Sizing problem
 

Hello,
I just recently got into biking and I was given a bike by a friend. It is a lotus 2000r with a 55cm frame. That's where the problem is though. I'm 6'2" and I can't help but feel like its too small. I really like the bike though and don't want to have to buy a new one. Is there anything I can do to make it work?

Thanks!

Well....you need to figure out where the saddle needs to be positioned with respect to the bottom bracket (height and distance behind), and where the bars need to go with respect to the saddle (ahead and height). This is the basics of your fit. Then you need to see if with selection of reasonable components and adjustment, you can achieve this fit with that frame. I think it's likely if your fit is something approaching a "pro" fit, because 6'2" pros do rides frames of that size.

i have a similar problem

i have size 14 feet
and a pair of shoes i really like is only available up to size 12
they hurt like hell
but i like them a lot
what can i do

/sarcasm

maybe there are some pros riding modern sloping top tube bikes in the 55 cm size
but older bikes like the lotus the op has dont fit like that
when all bikes came with level top tubes
like the early 90s
a 6'2 pro would not have ridden a 55 cm frame
that would be ridiculous

miguel indurain rode what was probably close to a 62 or so
although it was likely custom so there is no accurate comparison to stock bikes

I ride a 54cm road bike and a 50cm mountain bike no problem.
Your inseam length is more important than your height, my inseam is 34".
I like the fit and feel of a smaller frame because for me it is stiffer and more responsive.

Thanks a lot guys! I'm just going to continue riding it and see if I get used to it. If not ill try and make a few adjustments to see if I can get it to fit my needs. Thanks for a really helpful forum!

Yes, a traditional 55cm is small for a 6'2" person. Adjustments to make it fit you better can be made with stem, handlebar, and seat post. For example, you may want to get a longer stem and run it higher up; handlebars have different reach and drop measurements for fine tuning fit; a setback seat post can let you slide the saddle back a bit further.

Which combination of this things will work for you is almost impossible to say, but probably looking at a longer stem to get more space is a good place to start. Pics of your bike and, ideally, you on the bike, will help dial in suggestions.

I'm 6' and ride a 58cm bike. I could have gone to a 56 but no smaller. It would be very unusual for a 6'2" person to be riding a 55cm bike. Your seat has to be at the maximum extension unless you have a very long torso and short legs and if that is the case the handlebars are probably too close to you for real comfort. You'll most likely be bent way over which is great for aerodynamics if you are racing but not terribly comfortable. As chaadster said, you might try a long stem tilted upward but in all honesty I'd be 50bucks that the bike is indeed too small for you to ever get really comfortable on.

It's too small. If you like to ride you should save up for a bike that fits.

Riding a small bike is like the scene in "Police Academy" where Mahoney has to teach the stately Hightower how to drive, at 2:30 in the morning, in Copeland's too-small car.

Hi,

Old fashioned but what is your standover height above the top tube ?

rgds, sreten.