What frame size?

Question

I'm about 6' 1" tall, and I'm going to be purchasing a road-style bike. I'm thinking maybe a 60 cm frame?

Answer 1

Test ride, long test ride. I always end up with a bike that is not comfortable due to too much bending over. Seems good at first but your back and arms  really start to ache. No amount of adjustment seems to help.

Answer 2

60 cm is probably a good rough guess for your height.  It's not an exact science.  Test out some different bikes for feel.  Even two  different bikes that  are technically the same size might feel different.

Check out this fit calculator.  It might help.

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

Answer 3

It'll depend on the particular frame and on how your body is put together.  I'm 6'0" with a 34" inseam and I fit best into a 58cm frame in most brands.  I have an older bike that's a 24" (60-61cm depending on who was selling it)....leg extension is no problem but the top tube is way too long.   If you have a 32" inseam, then yes, the 60cm may fit you best....like I said, it just depends.  

Hook up with some good bike shops and try out several bikes if you can.  Try your best to get the right size frame based on top tube length....don't let someone put you in a frame and use stem length to "tune" the fit because they're lazy.  If you get the right size to begin with, the bike will handle much better and be very comfortable to ride.  

Hope this helps some....have fun shopping and enjoy the new bike!   :o)

Answer 4

Most people can fit two different bike sizes. My first bike was a 56 and I rode it for a long time and still use it on the trainer in winters even though it was a size too big. Small frames can be extended with longer stems, and raising the seat. Large frames can't be made smaller.  

That being said, you need to stand over the bike, sit on you like you would be riding it and give it a test ride. One company's 60cm is not another's. They can measure from center of the bottom bracket to top of the seat tube (c-t) or center of the bb to where the top tube hits the seat tube (c-c) which will give about a 1.5-2cm difference for the same frame. Now many have sloped top tubes and give virtual sizes assuming there was a top tube parallel to the ground.

You really need to check the bike out in person. If my little description sounds confusing, that is because there is a lot to know about fitting a bike.

The bike fit calculator from either Colorado Cyclist or Competitive Cyclist are pretty good and put you in the right ball park. However for your first bike, you really are better off going to a good local shop and making sure you work with a knowledgeable salesperson.