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Newbie - help needed on sizing

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Old 07-18-11 | 09:34 AM
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Newbie - help needed on sizing

Hi all, I am brand new to this forum so please bear with my newbie questions.
I was hoping some of you could help me to determine what size bicycle I should be looking for. I am looking for a vintage style "Dutch" loop bicycle.
I am 5ft 8", inside leg of 32"

What size frame do you think i'd need for a traditional "sit up and beg" bike?

I hope you can help.
Many thanks
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Old 07-18-11 | 09:38 AM
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A guide to get you some idea.
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Old 07-18-11 | 10:01 AM
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Thats really helpful thank you. How much le-way would you say there is either side? ie if that recommends a 22" frame, would I get away with a 20" for example?
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Old 07-18-11 | 10:04 AM
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On dutch bikes it doesn't matter that much, because you ride (in traditional dutch style) almost with with a vertical back, so any changes in size can be overcome in the seatpin.
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Old 07-18-11 | 10:23 AM
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For some people that chart doesn't work. For instance if you're like me. I'm between 5'9" and 5'10", but I have short legs ( approx 30" inseam). According to the chart I should ride about a 56 but I have not yet found a 56 that fit. It's more like 53 and sometimes even they are tall.
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Old 07-18-11 | 10:48 AM
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2 inches is huge (5cm). But I find the chart above to be most useful for road/racing bikes. So you could be fine.

I use this chart all of the time, but its a starting point.
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Old 07-18-11 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by lostarchitect
For some people that chart doesn't work. For instance if you're like me. I'm between 5'9" and 5'10", but I have short legs ( approx 30" inseam). According to the chart I should ride about a 56 but I have not yet found a 56 that fit. It's more like 53 and sometimes even they are tall.
The chart is only a starting point, and assumes a stock frame in terms of the TT to ST ratio; IOW, a frame built for pretty normal body proportions. I would think that at 5'9" (69") with a 30" leg length, a 53cm c-t-t frame with stock TT to ST ratio would feel rather cramped because the top tube of a stock 53cm frame would be too short for your relatively long torso/arms. Bear in mind that the frame size used in the chart is the seat tube length from the crank center to the top of the seat tube. A 56 on the chart would be a 53 or 54 if the frame size is measured center-to-center.
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Old 07-18-11 | 12:11 PM
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Another one.

https://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike...o=Content#road
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