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rule of thumb on bike size?

PHunt's picture
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started by PHunt on September 12, 2008

I know there is SO MUCH MORE than height but right now I'm borrowing a bike and just need a round about way. I'm 6'ft 174lbs. The two bikes are 56cm and 58cm....Is there a rule of thumb to which one I should ride? When I finally have the money saved I'll get the proper fit but for now I just need to know which one to borrow? Thanks!

I have a bike for sale. Trek Equinox 9 2006
http://www.trifuel.com/forum/20756/trek-e9-for-sale-buying-2010-b16

jhudalla's picture
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jhudalla posted 1 year ago.

if you're only borrowing, take each for a spin and see which one works best for you. That said, a rule of thumb is to stand over the top tube and see how much room you have between said tube and your... undercarriage. You'll want about an inch or so minimum. Otherwise if you get in a bind and have to jump off your seat you'll be stuck. YOWZA

Weary is the path that does not challenge.

CadenceGuy's picture
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CadenceGuy posted 1 year ago.

Id have to agree, ride both and see which one feels better. Just seeing your sizes Id lean more to the 58cm. Im 5'10" and I ride a 56 but I have 'unusual' measurements haha.

PHunt's picture
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PHunt posted 1 year ago.

thanks guys! I have ridden both and I can't tell the difference.

I have a bike for sale. Trek Equinox 9 2006
http://www.trifuel.com/forum/20756/trek-e9-for-sale-buying-2010-b16

xc800runner's picture
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xc800runner posted 1 year ago.

I'm 6'2" and on a 56 tri bike, but that's so I can get the absurd drop I like (~20 cm) with a relatively tall seat tube at a slack-ish 76.5 deg effective angle. Are you borrowing a road bike or tri? If it's a road bike, you'll be able to get by with either and just adjust to the needs of the riding position. Same for a tri bike, but if the bike is too long front to back, you may find it uncomfortable or impossible to get your elbows at the desirable 90 deg bend when in the aero bars. If you are an "average" 6' (i.e. ~33" inseam) either bike will give you plenty of stand over clearance and you can fit yourself to the top tube without any problems.

PHunt's picture
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PHunt posted 1 year ago.

thanks xc!

I have a bike for sale. Trek Equinox 9 2006
http://www.trifuel.com/forum/20756/trek-e9-for-sale-buying-2010-b16

wmckean's picture
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wmckean posted 1 year ago.

I'm 5'11" and I ride a 56. You can "make" most bikes fit, but the closer you start to the "best" size the easier and more comfortable. They tried me on the 58, and said the 56 was my size. Since I have no clue, I went with their expert advice!!

cutiger95's picture
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cutiger95 posted 1 year ago.

I am a 5'10 and a little, I ride a 56 but my local shop insisted that I was a 54. The 54 seems very cramped to me and I have too much drop for comfort as I am still on the heavier side.

In my experience it really depends on the build of the bike and the top tube dimensions. Also don't forget that most saddles will adjust fore and aft to suit.

grlawguy's picture
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grlawguy posted 1 year ago.

For what it is worth --6'3" here and both my road (and NEW) tri bike are 58cm.

grlawguy's picture
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grlawguy posted 1 year ago.

For what it is worth --6'3" (33-34inseam) here and both my road (and NEW as of Monday, 9/15/08) tri bike are 58cm.

fastdog5's picture
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fastdog5 posted 1 year ago.

There are no real rules of thumb because we all have different body dimensions. I'm 5'11", but have the inseam of someone who is closer to 6'3" & a freakishly short torso, so I ride a 56 with the seat way up. Go by feel. Since you said they both feel the same, you're probably fine on either for now, IMO.

Triguy98's picture
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Triguy98 posted 1 year ago.

Each manufacturer, and frequently different models within a brand are sized differently. A Cannondale 58cm will fit differently than a Trek 58cm which will fit differently than a Scott. Better to use reach and relative angles to size a bike.

Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.