What size bike frame is good for someone who's 5'10?

Question

I've seen some I like on Craigslist that are 52cm, and some that are 58cm. I suspect I might be somewhere in between the two.

I'm not sure of my standover height, but I wear a size 32" pants length.

Answer 1

I'm 5'11 and also have a 32" insteam.   I was at a bike shop today searching for a bike, and I tried out a 54cm cycle which fit me really well.  

I would assume that 52 - 56 would also be alright.  A bit too small/big perhaps, but rideable.

Answer 2

56cm at the largest, probably more like a 54.    Different brands can fit differently, so you really need to get on the bike before you decide.

Answer 3

The key measurement is your "bicycle inseam", which is measured from the floor to your pubic bone. The basic formula is one promoted by Greg Lemond and is surprisingly accurate for most people. It is your bicycle inseam times 0.667. You also can get a very accurate starting point for seat height once you have your frame , using the formula "bicycle inseam times 0.883".

Check out coloradocyclist.com for a good explanation of sizing a bike this way.

Check out competetivecyclist.com for a much more detailed computer that takes into account all sorts of body measurements, and also describes different riding styles that will affect your bike setup.

Also, it's VERY IMPORTANT to know that bike frame measurements can vary - some are measured from the center of bottom bracket to top of seat tube, others from center of bottom bracket to center of top tube, and for those with angled top tubes you may have to imagine a "virtual" seat tube, since these formulas are for standard horizontal top tubes (see the pic on coloradocyclist for clarity on this). So when you buy a bike, especially if it's on Craigslist, take a tape measure that has centimeters on it so you can verify the seller's measurement.