If I'm 180 metres tall, can I not get a bike recommended for 185+ metres?
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If I'm 180 metres tall, can I not get a bike recommended for 185+ metres?
It's the only variant available on a bike I want.
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Good luck finding a bicycle, clothing, housing, or anything else that fits if you're 180 metres tall.
OTOH, if you're only 1.8 m tall I'd first see if you could try the bike out locally. If not, at least determine the 'stand-over height' and see how much clearance (if any) you'd have from the top tube.
OTOH, if you're only 1.8 m tall I'd first see if you could try the bike out locally. If not, at least determine the 'stand-over height' and see how much clearance (if any) you'd have from the top tube.
Last edited by prathmann; 04-01-14 at 02:45 PM.
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Height isn't the only factor when it comes to picking the correct size bike for you. Everyone's body is proportioned differently so there is no "if you are this height, you get this size bike."
For example, I am 6' 1" and I find 56cm is comfortable, but a good friend of mine who is 6' 2" rides a 60cm bike comfortably. His torso is obviously much longer than mine, but that's something you need to consider when buying a bike.
No matter what bike you want, if it isn't the correct size for you, you aren't going to be comfortable and therefore not enjoy riding.
I found that completing this will give you a pretty good idea of what size you need: Bike Fit Calculator | Find Your Bike Size | Competitive Cyclist
For example, I am 6' 1" and I find 56cm is comfortable, but a good friend of mine who is 6' 2" rides a 60cm bike comfortably. His torso is obviously much longer than mine, but that's something you need to consider when buying a bike.
No matter what bike you want, if it isn't the correct size for you, you aren't going to be comfortable and therefore not enjoy riding.
I found that completing this will give you a pretty good idea of what size you need: Bike Fit Calculator | Find Your Bike Size | Competitive Cyclist
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Assuming the missing decimal, we are considering a difference of 5 cm or 2 in. Bike sizes generally cover a range of heights at least that large so it is reasonable the larger frame could fit. Pay attention to how the subject frame compares to your ideal choice in top tube length and head tube height. Those are the most important areas for fit. If you have a cer short torso, it is not likely to be a good fit. Normal or long torso should enable the larger frame to work for you.
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People have different proportion leg vs. torso/arm length, and also different preference for handlebar height vs. seat, so depends on many factors. Bike manufacturer usually recommend a size for range of 8-10 cm height, with next size range overlapping top of range. I would say if you are in upper half of that range it is often OK to ride one size (usu 2 cm) larger than recommended, may need install 1-2 cm shorter handlebar stem. But best to actually try the bike and see if you can be comfortable. At 180 cm, for most manufacturer that is about a "56" size (effective top tube length, measured as if top tube parallel to ground, often = to what the seat tube length would be if horizontal top tube, though most bikes use sloping top tube these days so actual measured seat tube is smaller), a "58" might be also OK for you but "60" is probably too big.
Last edited by stephtu; 04-01-14 at 03:23 PM.