Help needed - frame dilemma

ohlala!

Hi,

After researching on the internet on frame size guides Iam convinced that my current frame size is too large (current frame 56 cm). I am only 172cm with 31" inseam so according to the guides I would fall somewhere between 48cm - 50cm frame.

At the moment I feel a little stretched on the reach and my crotch is in contact with the top tube when I'm standing.

1st dilemma - is the size that the guide is telling true or my current frame ok for me just need to change seatpost and/or stem.

2nd dilemma - I looked up Ribble's web site and they have this TT frame for cheaper than they're Road frame. Can I use TT frame to build a road bike? does anyone know anything about this frame?
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=RIBBFRAT600

All your help and suggestions are always appreciated.

defdaz

I'm a total beginner but I thought a 53cm frame would be the starting point for someone of your dimensions? The places from which the 5xcm measurement varies between the manufacturers and each frame design has it's own specific geometry so I think the only way to be sure is to try them out unfortunately.

Infamous

I emailed ribble about that frame, but it is too small for me as I need a 60cm+, here are the dimensions they sent me...

A- Centre to top	B- Seat Angle	C- Top Tube	D- Head Tube	E- Chainstays	Wheelbase	F- Head Angle
500	76	522	110	400	981.1 45 rake fork	72.3
530	76	540	110	400	988.6 45 rake	73
560	76	560	130	400	1003.6 45 rake	73.3

It also needs a 36 x 45 headset.

It wouldn't be too bad as a road bike, 76 degree seattube may be a bit steep. It looks like it has track drop outs too, which means you could ride fixed if you wanted. It's also got a short headtube, so if you don't like being low, then you'd be better off with one of the cheap ribble road frames.

for £20 more...
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productde ... IBBFRAR250

Mister W

You're almost exactly the same height and leg length as me. I ride an XS Argon 18 and a S Planet-X Kaffenback. That means I have a virtual horizontal top tube on each bike of about 52cm. That will be a size 48-50 for most frames.

But things like seat tube angle will affect your position on the bike so you really should try any bike you're thinking of buying.

ohlala!

Thanks guys.

I think I'm going for the TT frame. I tried riding my bike by sitting about 2-3cm further forward on my seat (uncomfortable, but for the sake of experimenting I did it anyway) and I felt that I can pedal harder, sprint faster, and my legs aren't fatigued.

Mettan

Looks like a lovely bit of kit for £100 - 76 deg, 11cm headtube and a cut-out - nice for a budget TT build.

itboffin

ohlala! wrote:

Thanks guys.

I think I'm going for the TT frame. I tried riding my bike by sitting about 2-3cm further forward on my seat (uncomfortable, but for the sake of experimenting I did it anyway) and I felt that I can pedal harder, sprint faster, and my legs aren't fatigued.

Please keep us posted i've been looking at the same frame myself and would be interest to hear your thoughts.