Buying a road bike
05-27-08, 08:01 PM
#4
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Try the Competitive Cyclist or Wrench Science sites for calculators.
My wife is about your size and rides a 50 cm Trek, but keep in mind that different manufacturers measure frames in their own ways....I ride bikes ranging from 52 to 55...
My wife is about your size and rides a 50 cm Trek, but keep in mind that different manufacturers measure frames in their own ways....I ride bikes ranging from 52 to 55...
05-27-08, 08:30 PM
#5
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If you can't test ride the exact bike before you buy your 1st bike then it is a very bad idea to buy online.
05-27-08, 08:34 PM
#6
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in most cases, using your LBS is worth it. we all know the deals that can be had online and we'd all buy them if we could actually ride those bikes... if u must buy online go to LBS be up front and pay for a formal fitting. it could make a huge impact and decide whether you actually end up riding the bike.
05-27-08, 08:39 PM
#7
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It would be worth your while to go to a shop and use their expertise. If you are short of money, see if they have any second hand bikes. If you are not sure of what you are doing, it would be better to do it that way.
05-27-08, 08:55 PM
#9
Prefers Cicero
You might tell the shop you are buying online but intend to bring it to them to set it up and for future maintenance. Then ask them to measure you for that model of bike.
If you want to figure it out yourself there are several measures you need to take into account - most importantly the height and length of the bike frame. The height (seat tube length) tells you whether you will be able to get on an off easily and adjust the seat to a level that gives you proper leg extension. The length (top tube length) tells you something about how far forward you will have to reach to the handlebars.
Usually on most bikes the top tube and seat tube length are about equal, but if you have odd proportions you may need to find a frame where they are not. For example if you have short legs and a long torso or vice versa.
There is some leeway in both measures, in that seat tube length can be compensated for by raising or lowering the seat post, and top tube length can be compensated for by using a shorter or longer stem for the handlebars or raising or lowering the handlebars, but if the frame is way out of the ideal range for you, these corrections may alter the handling of the bike.
What model are you thinking of and what kind of riding do you have in mind - casual jaunts along a boardwalk, intense training and/or racing, commuting, long distance touring etc?
If you want to figure it out yourself there are several measures you need to take into account - most importantly the height and length of the bike frame. The height (seat tube length) tells you whether you will be able to get on an off easily and adjust the seat to a level that gives you proper leg extension. The length (top tube length) tells you something about how far forward you will have to reach to the handlebars.
Usually on most bikes the top tube and seat tube length are about equal, but if you have odd proportions you may need to find a frame where they are not. For example if you have short legs and a long torso or vice versa.
There is some leeway in both measures, in that seat tube length can be compensated for by raising or lowering the seat post, and top tube length can be compensated for by using a shorter or longer stem for the handlebars or raising or lowering the handlebars, but if the frame is way out of the ideal range for you, these corrections may alter the handling of the bike.
What model are you thinking of and what kind of riding do you have in mind - casual jaunts along a boardwalk, intense training and/or racing, commuting, long distance touring etc?
