I'm looking to buy a Windsor Kennet (windsorbicycles.com) bike (their sizing chart shows that a 56-58cm bike would be more accurate for me) and saw a deal on a 54cm bike. I'm not sure how a smaller frame affects the ride of a bike... does it affect comfort? I'm aiming to do 30-100 mile rides at a decent pace, no racing or anything.
2006-10-27 11:06:50 · 5 answers · asked by David Y 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Thanks for the comments, some notes:
1. It's a used bike so I can't really get a LBS to fit me
2. I've tried riding it for about 10 minutes, it's comfortable but I have no idea if that will translate to a longer ride. I don't even know what to look for to have a comfortable ride.
Any help along those lines would be appreciated too.
2006-10-27 14:01:29 · update #1
The number one rule when buying a bike is this:
NEVER BUY THE WRONG SIZE, EVEN IF IT'S A "GOOD DEAL!"
From your dimensions, I'd probably guess that a 56cm would do you better. Look at www.wrenchscience.com and do their bike fit worksheet to get an accurate idea of your size.
2006-10-28 09:10:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also am 5'11 with a 32" inseam, the bike shop fitted me with a 56cm but I couldn't find a bike I liked in that size, I found a 58cm that I really liked and asked if it could be fitted to me. The mechanic and the sales person took the bike to the back and with a few minor adjustments I was riding the bike I liked and had been for the next few years. Not to say this would or will work for everyone.
Keep in mind that some bicycle manufacturers bike sizes run small for example most trek carbon fiber frames tend to run on the small side, Kestrel runs a little large, ones 56cm may be anothers 58cm, each is different so ride as many as you can and find one like and is as close to that 56cm range as you can and have the bike shop fine tune the bike if possible. As long as the bike fits you, you shouldn't have a problem.
2006-10-28 03:18:57 · answer #2 · answered by Ric 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your at least " in the ball park", but I would definitely try several different sizes. Ignore numbers because they are never exact. Pick the one that feels most comfortable even if it is not what the manufacturer nor the bike shop feels is "right". That is what I have done and it seems to work fine for me.
2006-10-27 13:49:52 · answer #3 · answered by davj61 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to reverse engineer this, you need to visit a bike shop and get fitted first. your body determines the bike size you get. call a local bike shop and ask if they do fittings. start there, your back, neck and legs will thank you at mile 50.
2006-10-27 12:09:39 · answer #4 · answered by Bryan H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a bicycle too small can handle really bad. it can affect comfort if the top tube is not long enough for you. get a bike fit at a local shop.
2006-10-27 12:20:20 · answer #5 · answered by liefhochendoner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋