Inseam and Frame Size
#1
Thread Starter
LSU Alum
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 332
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From: TX
Bikes: 2006 Trek 2100D - 2005 Giant NRS - 2004.5 Giant Suede
Inseam and Frame Size
Seems there has been a few threads recently (OK, all the time) about "that frame size is to small" or "Whoa...your frame is way to big". So I was curious as to what size frame everyone is riding and their corresponding inseam.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,250
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Originally Posted by jameyj
Seems there has been a few threads recently (OK, all the time) about "that frame size is to small" or "Whoa...your frame is way to big". So I was curious as to what size frame everyone is riding and their corresponding inseam.
The second problem in the thread was that some people were referring to inseam as being the inseam on their slacks (32 inches) and the next guy, who also wears 32 inch slacks, was using inseam to mean leg length from the pubic bone done to the floor (35 inches). Without a shared understanding of what "inseam" means, the posted measurements were not very helpful.
The Rivendell website is helpful in relating leg length to frame size. They explain how to measure total leg length from the public bone to the floor. And, they have a chart suggesting frames sizes. Rivendell's chart assumes that their customers are not buying their bikes to race, and so their suggested sizes are about an inch higher than what many bike shops would suggest (many bike shop clerks fit bikes as if every customer will be racing in the Tour de France next July).
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 652
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From: Guilderland NY
Bikes: 4 Bikes: A Trek 2300,Old Nishiki lugged frame with sora/Campy wheels, Giant ATX-880 MTB & 2005 Lemond Sarthe
30' inseam
53cm Lemond (proper fit)
49 or 50 cm Trek 2300 (sold to me by an overenthusiastic salesman before I knew about proper fitting - but I bought a long stem to compenstate)
60 cm Nishiki (knew it was a bit too big - but mainly use it for leisurely rides)
53cm Lemond (proper fit)
49 or 50 cm Trek 2300 (sold to me by an overenthusiastic salesman before I knew about proper fitting - but I bought a long stem to compenstate)
60 cm Nishiki (knew it was a bit too big - but mainly use it for leisurely rides)
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2005 Lemond Sarthe
2000 Trek 2300
Old Nishiki built up with Sora Brifters & Campy Wheels
1999 Giant ATX 880 MTB
2005 Lemond Sarthe
2000 Trek 2300
Old Nishiki built up with Sora Brifters & Campy Wheels
1999 Giant ATX 880 MTB
#10
05' GIANT TCR2
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Bikes: '05 Giant TCR2
Giant TCR's are sized with letters (i.e. S,M,L). For a rider who is 5'8" 160 and has a 30" inseam which of the Giants would you choose? (2005 sizes)
S = 44cm
M = 50cm
L = 55.5cm
Thanks in advance
Josh
S = 44cm
M = 50cm
L = 55.5cm
Thanks in advance
Josh
#17
Thread Starter
LSU Alum
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: TX
Bikes: 2006 Trek 2100D - 2005 Giant NRS - 2004.5 Giant Suede
Originally Posted by jsf252
Giant TCR's are sized with letters (i.e. S,M,L). For a rider who is 5'8" 160 and has a 30" inseam which of the Giants would you choose? (2005 sizes)
S = 44cm
M = 50cm
L = 55.5cm
Thanks in advance
Josh
S = 44cm
M = 50cm
L = 55.5cm
Thanks in advance
Josh
#18
grilled cheesus
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,957
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From: 8675309
Bikes: 2010 CAAD9 Custom, 06 Giant TCR C2 & 05 Specialized Hardrock Sport
34.5 inseam riding 63 cm trek 1000. it may be a tad too big. later.
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#20
Elite Fred

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,953
Likes: 44
From: Edge City
Bikes: 2009 Spooky (cracked frame), 2006 Curtlo, 2002 Lemond (current race bike) Zurich, 1987 Serotta Colorado, 1986 Cannondale for commuting, a 1984 Cannondale on loan to my son
Inseam only puts an upper bound on the seatpost dimension and really isn't the most important dimension for me. I'm 6' 2" with a "pants size" 32" inseam, hence I have very short legs for someone of my height. Since I haven't won a Lotto I need to get as large a frame "off the rack" as possible without risking some "vital organs" because of my long torso. Maybe someday I'll get a custon frame, but currently there are other priorities in my life that need the $'s more. As of now I have an old (1986) Cannondale 58 cm (c-t-t) and a newish (2002) Lemond Zurich 57 cm (c-t-c) as my road bikes. Both are OK in terms of fit, but I sure would like the top tubes to be just a little bit longer.






