Bike Size

branstylad
branstylad Posts: 7
edited April 2008 in Commuting chat
I am looking to buy a specialized sirrus. I've had a test ride on the medium frame (no large in stock) and this felt comfortable. I'm 5ft 9 and wondered if there is a rule of thumb as to height and frame size? Should I try a large frame before ordering?

Comments

  • ac220v
    ac220v Posts: 15
    As a rule of thumb for most frames, when you straddle the frame there should be a few inches clearance between top tube near the seatpost and your crotch. If it's much more than 3-4 inches, frame is probably too small (but maybe OK, depends on bike's adjustability and your exact anatomy.) If there's no clearance at all, it's definitely too large.
    Sorry for any non-English in the post.
  • secretsam
    secretsam Posts: 5,120
    Am about your height and have a Sirrus, but in Large. I fit, but would prefer Medium - we're on the cusp so could ride either.

    If it felt right when you rode it, it probably IS right. Surely the bike shop can advise? Other than that, look on the Spesh website, check out what Sheldon Brown says and go from there.
    It's just a hill. Get over it.
  • chas67
    chas67 Posts: 13
    I'm 5ft 9 and have a sirrus with a large frame ... had it for around 5 years now and its been pretty good. Same as SecretSam, I reckon medium would be fine .... but have a search around for sizing charts / methods - there's plenty of info out there to help.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    ac220v wrote:
    As a rule of thumb for most frames, when you straddle the frame there should be a few inches clearance between top tube near the seatpost and your crotch. If it's much more than 3-4 inches, frame is probably too small (but maybe OK, depends on bike's adjustability and your exact anatomy.) If there's no clearance at all, it's definitely too large.

    As the majority of bikes are "compact" these days, the clearance you have standing over the frame means very little. It only really works with bikes with horizontal TTs.

    My commuting bike is too big for me - but I've got shedloads of clearance between me and the top tube.
    I like bikes...

    Twitter
    Flickr
  • A - W
    A - W Posts: 253
    I have the Sirrus in L but am over 6'. I would be disappointed if my local store couldnt source the size for me to try.

    The shop should be able to tell you what size fits you. I maybe right in saying it's on the Spesh website. I'll have a look and post a link if I find one.

    Edit: I cant find a link, I know when I bought mine from the Spesh dealer he had a little chart to give a rough guide as to height to bike/frame size. It will be down to your personal preference as to what fits yourself.
    FCN 10
  • phil_ss1
    phil_ss1 Posts: 194
    Hi,

    I'm 5'9" and run a medium Sirrus which has served me well for a year now :)

    Phil
  • branstylad
    branstylad Posts: 7
    Thanks for the feedback.
    I'll look for sizing info and try to test a large frame.

Categories