Boardman Road Comp - Medium or Large

james0889

I am looking to by the new Boardman Road Comp 09 but am unsure of what size I need. I am currently riding the Carrera Valour in a large frame size although I am not convinced it is the correct size for me length wise.

I am 5'11" and so would normally require a 56cm traditional frame although the Boardman has a compact frame so do not know what size to get. My main concern is that I'll end up with a frame either too big or too small that stem adjustments will not give me the correct size.

Should I try to match the effective top tube length to a traditional 56cm frame?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

The Spiderman

How do you feel on the Valour? Have a look at the geometry on the Boardman website and compare to what you have.Even better go to Halfords/Bikehut and try a few for size.
I am 6ft and ride a 58cm Trek with a 57cm top tube length.On a Specialized I`m a 56,on a Giant SCR I find a large suits best,so it always pays to try a few brands to find the best fit.

As said ,always best to compare effective top tube length,which approximates to top tube lenght on a tradtional frame.

DomPro

I'm a bit taller than you and I went for the Medium. I felt sure it was the wrong size to begin with but the bikehut guy said a Medium was best. I just knocked the seat back a touch and adapted to it. Fits me fine I reckon. I read something in CyclingWeekly about bike sizing that might be worth a read. Plus the smaller frame size improves handling. :P

prawny

I'm the same height as you and I've got a medium, i'm quite long in the body but I still had to push the seat forwards as I was ring on the nose a bit. I think the large would have been too much of a stretch.

I always err on the side of caution I'd rather a bike be a bit small and I can raise the bars/seat up, than wobble around on a bike too big.

james0889

Cheers guys, think the best thing to do is like you said, go in and try both sizes and see what fits best. Will quiz the "Boardman Specialist" who should apparantly be in every Boardman selling store and see what they think.

giant_man

james0889 wrote:

Cheers guys, think the best thing to do is like you said, go in and try both sizes and see what fits best. Will quiz the "Boardman Specialist" who should apparantly be in every Boardman selling store and see what they think.

Good luck with that mate. Hopefully you won't find that you know more about the bikes than they do!

therichieboy

Hi james0889,
I just bought a Medium today. I too am 5'11" and was worried about the sizing- i've never ridden/worn/eaten anything less than a large but having test ridden both it was fairly obvious to me that the medium was the one for me. That long top tube makes a lot of difference IMO.
I've got the chance to adjust in both directions however if I'd bought the large I can't help feeling I'd just have been trying to find ways to make it smaller.
Inside leg is important too- I'm about 83cm.

james0889

Hi,

I have also now bought the medium after the Boardman Specialist insisted that was the right size and I have to say he was dead on. Have done 80+ miles on it so far and absolutely love it!!