Frame size?

Marlowwheels
Marlowwheels Posts: 26
edited January 2009 in Workshop
I have found a great bike second hand that I intend to buy and have persuaded myself that I like the bike so much I am going to ignore that it is too big for me! It is a Colnago sloping size 57 (traditional size 61, effective top tube c-2-c 58cm) whereas my best fit size would probably be sloping 52 or perhaps 54 or traditional 56 (ideal top tube 55cm c-2-c based on bike fitting and top of saddle to centre of bottom bracket suggestion of 77.6cm (longer legs, shorter upper body). Am I going to regret this or can I adapt with stem/saddle position? Thanks. Wheels.

Comments

  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    My guess, if it really too big, although moving the seat and changing the stem may help, you may compromise your ride a little and will probably always think of getting a better fitting bike (even if the difference isn't a big one, it will nag at you). Just a guess, as I say, but the adage "buy cheap, buy twice" may apply here. Hopefully others will be able to give a more informed opinion based on sizes/geometry.
  • pedalrog
    pedalrog Posts: 633
    If you think your best size is around 52 - 54cm then don't compromise to save money. You'll regret it. There are plenty of well-priced bikes new and second hand, just bide your time. When you see the one you want, you won't need to ask, you will know it's the one for you.
  • synchronicity
    synchronicity Posts: 1,415
    If it's really that much bigger, you'll regret it.

    The only time not to buy another bike is when it's not your size. :wink:
    These days, even 1-2cm outside my ideal frame size doesn't feel right.

    You're talking abuot a seat tube that's 5cm greater... and a top tube 3cm larger than normal. Sure you can get zero setback post, compact bars and short stem, but it won't feel right.
    vertebr.ae | precision braking & shifting
  • nielsamd
    nielsamd Posts: 174
    Yeah thst too big a difference to think about adjustments.
    580 top tube on the 57cm
    vs your best 52-54cm which usually have 535-545 top tubes.
    Don't go there.
    Flyer
    Singlecross(FCN7)
    Cervelo
    Roberts(stored)
    Mercian(stored)
  • schlepcycling
    schlepcycling Posts: 1,614
    Can I ask what model it is as I didn't think Colnago did odd sizes in sloping geometry they are 50s, 52s, 54s, 56s etc and equate to the standard geometry 4cm larger 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm etc, whereas there traditional frames do go up in 1cm increments so there would be a 57cm.

    I know this is a bit cheeky....but would a traditional geometry 57cm Colnago C50 frame and forks be any good to you?, it has a top tube of 557mm and according to Colnago fits right between the 52cm and 54cm sloping?.
    'Hello to Jason Isaacs'
  • Marlowwheels
    Marlowwheels Posts: 26
    Schlep...sent you PM...
    Wheels
  • xover_runner
    xover_runner Posts: 228
    Coming at this from another angle so to speak, I have just bought a track frame with a view to building a winter fixie. The top tube is exactly my measurement (537mm) but the seat tube is only 485mm whereas my other bikes are about 515mm. Also the headtube is short. Looking at it I think I can get the bars at the right height with an angled stem and the seat pin shouldn't be a problem but is this going to cause any handling problems?

    Thanks, it was an impulse ebay buy but it does look beautiful!!
  • xover_runner
    xover_runner Posts: 228
    bump

Categories