Carson Dyle

I'm looking at ordering a Soma Double Cross frameset. This would be for a commuter/townie bike. Short commute, about 3.5 miles each way (5.5 miles the long way ).

I'm 5'7" with about a 29" inseam. I'm debating between frames listed as being 50cm and 52cm in seat tube length. Ideas?

50cm
Top Tube, Effective (C-C): 548mm
Frame Reach: 388mm
Frame Stack: 549mm
Wheelbase: 1007mm
Standover: 30.2"

52cm
Top Tube, Effective (C-C): 556mm
Frame Reach: 389mm
Frame Stack: 555mm
Wheelbase: 1015mm
Standover: 30.8"

>> Double Cross Geometry

berner

I'm the same height as you with a 30.75" inseam. My bike has a 54cm top tube, center to center. It is a drop bar type bike so that reach to the bar should be longer. My guess you should aim for a top tube that is less than that.

Carson Dyle

Thanks. I've read comments that the Double Cross has a longer than typical top tube length. I'm guessing that's mostly in relationship to the seat tube's spec'd dimension.

I'm planning on riser handlebars with a bit of sweep and maybe a taller steerer tube and/or stem to give me a little bit more of an upright position.

tangerineowl

At your height and inseam I'd be having a hard look at the 42 and 46 size of that frame.
Tweaking the front end is a band-aid solution imo to a frame that is too long for you.

Take a close look at the geo for that frame: the stack height doesn't change between the four smallest frame sizes.
I'd place you in their 42 or 46 size (due to the reach). Personally, I'd be choosing the 42.

Someone else may chime in.

rms13

I'm almost 5'11 and i just bought a new frame with a 550 mm eff tt and most of my well fitting bikes in the past have had eff tt in the 545-555 range. But we're all different. Do you have or have had any other bikes that fitvwell to use as a frame of reference? I did that, used the competitive fit calculator and asked questions here and used all the info to decide what frame to order. BTW, I just ordered a Soma Smoothie two days ago. They do make nice frames and at a great value

fietsbob

I just know my frame fit size range from experience, for myself.

I expect you need to go try on built bikes 1st hand and learn that, then you can make an informed choice.
2cm is not that significant , its less than an inch.

TheManShow

If I was the person who started the thread I would visit some local bike shops, find a bicycle you feel comfortable on. Then get on the internet, and research the frame manufactures web-site for the geometry of whaqt you like. Or better yet go to a local shop, get fit, and offer them your business if they can come close to the price on line. Beside that local dealer will support the product they sold you.

BTW as you are in Colorado why not go to Colorado Cyclist, or Excell Sports to see what they can do for you. Both use to be very competative on pricing. Both are good place to deal with. I say this from personal expierennce.

I personally always research bicycle componants on line for price comparison. I recently decided on a couple of brand of Road Frame I was interested in. Knowing the size I need I will now give the local bike shops a chance at my business. If they can come close to an on line price they will get the sale. If they can not I will wait for my new frame to be delivered via Fed-X, or UPS.

NormanF

54-55 cm is the first size for 5'7" height. A second size would be 52-53 cm. Depending on the brand, the stem and the seatpost may need to be adjusted to dial in the fit.