Does size matter
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Does size matter
Bought a new mailorder bike and it doesn’t fit quite right. The top tube is 30” but my inseam is 27-28” so straddling the bar kinda sucks. Would you buy a better fitting bike?Is it even that big a deal?I ride 75-100 miles a week. Any and all opinions welcome. Thank you.
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Bike manufacturer's usually have a sizing chart for their bikes. If you have no other experience to tell you differently then go by that recommendation. Their recommendation isn't going to be the pefect fit for everyone, but they'll usually get you close enough. And then maybe minor changes can fix the issues you have.
However if you bought a bike designed for a race fit and want to sit very upright on it, then even the manufacturer's sizing recommendations won't help with that. If you aren't willing to adapt yourself to the fit the bike wants, then you need to know what type fit the bike is designed for before you buy it.
However if you bought a bike designed for a race fit and want to sit very upright on it, then even the manufacturer's sizing recommendations won't help with that. If you aren't willing to adapt yourself to the fit the bike wants, then you need to know what type fit the bike is designed for before you buy it.
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It's only a big deal if you think it is. I have a bike which has a standover height exactly the same as the height of my pelvic arch. It is a pain (literally) once in a while, wish it weren't that way, but otherwise I love the bike, been riding it since '07.
If you're riding that bike as much as you say, you must be OK with it. Or if not, buy a smaller bike and sell this one. Up to you. Bikesdirect.com has all the sizing info for that frame. No need to buy the wrong size. You want to look at measurement "L" there.
If you're riding that bike as much as you say, you must be OK with it. Or if not, buy a smaller bike and sell this one. Up to you. Bikesdirect.com has all the sizing info for that frame. No need to buy the wrong size. You want to look at measurement "L" there.
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A properly fitting bike improves/maximizes comfort, efficiency, and control. If any of those things matter to you, then you should buy a bike that fits properly. People who ride a lot generally become more concerned with bike fit the more they ride and not only consider frame size, but also stem length, stem angle, stem height, handlebar width, handlebar shape, crankarm length, Q-factor, seatpost height, seat setback, seat angle, seat shape, seat size, seat firmness...
I probably missed some.
I probably missed some.
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Yes, size matters.
What is your height and what is the nominal (advertised) size of the bike? Is the new bike, by chance, the 2022 Windsor Tourist? And is 30" the length of the top tube or its distance from the ground?
What is your height and what is the nominal (advertised) size of the bike? Is the new bike, by chance, the 2022 Windsor Tourist? And is 30" the length of the top tube or its distance from the ground?
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The 30” is distance to the ground.I’m 5’5 with short legs and a 28” inseam. Yes,it’s a Tourist. I have 300+ miles on it now,including a couple overnighters fully loaded and have gotten used to it.It’s a fine bike but the derailler has been a struggle and it came with the front tire slightly out of round. I since ordered a Marin Four Winds in size small that should fit me better,is lighter,has some better grade components and is a little more versatile.
Last edited by Imaginos; 10-03-22 at 01:55 PM.
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