Size Matters?
07-21-11, 04:22 PM
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Size Matters?
I wanted to throw this out there and see what opinions there are regarding frame size.
With the ability to raise or lower a seatpost or handle bars, how much does the size of the frame matter within a few cm? Obviously if someone is fit for a 60cm they cant ride 54cm, but would it be that uncomfortable to ride a 58cm? I see all these videos and pics online of guys riding what look like tiny bikes and mashing hell on em. Any opinions?
With the ability to raise or lower a seatpost or handle bars, how much does the size of the frame matter within a few cm? Obviously if someone is fit for a 60cm they cant ride 54cm, but would it be that uncomfortable to ride a 58cm? I see all these videos and pics online of guys riding what look like tiny bikes and mashing hell on em. Any opinions?
07-21-11, 04:58 PM
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look up how to fit a bike, get the size that fits you. Seat height is not the only concern, in fact reach is probably more important.
07-21-11, 05:25 PM
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07-21-11, 05:35 PM
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I would be OK on reach because I am tall and have long arms. I guess I should be more specific. If I rode a frame that was a few cm smaller than what "fit", what would the drawbacks be?
07-21-11, 08:12 PM
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Id say as long as the top tube fits your torso the seat tube can be some cm's smaller than your used to or what's recommended because you can then raise or lower your seat post.
07-21-11, 09:19 PM
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I apologize if I am irritating the veteran (pretentious) riders here but I'm curious and want to learn more about sizing.
Take a Leader 725 frame, which only goes up to 58cm. Compare that to a traditional style frame like an IRO which goes up to 62cm. IRO also makes a 58cm also, is that comparable to the Leader 58cm or is the IRO 62cm comparable?
Take a Leader 725 frame, which only goes up to 58cm. Compare that to a traditional style frame like an IRO which goes up to 62cm. IRO also makes a 58cm also, is that comparable to the Leader 58cm or is the IRO 62cm comparable?
07-22-11, 07:23 PM
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Well, the IRO sizing is C-T (center of the bottom-bracket shell to the top of the seat clamp), so the 62cm is actually a 56cm C-C (center of bottom-bracket shell to center of where top tube meets seat tube). I don't know how Leader sizes their frames, but if its measured C-C (most frames are), then its actually bit bigger than the 62cm Mark V.
07-23-11, 01:25 PM
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Not all 58s are measured equally. You have to look at geometry charts for each individual frame to see what you're really getting. Bike fitting is complicated. Riding a frame that is too small will result in you needing a wacky setup to achieve a reasonable fit: a longer seatpost which will cause an uncomfortable saddle to bar drop, and a longer stem, which will change the way the bike handles. The extent of the wackiness will be proportionate to how far off your frame size is.
07-23-11, 04:57 PM
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The extent of the wackiness will be proportionate to how far off your frame size is.
Thanks guys, I think you have sufficiently answered the question.
