Bike Forums - The most aesthically pleasing frame size

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I've had this 56cm Legnano Roma Olympiade since new in '64. It was the most beautiful bike ever to me, and it usually takes a 56 size frame to get my attention. Last April on the way home from Eroica, I picked up this 54 cm Legnano Gran Premio. It was at a price I couldn't refuse, even if a little small for me (I'm 6' tall, 31" inseam). I've been tweaking the fit with a longer seat post and stem, and it's almost there. I've put around 100 miles on it, including the $100 100Km Clunker Challenge, and I can't get over how smooth this little bike rides. They have similar 700c wheels with high flange Campy hubs. The Gran Primo has 25c Gators which should be harder riding, where the Roma has 28c Paselas. The GP came with a well worn Brooks Pro, where the Roma has a newish replacement B17. Anyway as a long time 56 size fan, the 54 is growing on me, even if I may look like a clown riding a kid's bike. The Roma is a great ride, but for some reason, the GP just glides over the road. Sorry to hijack the "beauty in aesthetics" thread, but there is more than one kind of beauty.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d251b26c86.jpg
''64 Legnano Roma Olympiade, 56 cm, my favorite ride for 55 years.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e3e9efdef2.jpg
Newly acquired '61 Legnano Gran Premio, 54 cm, a fun little bike.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...379c8a8e8f.jpg
The day I brought the little GP home (on the left ), a $50 barn find!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinktubes (Post 21229267)

54-56 seem the most balanced to my eye.

I've also seen examples at both ends of the spectrum that look great, so I'm not sure what I key on.

here's a smaller frame that looks "right" to me.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1fe83d48_b.jpg

Being taller and living in a country with tall people I prefer taller frames. My very first response to the above bike is "what the hell is wrong with that head tube?"

A size 54 frame is usually reserved for smaller women here so it just looks weird to me. I ride 62-64cm frames and can comfortably ride 66+ frames so that might be a factor.

Considering what she's wearing, and there's no chainguard in sight - I foresee trouble.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedofLite (Post 21229310)

This one. Hands down. Wins every time.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6b61dec8fc.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweenk (Post 21229067)

I have been considering the most aesthically pleasing bike frames for larger wheeled bicycles. My conclusion is that 58cm to 59cm frames are the most pleasing to the eye. That is only my opinion of course, but the frame geometry pleases my eye.

I would like to hear other opinions on the subject.

i think i heard that they used to use 56cm frames for the catalogue pictures in the 1990ies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kabuki12 (Post 21229304)

Most of my bikes are 60-63cm and I like the way they look. I like tall bikes ‘cause I can ride em!

Exactly. If I can't ride them, they're just art without function and I'm the practical sort.

Beauty is in the eye of the rider. :thumb:
Best, Ben