I know, I know - another "sizing" question. But hear me out.

I'm about 6'1" with a 32" inseam. I'm on the market for a light single speed for commuting and bombing around town.

I'm pretty smitten with a gloss black 2011 Globe Roll 1 at my LBS. The price is right, the location is convenient for service, and the bike feels and looks great.

The only question remaining is frame size. For some reason, Globe sizing jumps from a 58cm "L" to a 63cm "XL."

By all accounts I should fit anywhere from a 58 to a 60. I can ride either and they seem fine. Standover height on the 58 leaves me an inch give or take, while my junk rests on the frame for the 63.

I'm leaning toward going for the 58, just because it'll be lighter, more maneuverable, a bit more aggressive, and the seatpost won't be embarrassingly low.

Thoughts/opinions on going for either size? Thanks!

I find it easier to fit myself to a slightly smaller frame than to a larger one. I would go for the 58cm unless you feel very squashed relating to the TT length. A longer stem could remedy this but only to a certain extent.

Yeah. I don't think I feel cramped on it, just more aggressive because of the lower handlebar height. Which is fine - can always raise the stem or get a longer one. I just wish I could commute with it a few times before buying, but that ain't the way it works.

All this being said, it's not like I'm a pro racer here and need a custom-fitted frame. I just want to make sure it will still be comfortable for my 16k commute (round trip).

You should go to the bike shop and try out a variety of sizes, Some companies have a longer tt etc,

Yeah, I've test ridden a few - Fuji Feather, Giant Bowery, Kona Paddy Wagon - I've also been pouring over geometry figures, but it ultimately comes down to how it feels after an 8km commute (one way), which I won't be able to learn until I buy it!

Probably just over-thinking it anyway, but with bikes it's hard not to.

I rode smaller (53-54) for years , and just got into some larger frames (56-58) this past year.
I'm seriously contemplating moving back down. I often feel overstretched, even with seat and bar adjustments.

Go with the 58cm.

It's easier to make a small bike feel bigger than it is to make a large bike feel smaller.

BTW, I'm 6'1" with a 32" inseam and I'd never consider a bike over 58cm. You probably fit a 57/58. I had a 59cm Steamroller for like a week and hated the fit.

The shop that has the bike you want to purchase won't let you borrow it for an hour?

Leave a credit card with them and go.

Thanks for the tips. I pulled the trigger and got the 58cm. Test drove it like four times this week. Feels good!

you just answered your own question. Do you want " lighter, more maneuverable, a bit more aggressive" or something more laid back and comfortable. Your choice.

So... after riding the 58cm around for a bit and re-measuring myself I'm on the fence again. Without shoes I'm 6'1" 1/2 with about a 33" 1/2 inseam. So with shoes lets just say about 6'2" and 34" inseam. I also have pretty long arms. Fortunately my shop offers a 7 day exchange period, so I'm going back to try out the 63cm.

I could probably fit either with adjustments, but I'm showing at lot of seatpost on the 58cm and it feels a tad cramped. We'll see how the 63cm feels! Ah, indecision...

STOP

I'm going out on a limb here, but there is NO WAY a 63cm bike will be appropriate for you.

Why not try a 63 cm road bike and you will see. 63cm is huge.

Yeah, I just got back from trying it out again and I think you're right. The 63cm had me a bit stretched out and the top tube was definitely grazing the tender parts. I'm sticking with the 58cm. Just wanted to be sure.

The ideal size for me is probably a 59-60cm, but we're talking about a few cm here and there which can definitely be managed with adjustment. I'm just one of those people who frets about unnecessary details.

Now... off to ride!

The ideal size for you is probably 58 cm. Seriously. A 59 will be big. 60 will be even bigger. Just because you get your body on the bikes doesn't mean that they fit.

I'm also 6'1" with a 32" inseam and I've been buying bikes for years. I can comfortably ride a 57 or 58cm bike. I would expect the same of you.

Most people fit a 2cm range in bikes. i.e.: 55-56, 56-57, 57-58 etc... Saying that you are 58-60 is not right.

I'm looking at getting a Globe Roll II myself, and I'm probably going to go with the L (58). I did an in-store comfort test on the XL and it felt way too big. I'm 6'2", but my inseam is in the 30-31" range...and I like my bikes a little on the smaller side anyway. The XL made me feel uncomfortably high on the bike.

this^

58 sounds about right for your build. Try a lot of different bikes and take your time. I actually did end up going for the 63 - after re-measuring myself. I'm about 6'2" with a 35" inseam. That puts me around the 60-61cm area. The problem is Globe's sizing. They only have 4 frame sizes with a 5cm jump between each. Most companies keep it around 2-3cm in between sizes so it's easier to find your fit. I was right in between - the 58 felt too small; really twitchy and I had 90 per cent of the seatpost/stem showing. The 63 is just a shade too big, but I've still got an inch of clearance from the TT and a fist full of post. So it was closer, in the end. Next bike will probably be a 60-61 though.

im 6'3" and i ride 58cm bikes.

im equal torso and legs, but monkey arms. everyone wins.

test ride the bike for an hour, no less.. u'll know after that