so i decided to go an order a moto messenger from bikesdirect and im wondering whether to get a 49cm or a 52cm. i am 5'4" with a 28" inseam?

take some time - you went from the clockwork to the hour to the messenger?

i never actually went to the hour. that was just a typo. i meant to say motobecane messenger.

at first it was between the mess. and the clockwork, but when i found out the clockwork was singlespeed i decided to go for the mess since i didnt want to spend another $30 for the cog

sorry for the run on

I'm 5'-3" with a 28" inseam, and ride a 49cm, which is measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. Also, the Messenger in the 49cm size comes with 165mm cranks, which gives you more cornering pedal strike clearance and lets you you raise your seat another 5mm compared to 170mm cranks. The Messenger frame has the same geometry as the Moto Track.

did you read the moto messenger thread? some good reviews there.

i believe you would need a 49.

The Moto Messenger is also set up as a single speed. If you want a FG, then your choices are Windsor Hour or Moto Track.

Windsor Hour is really good bang for the buck man. Get it, plus it comes with fixed. Looks good too.

yes you do. the stock cogs on bikes direct bikes are unfortunately cheap. (and the threads on the hubs are also of questionable quality, despite that theyre supposedly rebranded (or de-branded/blank) formulas.

when riding fixed, drivetrain is something you definitely dont want to skimp on. getting top of the line cog/lockring (dura ace, EAI, etc) is only ~$30 total and a relatively minor expense. you'll be glad you did.

edit: ahem, i did say "etc," but yeah surly cogs and lockrings are good, too. you get the idea; dont cheap out.

pssst.

surly cogs are good too.

49.

Psh, no one uses dura ace and surlys these days. Everyone uses $60 Phil wood cogs.

I have Dura-Ace on the Pinarello and a Surly on the Pake... HAHAHA