I've just finished building up a 23.5" Raleigh Super Course. I haven't had time to ride it much, but it seems very comfortable. Definitely does not feel like a stretch in any way. I'm 6' tall, 34" inseam.
I really want an International (haven't found any for sale, yet) or a Competition. I found a 24.5" Competition for sale, but not locally. I'd love to spring for it, but what are your general thoughts on the size? Too darn big?
I've searched the archives and read all I could find on this topic. I'd be interested in any opinions. I know that riding the bike is the best answer, but it's not an option currently. I'm interested in light touring, 25-50 miles per day, 1-3 days.
Thanks for taking the time to read a boring question from a newish road rider.
Best,
Damon

Given your height and inseam, I'd think that 24.5 would fit you much, much better than a 23.5. I'm 5'11" with 32-33" inseam, and I like a 24" best. I have a 23" and it is a bit tight. BUT, you really should go visit a bike shop and stand across a few frames. Better to ride a few.

Good luck. And Welcome!

LL

This is all you need to know.... https://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=41

LL,
Thanks so much for the quick response. I really appreciate the help. I've got the C&V bug bad, and you guys have given me a lot of fun stuff to read and great photos to see.
Best,
Damon

Capecodder,
thanks for the link. Using Rivendell logic, I fall in the 60.5-62.5 cm size range. Much appreciated. It's interesting, in my search of the bikeforum archives, people seemed to be recommending much, much smaller frames for people in my general height range. More racing-oriented, I guess?

That Competition should be just about perfect! Good luck.

You did not state the vintage of your super Course? If it's a straight gauge
(unbutted) reynolds 531 frame and you weigh more than about 200# you might
ride it around a little bit first and see how you like the ride/responsiveness.

I'm 6'2" and 235# and because of my freakishly short legs in proportion to a
longer torso and arms (think lower primate), I seem to get by best on 23"
and 23.5" frames, but I have a couple of 24" frames that I ride that are
comfortable. My own philosophy is that if i can make the standover as the bike
is configured without risk to the family jewels in the event of an emergency
dismount, I'm good. Factor in a long enough top tube to stretch out a little
as you ride (road bikes), and not a huge amount of seatpost showing (often
compensated by a higher stem, as is top tube somewhat adjustable by stem
length).

I mention riding your Super Course because even though a "lesser" bike than the
Comp or Pro (and i have a few of these), the straight gauge 531 SC just has such a
nice smooth and steady ride that I would be loathe to part with mine (has the
anniversary headbadge, so whatever year that makes it.) Also, yours is already
built, so ride for a while just for your own edification as to what I'm talking about.
Personally, I would not try touring on either of the Comps i have.

And for touring, a straight gauge frame almost always exhibits less flex than anything
made out of thinner tubing, at not a huge weight penalty. It also is more resistant
to dings and dents. Did I mention that the 531 SC has a really smooth ride and nicely
stretched geometry?

I'm buying my first International from a friend this Saturday. It has a small, almost
unnoticeable ding in the top tube. It would not be there if it were a SC.

Ride them before you buy them, if you can. I'm 6'2" with a 34 pant inseam. A 24.5" is perfect and a 25" feels freakishly tall! Must be a big 1/2 inch? Anyway, a slightly smaller frame (down to a 23") with more seatpost and stem exposed feels more comfortable to me than a larger frame. Maybe I'm scared of heights?

I would guess that 23.5" might be fine for someone 6' but you probably don't want to go any smaller. Since you can always raise the seat post within reason, it's the forward reach that really matters. Stem length then is the biggest factor, and easily changeable. As examples I present my two bikes, a UO8 and a Gran Sport, both from the early 70's and 23.5" (or 59cm, more or less). I swapped the Gran Sport's stem for one a cm shorter and it made the bike much more comfortable.

But then, there was a time when I thought maybe I'd bought the UO8 too big. My back would get tired from the forward reach. But as I've ridden more lately (and according to my doctor, shrunk an inch or more) I've felt very comfortable. Back fatigue is not a problem so I can probably handle a reach even greater. I've commuted about 800 miles on the UO8 this summer and it doesn't feel too big at all.

The point being, your thoughts on fit and frame size may evolve with your riding.

As noted above, the top tube length is often more important than the seat tube length. For what it's worth, my trouser inseam = 30", and 55cm C-T is my size in a traditional road bike. (Both Capos and the Bianchi are this size. The Peugeot is 53.5cm, but with a long top tube.)

Thanks a bunch, everyone, for the input. Finding this forum has been very helpful. I'll go put some miles on that Super Course and see how things feel. I'm still trying to get that 24.5" Competition, though!

you are now surrounded by like minded individuals.......

To me, its all about bicycle inseam, I am 5-11, but have a really short bicycle inseam of 31". But to get a bike with adequate tt length (I have a long torso), I give up any semblance of standover clearance. I typically end up with a 56/57cm frame size.

I had a 25 inch Centurion for sale last year. Guy calls me wanting it, he lived 90 miles away and was 5-11. I did all I could to discourage him from coming, told him it was a waste of his time. Well, he came anyway, and it fit him perfectly..... (the bike did have a short stem).

I always use this chart, AS A STARTING POINT. Based on the chart below, you should be fine: