Frame size question
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Frame size question
Hi,
First, sorry for my english, its not really perfect. I got a question : I am about 6 feet tall (around 183-184cm). Since my current bike frame began to crack at bottom bracket I need to buy a new one. I don't want to spend much money so I will buy a used one, and I have found some really nice bike but frame is 61cm high and 58 long. I think its too big for me, but I don't know how big it really is. I can't try it to judge myself since its not really close to me, and I don't have much experience with bikes. I am not looking for a perfect fit, so I just want to know would it be fine to ride it without significant troubles? I am riding around 100km per week, not everyday. Btw. my current bike is a bit smaller, its like 55-56 high and long, but it has a longer steam so I don't have much problems, but I guess it would be nicer if it was 57-58, but jumping to 61
What do you think guys?
First, sorry for my english, its not really perfect. I got a question : I am about 6 feet tall (around 183-184cm). Since my current bike frame began to crack at bottom bracket I need to buy a new one. I don't want to spend much money so I will buy a used one, and I have found some really nice bike but frame is 61cm high and 58 long. I think its too big for me, but I don't know how big it really is. I can't try it to judge myself since its not really close to me, and I don't have much experience with bikes. I am not looking for a perfect fit, so I just want to know would it be fine to ride it without significant troubles? I am riding around 100km per week, not everyday. Btw. my current bike is a bit smaller, its like 55-56 high and long, but it has a longer steam so I don't have much problems, but I guess it would be nicer if it was 57-58, but jumping to 61
What do you think guys?
Last edited by BladeRunnerX; 07-01-17 at 05:36 AM.
#3
Hi,
First, sorry for my english, its not really perfect. I got a question : I am about 6 feet tall (around 183-184cm). Since my old bike frame began to crack at bottom bracket I need to buy a new one. I don't want to spend much money so I will buy a used one, and I have found some really nice bike but frame is 61cm high and 58 long. I think its too big for me, but I don't know how big it really is. I can't try it to judge myself since its not really close to me, and I don't have much experience with bikes. I am not looking for a perfect fit, so I just want to know would it be fine to ride it without significant troubles? I am riding around 100km per week, not everyday. Btw. my previous bike was a bit smaller, it was like 55-56 high, but it had a longer steam so I didn't much problem, but I guess it would be nicer if it was 57-58, but jumping to 61
What do you think guys?
First, sorry for my english, its not really perfect. I got a question : I am about 6 feet tall (around 183-184cm). Since my old bike frame began to crack at bottom bracket I need to buy a new one. I don't want to spend much money so I will buy a used one, and I have found some really nice bike but frame is 61cm high and 58 long. I think its too big for me, but I don't know how big it really is. I can't try it to judge myself since its not really close to me, and I don't have much experience with bikes. I am not looking for a perfect fit, so I just want to know would it be fine to ride it without significant troubles? I am riding around 100km per week, not everyday. Btw. my previous bike was a bit smaller, it was like 55-56 high, but it had a longer steam so I didn't much problem, but I guess it would be nicer if it was 57-58, but jumping to 61
What do you think guys?
#6
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
So, I guess it would be fine. I think I will buy it
Thanks ones again.
#7
Grumpy Old Bugga
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 9
From: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Bikes: Hillbrick, Malvern Star Oppy S2, Europa (R.I.P.)
Give it a ride and see, that's the only way to tell.
I'm the same height and find a 58cm top tube is perfect, but I like the bars at the same height as the saddle and the lower the bars are, the shorter you want the top tube. The seat tube height is only relevant in that it can determine how long the head tube is which affects how high you can set the bars. The bike you show is rather aggressive (low bars compared to the saddle) so you'll have to ride it.
It's hard to comment on 'normal proportions'. My son doesn't look overly different but he has short legs and a long body. He bought a racing bike recently and wound up with the sized frame I'd use, despite him being shorter than me, just to compensate for his longer reach than a 'normal' person for his height.
I'm the same height and find a 58cm top tube is perfect, but I like the bars at the same height as the saddle and the lower the bars are, the shorter you want the top tube. The seat tube height is only relevant in that it can determine how long the head tube is which affects how high you can set the bars. The bike you show is rather aggressive (low bars compared to the saddle) so you'll have to ride it.
It's hard to comment on 'normal proportions'. My son doesn't look overly different but he has short legs and a long body. He bought a racing bike recently and wound up with the sized frame I'd use, despite him being shorter than me, just to compensate for his longer reach than a 'normal' person for his height.
#9
Grumpy Old Bugga
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 9
From: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Bikes: Hillbrick, Malvern Star Oppy S2, Europa (R.I.P.)
My advice then, is to look closer to home. There is always another bike and there are too many things about a bike that you won't know until you ride it. Being a second hand bike, you'll also need to add up the things that'll need fixing - even cables, brake pads and bar tape adds up to a sizeable amount and you can pretty much assume you'll need all them on a new bike.
Sorry, but I'm just passing on the benefits of the mistakes I've made... and continue to make.
Sorry, but I'm just passing on the benefits of the mistakes I've made... and continue to make.
#10
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
My advice then, is to look closer to home. There is always another bike and there are too many things about a bike that you won't know until you ride it. Being a second hand bike, you'll also need to add up the things that'll need fixing - even cables, brake pads and bar tape adds up to a sizeable amount and you can pretty much assume you'll need all them on a new bike.
Sorry, but I'm just passing on the benefits of the mistakes I've made... and continue to make.
Sorry, but I'm just passing on the benefits of the mistakes I've made... and continue to make.
This bike would cost me around 200 euros. Its really chip. It has Ultegra 6500 components, only 8 speeds (same as my current bike), but I don't need more, since there is no hills in my area at all, its all flat. And I kinda prefer older bikes, since they are cheaper to maintain. Actually, I have option for other Bulls bike, L size (57-58 I guess). Its in very good condition, 3x10 speeds, Ultegra, but it costs 400, new tires, I guess he would lower the price a bit, and I can try it. https://www.kupujemprodajem.com/bull...r_id=110419535
Last edited by BladeRunnerX; 07-01-17 at 07:10 AM.
#11
Grumpy Old Bugga
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 9
From: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Bikes: Hillbrick, Malvern Star Oppy S2, Europa (R.I.P.)
Ahhh, the thrill of the chase 
I've just bought an oldish bike (let's just say, preloved). It fits nicely but after spending a day changing the cables and bar tape and brake pads, I'm now finding it difficult to adjust the gears, something I normally don't struggle with. Is there a problem that'll cost me more money? Or is it just a sign of increasing incompetence?
Mate, second hand bikes are an adventure. You may find it fits perfectly and everything works as it should and so the only adventure is riding the thing. On the other hand, if the price is right, all you need worry about is whether the frame is right because everything else can be fixed. A bicycle is never a mere form of transport, it's something much more intimate, closely related to the horse. The trick is to develop a good relationship with what is really an inanimate collection of parts that somehow becomes a living being when made part of your life. It's wonderful and it's frustrating and it's a large part of why some of us ride these things.
Enjoy looking for your new bike. Then enjoy owning her. And don't forget to come on here and show off your new steed.

I've just bought an oldish bike (let's just say, preloved). It fits nicely but after spending a day changing the cables and bar tape and brake pads, I'm now finding it difficult to adjust the gears, something I normally don't struggle with. Is there a problem that'll cost me more money? Or is it just a sign of increasing incompetence?
Mate, second hand bikes are an adventure. You may find it fits perfectly and everything works as it should and so the only adventure is riding the thing. On the other hand, if the price is right, all you need worry about is whether the frame is right because everything else can be fixed. A bicycle is never a mere form of transport, it's something much more intimate, closely related to the horse. The trick is to develop a good relationship with what is really an inanimate collection of parts that somehow becomes a living being when made part of your life. It's wonderful and it's frustrating and it's a large part of why some of us ride these things.
Enjoy looking for your new bike. Then enjoy owning her. And don't forget to come on here and show off your new steed.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,638
Likes: 1,251
If you like the current configuration of the saddle-to-bars (the seat being much higher, like in the photo), then get the 57cm. You will have to lower the seat on the 61cm frame.
If you get the 57cm one, you might want to install a double crankset, and eliminate the triple. At the same time, you can find some crank arms that are relatively short, like 165-170mm.
I ride with my seat not much higher than my bars, and my frame is a little large for me.
If you get the 57cm one, you might want to install a double crankset, and eliminate the triple. At the same time, you can find some crank arms that are relatively short, like 165-170mm.
I ride with my seat not much higher than my bars, and my frame is a little large for me.
#13
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Ahhh, the thrill of the chase 
I've just bought an oldish bike (let's just say, preloved). It fits nicely but after spending a day changing the cables and bar tape and brake pads, I'm now finding it difficult to adjust the gears, something I normally don't struggle with. Is there a problem that'll cost me more money? Or is it just a sign of increasing incompetence?
Mate, second hand bikes are an adventure. You may find it fits perfectly and everything works as it should and so the only adventure is riding the thing. On the other hand, if the price is right, all you need worry about is whether the frame is right because everything else can be fixed. A bicycle is never a mere form of transport, it's something much more intimate, closely related to the horse. The trick is to develop a good relationship with what is really an inanimate collection of parts that somehow becomes a living being when made part of your life. It's wonderful and it's frustrating and it's a large part of why some of us ride these things.
Enjoy looking for your new bike. Then enjoy owning her. And don't forget to come on here and show off your new steed.

I've just bought an oldish bike (let's just say, preloved). It fits nicely but after spending a day changing the cables and bar tape and brake pads, I'm now finding it difficult to adjust the gears, something I normally don't struggle with. Is there a problem that'll cost me more money? Or is it just a sign of increasing incompetence?
Mate, second hand bikes are an adventure. You may find it fits perfectly and everything works as it should and so the only adventure is riding the thing. On the other hand, if the price is right, all you need worry about is whether the frame is right because everything else can be fixed. A bicycle is never a mere form of transport, it's something much more intimate, closely related to the horse. The trick is to develop a good relationship with what is really an inanimate collection of parts that somehow becomes a living being when made part of your life. It's wonderful and it's frustrating and it's a large part of why some of us ride these things.
Enjoy looking for your new bike. Then enjoy owning her. And don't forget to come on here and show off your new steed.

Thank you.
#14
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
If you like the current configuration of the saddle-to-bars (the seat being much higher, like in the photo), then get the 57cm. You will have to lower the seat on the 61cm frame.
If you get the 57cm one, you might want to install a double crankset, and eliminate the triple. At the same time, you can find some crank arms that are relatively short, like 165-170mm.
I ride with my seat not much higher than my bars, and my frame is a little large for me.
If you get the 57cm one, you might want to install a double crankset, and eliminate the triple. At the same time, you can find some crank arms that are relatively short, like 165-170mm.
I ride with my seat not much higher than my bars, and my frame is a little large for me.
Well, I got no problem to lower the seat. I am nothing like professional cyclists. I don't even use clipless pedals, since I like to take a walk when I am off the bike. Well, I would like to get some robust bike which will be reliable and easy to maintain. I am really pissed off with my current bike. I also bought it used and it has began to crack almost immediately when I got it. And then I weld it and short after it began to crack again, its so annoying. And it would cost me another 50 euros to repair it, so I think its not worth to bother anymore. I like that bike, and everything else works fine except the frame falling apart. And I wheight 77-78kg. So I was thinking maybe a larger bike is a bit stronger
I would be really pissed off if the new one develop the same problem.
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,917
Likes: 3,944
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
This will give you a vague idea of what sizes might fit you. https://www.competitivecyclist.com/S...ulatorBike.jsp
#18
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 17
From: Upstate NY
Bikes: Bianchi San Mateo and a few others
We can't see the derailleurs in the picture, but the shifters aren't Ultegra or even Shimano. They're first-generation Campagnolo ErgoPower or possibly Sachs New Success. Before committing to buy, find out *exactly* what drivetrain components are on the bike -- shifters, derailleurs, cassette, and rear hub. Campagnolo and Shimano components aren't designed to work together, but there are a few combinations of parts that are known to work. Depending on what combination of parts you're looking at, the shifting on this bike may work fine or it might be impossible to adjust perfectly.
#19
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
We can't see the derailleurs in the picture, but the shifters aren't Ultegra or even Shimano. They're first-generation Campagnolo ErgoPower or possibly Sachs New Success. Before committing to buy, find out *exactly* what drivetrain components are on the bike -- shifters, derailleurs, cassette, and rear hub. Campagnolo and Shimano components aren't designed to work together, but there are a few combinations of parts that are known to work. Depending on what combination of parts you're looking at, the shifting on this bike may work fine or it might be impossible to adjust perfectly.
#20
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,917
Likes: 3,944
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
I am over six feet tall, and ride a variety of frames comfortably. But I have found I have an upper limit.
M<ake very sure this frame isn't a bit too big.
I made that mistake once ... and believe, the difference of a centimeter can make a difference after a couple hours on the road. A painful difference.
Don't buy the first bike you see just because you so badly want a bike. You will have the bike for a long time whether you regret the purchase or not.
Your old frame did not break because of what size it was. A larger frame will not be stronger--not in any range of force a human being would apply.
The old bike was most likely abused---hit by a car, used for jumping, Something a bike is not supposed to do.
The hardest thing to do is shop for a bike when you don't have one and really want one----because you are so deep into your dream of the perfect bike and how much you will enjoy it, Every bike looks like the perfect bike.
Be as patient as possible. Sooner or late the Nearly perfect bike will show up. Every other bike is the wrong bike.
M<ake very sure this frame isn't a bit too big.
I made that mistake once ... and believe, the difference of a centimeter can make a difference after a couple hours on the road. A painful difference.
Don't buy the first bike you see just because you so badly want a bike. You will have the bike for a long time whether you regret the purchase or not.
Your old frame did not break because of what size it was. A larger frame will not be stronger--not in any range of force a human being would apply.
The old bike was most likely abused---hit by a car, used for jumping, Something a bike is not supposed to do.
The hardest thing to do is shop for a bike when you don't have one and really want one----because you are so deep into your dream of the perfect bike and how much you will enjoy it, Every bike looks like the perfect bike.
Be as patient as possible. Sooner or late the Nearly perfect bike will show up. Every other bike is the wrong bike.
#21
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Yes, I really want to buy it, and I know its not wise to hurry things up. The thing is that I am limited to used bikes since I really don't have money to buy a new one. A good bike would cost me 1K+ euros, and since I live in poor eastern Europe country its not possible to cash that amount of money. I am ready to pay 400eur max. Well, to be honest I would be perfectly happy with my current bike if it didn't brake. I know the used bike will probably require additional investment, so I guess its still better to hold on and wait for a better opportunity, especially since I can't try it and the frame is possibly larger than what I need.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bikemanbob
Classic & Vintage
13
09-17-10 07:52 PM





