Newbie sizing question
 

Sizing, is too big better than too small?

If a rider is unlucky enough to be using an oversize frame size, what issues (besides tight stand-over clearance) is the riding going to have?

If given the choice between a frame that is marginally to big or marginally too small, should a commuter choice one over the other?

Michael

You just have to ride both and see what's comfortable. The smaller frame will require a longer stem and seatpost to fit, and may have greater saddle to bar drop (if there is any) that might be uncomfortable for commuting purposes. The larger frame might have a too long top tube, making it a stretch to reach the handlebars. If you're in between sizes the best thing to do would be to ride the bike in the two sizes you're in between and determine which one feels best to you.

It is really awkward to ride a bike with overlarge frame, maybe unsafe especially if you're male and want to come to a stop off the saddle. You might impale yourself on the top bar. Jumping off and on the bike also seems a little uncool, and it's better to have a bike that fits you just right. It's like writing with a pen that skips -- you can do it but it's down right annoying.

Unless it's a road bike with a highly-tuned riding position and intended for sporty riding, or, a mountain bike used for racing or very technical trail riding, it makes very little difference, as long as you can get the saddle and the handlebars where you want them.

I've seen a lot of people riding bikes with a standover that's a bit too high for them, and I've never heard a single story of them nutting themselves on the top tube. As long as it's not TOO big for you (a couple cm too big would fit you fine), and you can stand over it on tiptoes or whatever, you will probably be just fine if the saddle and bars are in the right positions.

Modern bikes are designed to get the fit close enough (not perfect) and I believe they even have sizing overlap. Ride both, buy the one that you don't need to buy new parts (or the least cost) to get it to fit. Don't worry about racking yourself. When you get off the bike you tilt it sideways anyway.

Whats comfortable for sure. Ride them all, see what you like.

For me, I have super long arms, and a somewhat long torso, though not super, and my legs are somewhat short, So for me, a larger frame works better because the reach is more comfortable.

For marginal differences, I'd say it doesn't matter. Then again, I've never encountered a frame that was too large for me.

A frame too large will tend to put the bars further out in front of you, but a frame too small will put the bars lower. Both could be "fixed" with a stem change.

I agree with pretty much everything said so far. I was commuting on a 25" fixie, now I am on a 23". There was no problem nutting myself and there was no standover clearance. The handlebars were a little far away. With the 23" the seatpost was too short to get the saddle up high enough, and I lived with it for daily commuting ( 26km roundtrip) and then I started having knee pain in several weeks. Don't do that! I got a new seatpost and now all is good. All other things being equal a smaller frame will be more stiff and lighter.

hmm... or maybe not. Take a look at the rivendale web page (USA custom bike builder) for his thoughts...http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_...g_a_frame_size