Hello, new member here. I imagine this question gets posted OFTEN, but thought I'd try nonetheless

I'm looking to get my first road bike and I'm having a few sizing issues. I'm 184cm in height, 86cm inside leg and arm span of 182cm, which I think leaves me between a 56 and 58cm frame, depending on specific geometry(?). Certainly seems to be the case with the bikes I've tried out in shops.

I'm thinking of getting a Merlin performance PR-7, which unfortunately is pretty much the top of my budget (returned to being a student!). Their sizing gives me an option of 56cm or 59cm, which I'm a little unsure about. Unfortunately I'm too far away to test. Specific geometry is attached, but to summarise:


Frame Size option: 56 59
Seat-tube (centre - top): 560 590
Effective top tube: 550 560

Any advice, or experience with these specific bikes much appreciated!

IMHO - top tube length is more important than seat tube length for fitting, especially in the bigger bike sizes. Some people want a longer lower riding position and others want a shorter more upright position. Your arm length and core strength also affects this decision.

Most bike shops can find your size of a bike.

+1, go with an in Person test ride for Your first Bike , what you learn from that will guide what you want different for your 2nd.

[I own a 56, 57 & 58 (& a 54 and some folding Bikes & a MTB) fwiw]




But the Look now of the TDF riders is Not the Fit I prefer .. Horizontal Top Tube C&V type road Bike, for Me. 5'9"ish 565~ 570 top tubes 9, & shorter stems..


YMM(obviously)V

I am just a bit larger than you. 186 tall, 88 leg, 190 arm span.
my range of comfort is 59 - 62cm frames with a top tube nominally 58cm + 12cm stem.

Either frame could likely fit, but the tt measurement of 55cm seems a bit short. With the sloped top tube, the 59 frame certainly isn't too tall and only 1cm greater in ETT.
Sorry I do not know the bicycles in question.

+1 to earlier recommendation on 1st road bike = ride a few before deciding. This is where a decent bike shop can make you happy and save money in the long term.