Bad fit or wrong size?
 

Hi,

First, I'm new here and new to cycling, I going into triathlon cycling being the only leg missing. So, I have been looking around for info on bikes, asking lots of questions in the local stores etc. I've come down to getting a standard road bike first since a tribike is not allowed in races where drafting is permitted. Currently I'm looking at a Kyota Kharma.

I almost swiped my card today, but when it came to sizing and fitting I got my doubts:

Before visiting the shop I had browsed around for sizing guides, from competitive cyclist to standards based just on height. All came to the same result, 54-56 cm. But at the shop they suggested a 52cm frame (and in the case of the Kharma, that will be a 51cm). When I asked, they said that if the frame size was wrong when I tried it they would order a different.

But, how do I tell whether the fit needs further adjustments or the frame size is wrong? Obviously, it could be that for the particular brand/model/use combination a different size is preferable, so sellers advice might be right.

I'm 176cm with 79cm inseam.

Thanks, Erik

Seems like a 52-54 seems right, you can take a bike a size to small and make it fit, you cant take a bike too big though...depending on the geometry of the bike he may be right shorty

+1

From the Kuota website, the 51 would be a size S. It seems that in order to get the 55 or 56 toptube you probably need, a M or even L would be more appropriate. I would ask them to explain their reasoning. You don't want to end up having to use a goofy 120 stem or 50mm of spacers or a saddle pushed back to it's limit.

He'd look pretty pro if he did though....

Whats goofy about a long stem? Most of the pros are goofy in that case

And 120 is not all that long. My guess is 100-110 is close to average.