Right size road bike frame?

Question

So I'm 6'1, 6'2 and im trying to figure out what the best size road bike frame for me would be, I'm ordering offline, so I can't measure from the seat to the BB, so what would roughly be a good size for someone my size, and something that I can get full use of.

Answer 1

58cm - 60cm should fit you best. Depending on the kind of riding you want to do and your body proportions, some frames may fit you better than others, but most will be pretty similar.

You really want to shop for a bike by the length of the top tube, not the standover height. This where a visit to a good pro bike shop is really helpful....they can get you into a frame that works best for you and with the right stem/seatpost to really dial it in. You can do it on your own, it just may be a little more time consuming and expensive if you want to swap cockpit components.

If you're like most men and are evenly proportioned between legs and torso, you'll probably be fine with anything. Unfortunately, I'm built a little more like a woman with longer legs and a shorter torso. Ha!!! And I'll kick you if you tell my friends that! :o) So anyway....I need a frame with a shorter top tube that also has a taller head tube.....it's not hard to find a bike like that but it was tricky for me to finally dial in my fit. It was well worth the time, though. A bike that FITS you is a pleasure to ride!

Answer 2

Most frame makers publish standover heights for their frames. You need to figure out what your standover height is. Do this by standing barefooted a few inches from a wall. Snug a book up to your bottom, square against the wall. Then use a tape measure to measure to the top of the book. The appropriate standover height will be an inch or two less than this height.

Standover is only one measurement of fit, but as long as your body is fairly proportional it'll get you in the ball park. I am guessing you probably will have a 32-33" standover height.

Otherwise, many makers of bikes with sloping downtubes usually have sizes like small, med, large, X-large. The rider must tune the fit via the seat post, steering tube height and handlebar stem length. With a bike sized in this fashion, you will probably need a large. Again, many of these makers will publish some guidelines on sizing.

Hope this helps you out.

Answer 3

Honestly, the most important aspect to buying a new bike is getting the right size. If your frame doesn't fit, the bike is useless. It is definitely worth going to a bike shop and getting measured. Some shops will even offer a fitting service for a fee. Go in and get sized up then bring them the bike to fine tune. A good shop wants a customer no matter where they buy their bike.

Answer 4

road bikes vary in size significantly (even with the same XXcm number) between manufacturers, and even models. a 6'1" or 6' 2" person could have a much longer (or shorter) torso/arms/legs/feet than another person of the same height.

Go to your preferred LBS, and ask them to size you. Offer to pay them for their time. If it's a good shop, it will be money well spent. you won't just get one frame size "magic" number, they will explain how several dimensions come together to make a bike fit (and handle) properly.

Answer 5

Get sized at a bike shop, but I'm guessing you're easily a 60 cm. Trust me, that's what the shop will fit you on at your height. I'm 6'3 and I'm fitted to a 59,60, or 61 cm frame depending on the bike and my inseam is 34".

Answer 6

Go to a local bike shop and let them show you what size fits you. Then buy that size bike, even if you don't buy it at the bike shop. Don't feel too badly for them. You will be back to buy things like tires, tubes, clothing, and other accessories.