would a 51.5cm track frame be ridiculously too small for someone who is around 5'10"? would it be too small in general?

i have my eye on a frame (no, its not a yellow 3rensho...shh) and i feel like i have to ask this question because a) i ride a road conversion knowing little about track frames and b) i think i'm in love.

<3

Hard to say without knowing your proportions.
But in general, I'd say yes, too small.
Not ridiculously, but small nonetheless.

proportion wise i would say i am pretty average for my height? i might have somewhat long arms...other than that i'm just lanky some would say.

i have been described as a "wirey bastard" once...if that helps.

whats the top tube length?

53

I'm 5'7" w/o heels, and I ride a 50cm BareKnuckle. They've been said to run large as well (whatever that means) but the frame itself is just about perfect as far as sizing goes.

Pass on the 3ren and get a frame that fits, if you're going to do anything even coming close to serious cycling, you'll be happier for it, no matter what deal you might be getting on the 3ren.

sigh...i think you might be right. just wanted to get some imput though, which i did. thanks ladies and gents


<3

oh.. if its that 3ren, actually that seat tube angle doesnt fit anyone... and it hurts my eyes, let it go

im 5'11 and I wouldnt go any smaller than a 54.

im 5'10" and my track frame is 5.25x52.5. top tube is definitely too short, but the seat tube is just right. my custom is gonna be 52.5 seat and 56 top. i have short legs

im 5'4" and i ride 49-50cm

for competition track frames, do the atheletes generally choose smaller frame dimensions, say than if they were buying a keirin frame for street use?

after looking at pictures at bikes from the world track championships, it seems like the difference between bar and saddle height is like 2 feet - which i gather is about arm length if your shoulders are level with your crotch.

i'm 5'10", give or take an inch, and ride a 54cm frame. the top tube can seem a little long at times, but my legs are definitely longer than my arms.

I am 5'10 and both my rides (track and road) are 53cm, the roadie has a 54cm toptube center to center.

No bike that doesn't fit is a good deal or idea, IMO. Nothing ruins a ride like a bike that just doesn't quite fit. You can compensate somewhat with stems and seat posts, but that has its limits. I don't know if this is a controversial statement or not, but a mid-range quality frame that fits properly will ride & feel better than a high end frame that does not any day. Why pay top end prices if you are not going to feel the full benefit of a top end frame?

I love browsing eBay, but unless you know how you fit on a bike and can read the measurements properly it can be a dicey (and costly) prospect when you can’t throw a leg over it. That 3Rensho is a beauty (if it is the one I’ve seen), but unless you are a track rider I would pass anyway. That tube will make you feel every bump (or even ripple) that the road has to offer.