What frame size to go for...

richa
richa Posts: 1,632
edited August 2007 in Workshop
How do I get an idea as to what sized frame i'll be on a NEW bike using the bike fit date from my CURRENT bike?

I have my current bike set up as I like it. I am looking into new bikes and trying to put together a shortlist so that i can then go and look at them in more detail, test ride them, etc

The problem is this...
I have been told my slightly upright position might not suit all bikes (e.g. Wilier). How can i compare my frame/fit figures to the manufactureres frame size info check this?
Rich

Comments

  • Garybee
    Garybee Posts: 815
    It is possible to view the geometry for most frames on the internet. Just compare the length of your top tube (virtual length if yours is sloping) with that of the bike you are considering buying. Don't get caught up on manufacturer's sizings, they all measure their frames in different ways.
    Hypocrisy is only a bad thing in other people.
  • richa
    richa Posts: 1,632
    Garybee,

    Thanks. By virtual length I assume that you mean 'as if horizontal'.

    How can I compare the minimum bar heights. And thus how many spacers I would need to achieve my desired bar height.
    Rich
  • Down the Road
    Down the Road Posts: 949
    Your specialist road shop will measure you and ensure it fits. They will also spend time with you making fine tune adjustments to ensure perfect fit. No alway easily done with geometry charts.
    Racing is life - everything else is just waiting
  • richa
    richa Posts: 1,632
    Down the Road wrote:
    Your specialist road shop will measure you and ensure it fits. They will also spend time with you making fine tune adjustments to ensure perfect fit. No alway easily done with geometry charts.

    Hmmm. This is what i've done with my current bike.

    Ther is so much choice out there and none stocks them all. Most local specialists stock perhaps two or three brands that I am looking at.

    In order to get to a shortlist for the new bike I need to rule out some bikes. If (say) Wilier don't fit me then no point going to the Wilier shop.
    Rich
  • timoid.
    timoid. Posts: 3,133
    Narrow your list down first to bikes you want (regardless of geometry) and then go to as many shops as it takes to try all of them. Its part of the fun of buying.

    From Putney you have Evans for all the big factory brands, Sigma in Kingston for a lot of the bling and a train ride from Clapham junction will get you to GB Cycles in Croydon for ones Sigma don't do like Merckx and Planet X. Orbea might be harder to source.

    You could also consider getting yourself properly measured at cyclefit (and then drooling at their Pergorettis).
    It's a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired. You quit when the gorilla is tired.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    RichA wrote:
    How can I compare the minimum bar heights. And thus how many spacers I would need to achieve my desired bar height.

    Check the headtube length measurement (you should get that on a geoemtry chart) if available also the axle to crown length of the fork and the headset stack height. If you can get all those figures and compare with your current bike that will tell you the difference in spacers (or stem rise - bearing in mind you can always flip the stem from horizontal to rise if you have a high bar position) required. If you can only get the headtube length that should be a good approximation as the other figures tend not to vary much - unless of course you're going from a conventional to integrated headset!

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