Patriot

I came across a great deal ona closeout aluminum 650c frame on the net. I want to get this for my wife and build it up as a gift. Problem, I don't have her measurements to get a proper fit.

So, I thought some of you with some experience could help me out here. This all the info I have on her size.

She is 5'3" tall, 130#. She wears a size 4 in pants. Her build is average, and doesn't have extraordinarily long or short legs. Like I said, her build is average for a female.

The frame is compact 45cm from BB to top of seat tube. The top tube is effective 51.5cm (sloped), with a 1 1/8" head tube.

What do you think? The price is excellent, just wondering what you all think.

BikeWNC

Just for comparison, FWIW, my wife is 5' 3.5" and rides a 49 cm Litespeed Classic, 72/74 geometry with a 51 cm tt. This frame has a horizontal tt and 700c wheels and she uses a 90 cm stem. She has a 76 cm cycling inseam if that helps.

Patriot

49cm litespeed classic, that's traditional geometry right? If so, I think the compact frame I am looking at would be about the same, with a 51.5cm tt. Sounds like my wife is almost exactly the same size. If the tt seams a little long, I can always use a seatpost with less setback, abd a shorter stem as needed.

Any other recommendations?

BikeWNC

Do you know the seat tube angle for the frame your considering? Usually smaller frames will have steeper seat tube angles. If the frame has a steeper ST angle than the 74 on the Classic, it will have an even longer effective tt length.

Also, moving the seat position to make the bike fit is not a good idea. Set the seat for proper height and knee to pedal position, then adjust the stem length and bar height to fit.

Patriot

I'm sorry you are right. Set the seat to proper height, and knee over spindle, then get the right stem length for proper reach. I should know better.

Although, for the price I am getting, I think it would be worth a shot. If it didn't work out, I could easily sell it for the same price I bought it.

I wish I knew the seat tube angle but is not provided in the description. I emailed the store, but it is late, and obviuosly won't get a response til tomorrow or Monday depending on how busy they are.

The description did say it is a good frame for just starting off in the sport, so I don't think it is a 78deg Tri frame. Probably 74deg like most others.

BikeWNC

If you know the brand of frame, you can try to do a search for the geometry on the web. Good luck!

Patriot

It is a blank that the guy bought in bulk on closeout. I figure for the price, it can't be beat. If I want, I can just sell it later.

I went ahead and bought it, as it is a small 650c frame that he had a bunch of, but was not selling, so he priced the plain frames very low.

It's brand new, size "Small" compact bare Aluminum frame with 45cm st, and 51.5cm tt, and 1 1/8" head tube. Just guessing, but looks like 74/72 geometry.

I got it for only $76 shipped. Not a bad deal, eh?

clfjmpr44

From the sight of Trinity, I know that you are a savy shopper Patriot, but be careful of a scam with the closeouts. It sucks to have to have that mentality, but unfortunately we have to protect ourselves.
Nice steal though...

Patriot

Oh, I know there are tons of scams out there. Which is why I prefer to buy from actual retailers who have registered websites. The Ebay scams are hard to pick out, so you have to be careful there.

RonH

www.wrenchscience.com