Frame size question
 

I recently bought my first single speed/fixed gear bike. It's a biria w/ white weinmann rims. After doing research I figured their 55cm option would suit me best. I'm about 5'9-5'10.

When I got to the shop they had me stand over the frame of the 55cm and lift the bike. They then recommended I get the 48cm bike they had. I don't know too much about these bikes, so I took their advice.

Isn't 48cm too small for me? Or is there a chance they measure their frame sizes differently?

On a side note, I saw the bike online for $299, but when I got to the store it was tagged at $449. They honored the online price, but I thought about it and wondered if they recommended me the 48cm because they didn't want to get rid of their 55cm at that price.

Thoughts?

Thanks for looking

I think they have confused your height for being 4'10. Just go back to the store and show them how they 'erred

http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...ike_sizing.htm

Don't use that chart based solely on inseam.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO


Also, check the bike's geo on the manufacturer's website or something.

they had a 55 and a 48 and recommended the 48 for you??

Can't find any info on their single speed frames. And yea they had the 55cm in stock, but thought the 48cm would fit me better.

I'm starting to think they just didn't want to sell the 55cm at the online price, so they gave me the 48cm, which would be a lot harder for them to sell.

And you're probably right. I'm 5'10", of fairly average proportions and wouldn't be able to ride something smaller than 55cm.

I think this incident falls under the good old "Bait and Switch" scheme. Resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bait-and-switch

The owner of the shop emailed me back, here's what he had to say.

"Good fit is a big consideration. The Biria only comes in two sizes thus contributing to it's affordability. The other size is a 55 and may be a bit too large. You're welcome to try a 55, but if you're comfortable now, I believe the 55 will be harder to handle. I personally prefer smaller bike fit in the city, much more agile. On long rides, a larger bike has it's benefits. Ride on"

that's just stupid

are you able to return the bike?

I have no idea. Not a big deal, but I already took all the stickers off the bike and rims. What problems can I run into riding a bike this small? It feels fine to me, but I don't know anything about bikes.

Just got another email from the owner as well as one of their employees.

"Also Chris, sizing on most charts is for ROAD BIKES. Single speeds, especially track frames all have a higher bottom bracket shell of about 2cm, therefore shortening the seat tube length that most use for sizing. Most guys with normal proportioned legs that ride a 53 road, will ride a 49 to 51 ‘fixie’. You should be good."

"Hi Chris,

Yes, a traditionally measured 48cm frame would most likely be a little too small for someone of your stature, however, the Biria's measure a little differently. In this case, the 48cm is only an indication of the measurement from the center of the crank to the top of the seat tube. Since the top tube is sloping and the actual reach on the bike it more akin to a 53cm or 54, the bike rides like a larger size and KC sized you on this bike because he thought that the stand over on the 55cm (which is the only other available size in the Birias) was a little too close.

If you would like to come by and try out the 55cm to see if you think that fits you better, by all means, you should. However, since with those particular bikes there are not a wide variety of options, KC thought that the 48cm was a better fit for you.

Thanks for shopping with us! If you have any other questions, let us know. Otherwise we'll be seeing you in a month for your 30 day tune up!"

The higher bottom bracket shouldn't mean that the frame is smaller but it does mean that top tube clearance is probably not the best test of size. It is the top tube length that is really critical for fit. There is some argument on these forums about whether the top tube of a track bike should be a couple inches shorter than a road bike or not.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

I have ridden a bike that is "too small" for me for the last 10 years. It shows a lot of seat post and it has 130mm stem but for me it has been perfect. Better too small than too big.

Is the Biria measured C-C instead of C-T for seat tube length?

that is a case of "it is easier to a small bike bigger than it is to make a big bike smaller"

My road bike is too a bit small with lots of post and a 130mm stem.

snappy - post a pic of your bike so we can see how you've got it set up and know what we're dealing with here. The only Biria bikes I'm finding info for are comfort/folding bikes.

Only pic I have at the moment.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...hedeg/bike.jpg

Im about your height. I have long legs though. a 56 suits me perfectly. I could probably down to a 54 but not any smaller

That much seatpost = your bike is too small.

Definitely too small for you. I'm 5'1" with average proportions and I ride a 48cm. Get your bike exchanged before you put any more mileage on it.

hope op didn't f**k himself rushing to remove all the stickers. oh_snAP1, if you had doubts about the fit of your bike, why did you mess with it?

biria is more known for their dutch & city style bikes but here's some info on their ss/fg bikes & it isn't pretty:
http://www.amazon.com/Single-Speed-F.../dp/B004XEK4E6
http://www.bikeandgo.com/Single-Spee...source=froogle

the only mention of their ss bike for $299:
http://www.upgradecycle.com/catalog/.../category/327/

it is a hi-ten pos & best thing would be if you could return it for a refund. but they likely won't let you get away with that so since they did say you could swap for the 55cm you must take them up on their offer.

good luck...you're gonna need it

But now he has room for some sweet gadgets on his seat post!