Bikes with Many Sizes?
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 28,682
Likes: 63
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
In the world of compact geometry, offering six sizes is very generous. Standard geometry (horizontal top tube) bikes from large producers usually were offered in 2 cm increments of seat tube length. Even so, fit was not so easy with them, because of the need for stand over clearance and the short head tubes. With 6 sizes of compact frames 3 cm between seat tube sizes would cover a 18 cm range (46 cm to 64 cm for instance) which is plenty. And the 3 cm spacing should be no problem for fitting on a compact frame as standover is no issue and the head tube heights are more generous.
When you say you are having trouble fitting on a bike, do you mean in reality trying out bikes in a shop, or do you mean trying to match the catalog specs to your measurements? With compact geometry it is really very simple. You find the size that has the top tube length and head tube height that you need or the closest match. You adjust small discrepancies in top tube fit with stem length. You adjust small discrepancies in head tube height with the number of spacers you use under your stem and also the stem angle. Within the range of sizes Giant (for example) offers, you shouldn't be more than say 10 mm of stem length or 10 mm of spacer height away from your optimum fit. Those discrepancies are easily corrected with stem and spacers and are essentially a non-issue. The only problem I could see that doesn't fit into this category is if you are off either end of the range, i.e. too big of their largest size or too small for their smallest. I hadn't thought that was the problem.
Another approach instead of correcting discrepancies with stem length and spacers is to shop for fit. Despite the nominal similarity of bike sizes among different brands, each brand has a different geometric formula, longer or shorter top tube, and taller or shorter head tube to name just a couple of the areas of difference. So there are many more than six sizes, just not within one brand. You have to compare the different brands to get a sense of all that is available.
When you say you are having trouble fitting on a bike, do you mean in reality trying out bikes in a shop, or do you mean trying to match the catalog specs to your measurements? With compact geometry it is really very simple. You find the size that has the top tube length and head tube height that you need or the closest match. You adjust small discrepancies in top tube fit with stem length. You adjust small discrepancies in head tube height with the number of spacers you use under your stem and also the stem angle. Within the range of sizes Giant (for example) offers, you shouldn't be more than say 10 mm of stem length or 10 mm of spacer height away from your optimum fit. Those discrepancies are easily corrected with stem and spacers and are essentially a non-issue. The only problem I could see that doesn't fit into this category is if you are off either end of the range, i.e. too big of their largest size or too small for their smallest. I hadn't thought that was the problem.
Another approach instead of correcting discrepancies with stem length and spacers is to shop for fit. Despite the nominal similarity of bike sizes among different brands, each brand has a different geometric formula, longer or shorter top tube, and taller or shorter head tube to name just a couple of the areas of difference. So there are many more than six sizes, just not within one brand. You have to compare the different brands to get a sense of all that is available.
#3
Do you mean smaller increments between sizes or a greater range of sizes? If you are fairly normal in proportions and fit requirements, all manufacturers offer small enough increments that can accommodate a proper fit through appropriate selection of components and subsequent adjustment.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,400
Likes: 106
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito (Celeste, of course)
If you're having that much trouble finding a bike that fits, I suspect something else is off.
#5
ka maté ka maté ka ora
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 4
From: wessex
Bikes: breezer venturi - red novo bosberg - red, pedal force cg1 - red, neuvation f-100 - da, devinci phantom - xt, miele piste - miche/campy, bianchi reparto corse sbx, concorde squadra tsx - da, miele team issue sl - ultegra
I suspect troller error
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 28,682
Likes: 63
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
#10
~>~
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,929
Likes: 187
From: TX Hill Country
#12
If you want to have fun, you can look at this fit calculator... hehe
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/St...ulatorBike.jsp
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/St...ulatorBike.jsp
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 326
From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
Sanner Cycles https://ww.sannercyclies.com does custom lugged steel frames starting at $1500
Nelson Titanium Products https://ntpbikes.com does custom titanium frames starting at $1800
Quiring Cycles https://www.quiringcycles.net does custom welded stainless frames starting at $2300
I've ridden titanium for 17 years but have to say stainless steel with contrasting fillet brazing has a certain elegant appeal.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 10-19-13 at 11:12 AM.








