sizes" depending on the particular bike manufacturer and the particular use of the bike. My road bikes range up to 8 cm difference in CC (but about 2 cm difference in TT). My sweet spot is about 52cm TT. But this is a personal preference/habit. I do not care as much about CC or CT, as long as there is at least an inch or two of seat post showing for my fit and I can stand over the bike. I use different size stems depending on the bike to get my perfect position. A size smaller is probably a better choice than a size larger (and it is mainly a safety issue, particularly at stops or emergency situations). And if the stand over height is higher that your inseam, that bike is better avoided.
Also, different manufacturers size bikes differently (for example Schwinn was notorious for sizing bikes based on CT) so it is very hard to tell whether the bike will fit you or not.