Kenneth Luis

Hi, just a general question on frame sizing. Thinking of getting a new road frame for me self. But the sizing issue is proving it impossible. I am 177.5 cm on height, with an inseam of 88cm.Ape index 187.5 cm. Problem is my height falls between Medium and Large . I would be much appreciative of any advice that you guys might have coz I can't afford to make a mistake with this. Many horror stories bout frame sizing mistakes and all. So guys any advice? Thank s so much.

Shamrock

The short answer is the medium frame.The correct answer is find a bike shop that will fit the bike to your body.

Wileyrat

I went through the same issues last summer on a new bike purchase.

I had the ability to test ride the different frame sizes and chose the larger size over the smaller, mainly because I'm short legged, but long bodied. I even went a bit longer in the stem than what came stock.

If you can test ride two frames and see what feels best. For me the smaller frame felt like I was riding a mtn bike instead of a roadie.

Kenneth Luis

Noted with thanks.

Maelochs

Bike Fit Calculator | Find Your Bike Size | Competitive Cyclist

Velo Dog

I'm with Wileyrat--unless the larger bike is unrideable, I'd go with that. I'm 6'4" (193cm), and I rode for decades on 62 and even 60 cm bikes, because that's what shops stocked ("We'll make it fit you"). I was never entirely comfortable, but I had nothing to compare it with--I thought everybody rode with pain. For my midlife crisis I ordered a Rivendell, and Grant's sizing guide put me on a 65. I was skeptical, but I figured it was stupid to pay for professional advice and then ignore it. Instantly, on my first ride, I could go 25 percent farther than previously. I've had the bike for nine years, and it's still perfect.

veganbikes

I would head down to your local shop and take some bikes for a test ride and see what size you need. Then purchase the right sized bike for your needs from them. If you are going for something custom talk to the builder and see what measurements they need. Listen to the professionals at the shop or who are building your bike.

bruce19

FWIW, like most of us you can probably ride a range of sizes in comfort and efficiency once properly set up. This is why there are three traditional fit/size methods.....Race, French, and Eddie. Back in the day (before "universal" sizing w/sloping TT) the conventional wisdom was to get the smallest frame because it would be the lightest and most maneuverable. I am 175.6 cm tall w/ 81.3 cm inseam and can ride between 54-58cm frames. The various sizes have to be set up individually with different stem lengths, etc. That's where a good fit session helps. Pay special attention to TT dimension because that is particularly important. FWIW my 58 Masi is just as comfortable and efficient as my 55
guru.

Clamms

I just bought a Specialized Sirrus last week and was in the same boat - right between the medium and large. In fact I started a thread about it in the hybrid forum (the advice i got in the thread was split pretty evenly between go bigger and go smaller). I test rode both sizes and they both felt pretty good. The guys at the LBS where I bought the Sirrus all thought the large was better for me. They said if you're in between sizes, always size up on a road or hybrid bike, but size down if it's a mountain bike. I bought the large and I've been riding it a lot this week and I'm 100% happy with it. Good luck.

MuddyBikeRider

This is tough. I fall in the middle of a range also. What I decided to do is get the smaller bike because it's a mountain bike so I figured it'd be easier to control. When I ride it on the road though, sometimes I feel like it is too small. I think I would be better with a larger bike for road, and a smaller bike for trails.

fietsbob 

old standard method: straddle the bike over top tube, flat bare footed , pulling the handlebars up, you should ba able to lift the front wheel off the ground an inch or 2.

digibud

Many people are in a simlar situation. My thoughts are that if you are a young, strong rider with good flexibility and desire to compete, the smaller frame will put you in a more aero position. Look at pro riders. There saddle is often WAYY up high compared to their bars and they have a super long stem. Older folks and those more interested in a comfy position are more apt to have their saddle roughly even with their bars. Many long distance touring folks have even higher bars with no concern for speed or aerodymanics. Neither frame size is more correct if you feel reasonably comfortable on both but one will be better for racing and speed while the other will be less stressful on your back and may allow for easier, longer rides as long as you can adjust the stem and saddle position so they pretty much match.

Kenneth Luis

Thanks guys for all the input. It's good to hear that there are a lot of in betweens here. Problem is most of the shops where I live don't have test bikes so that adds more pressure on making this purchase. Thanks guys. Much appreciated.