Look frame size? to build or not
07-19-07, 10:28 PM
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Look frame size? to build or not
I have all the materials for my first road bike: campy groupset and a L (55cm) 2006 Look 565 frame. I'm having last thoughts about frame size...I have pondered greatly over correct frame size, visiting many shops in my quest. The last and best shop measured me to 56cm top tube frames (Time, Cannondale, Specialized). I figure I could work with a 54.5cm to 56cm top tube being I'm 5'10.25" with a 32.75" inseam: I'm a M-L tweener.
Should I hold off and get a 1-1.5cm shorter top tube? Because many would say I could fit a M (53cm) Look better than the L (55cm). This is my long awaited road bike and want it to be perfect, maybe too perfect.
Should I build it, ride it, learning from the experience I have, or shuffle frames for the M (53cm) and wait another month?
Should I hold off and get a 1-1.5cm shorter top tube? Because many would say I could fit a M (53cm) Look better than the L (55cm). This is my long awaited road bike and want it to be perfect, maybe too perfect.
Should I build it, ride it, learning from the experience I have, or shuffle frames for the M (53cm) and wait another month?
07-19-07, 11:57 PM
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I bet the Large frame with fit you perfectly. I am 5'11.5" with a 34.6" inseam and ride a 56-57cm top tube. I have long legs compared to my torso. Our height difference is all due to my inseam, you actually have a longer torso than me. So the 56cm top tube of the Large (55cm) frame should be perfect for you with a standard stem of 110 or 120mm.
This assumes that you are looking at a traditional sizing. If you are a young stud who races you would probably want the Medium frame in order to achieve a more aerodynamic but less comfortable position.
This assumes that you are looking at a traditional sizing. If you are a young stud who races you would probably want the Medium frame in order to achieve a more aerodynamic but less comfortable position.
07-20-07, 12:46 AM
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Thanks for the input; I really need the racer vs. regular rider opinion. I'm not a racer. What has confuses me about frame size choice is whether/why individuals choose smallest frame workable (big stem) or traditional size (average stem).
07-20-07, 01:43 AM
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The 565s are traditional geometry, are they not? If so, and being French, you'd probably be better off with the 55 or whatever you were originally thinking of. Most everyone here will say that the top tube length is what you key on, and then fill in the rest from there. If you got a 53 or whatever, and the stem length ended up being >110mm then I think you're headed in the wrong direction. Are you not able to get a fitting with an LBS to ensure that your LOOK is the correct size?
