Frame sizing headaches...
lvquestpaddler
Posts: 416
Been looking at what Wiggle are offering, specifically the Focus Variado Expert Triple, and having submitted my inside leg(32") height (5'7") and "ape index"(arm span) of 2" longer than my height they came back saying I should go for the 54cm/M size.
On a 175mm crank this by may calculations gives 5 or 6 inches from the top of the seat tube to the saddle top (stem and seat combined- distance from the pedal axle to the seat top on my current bike is about 34").
The size chart for this bike though says that the top tube length is only 6mm longer than the 52cm/S. The seat tube and steering tube are 20mm shorter so I'm assuming a parallel drop of 20mm for the top tube http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037596/
I was thinking that surely the S frame must be more suitable, after reading a thread on here I linked to the competitive cyclist sizing guide which recommends a top tube length of 52.3-52.7cm, which is 2cm shorter than BOTH the S and M frames!
If I have to raise the seat and inch on an S frame and only lose 6mm on the top tube length then surely it will be a more racey riding position, having lost the 20mm on the steering tube? Or does it not work like this? :? It's all confusing especially when you see articles in some cycling mags whose riders knees seem to be at the top of the seat tube level when the pedal is fully down!!! :shock:
On a 175mm crank this by may calculations gives 5 or 6 inches from the top of the seat tube to the saddle top (stem and seat combined- distance from the pedal axle to the seat top on my current bike is about 34").
The size chart for this bike though says that the top tube length is only 6mm longer than the 52cm/S. The seat tube and steering tube are 20mm shorter so I'm assuming a parallel drop of 20mm for the top tube http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037596/
I was thinking that surely the S frame must be more suitable, after reading a thread on here I linked to the competitive cyclist sizing guide which recommends a top tube length of 52.3-52.7cm, which is 2cm shorter than BOTH the S and M frames!
If I have to raise the seat and inch on an S frame and only lose 6mm on the top tube length then surely it will be a more racey riding position, having lost the 20mm on the steering tube? Or does it not work like this? :? It's all confusing especially when you see articles in some cycling mags whose riders knees seem to be at the top of the seat tube level when the pedal is fully down!!! :shock:
0
Comments
-
Just found this which says for 32" inside leg, height and feet size it is a 54cm...!
http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm0 -
0
-
Cheers for the link but that's the site I already used...it's all kinda irrelevant now cos the last M size is gone anyway...
:roll: 0 -
Hmm - I'm about the same height as you and inside leg too - i have to day I'd have went for the 54 - this gives a reach of 548mm - the same as my size 54 roubaix.
that said - I couldn't live with the 175mm cranks - it's want 170's but this is probably personal pref.
you 'could' go for the 52 and add a longer stem - but the headtube is very short and with a lot of seatpost showing (which you would!) the saddle to bar height would be pretty big - too much for me to be comfortable on.
Looks like you missed out there, sorry.0 -
Thanks for that reply- I read the competitive cyclist thing more thouroughly regarding the 3 types/styles of racer dimensions (French/Eddy/Competitive) and would have to go with the 54cm, I've a couple of stone to lose so getting down to that extreme prone position at the mo on a 52cm would be nigh on impossible!!!
Looks like I stick with the MTB and Schwalbe Marathons over the winter and hopefully next year I will be in a better position to know what may be best. And probably from the LBS...!
0 -
Going by your height I think you'd be looking at a 52. I'm 5'9 with 30cm inside leg and I ride a 54 with a short stem. If you're worried about the bars being too low, check with Wiggle that you get spacers under your stem, thus raising the bars.
Check out Wiggle's policy - you can return the bike if it doesn't fit.0 -
30cm inside leg?! :? I was in Halfrauds on Thursday for no particular reason when I stumbled upon a compact framed Carrera Vanquish, size "S" on clearance for £260 with a £20 voucher for accesories. I got them to unlock it and set the seat height, had a pedal around the shop and it felt fine. Given the spec (Tiagra drivetrain, carbon forks etc) it was too good a bargain to miss. The seatpost is showing around 150mm, but taking a level from the seat top the centre of the bars is only 75mm lower. The top tube length is 525mm (which after my earlier thread after entering my details into the competitive cyclist calculator gave an ideal size of 523-527!!!)
It feels fine to ride, I re-measured my inside leg using the nose of the saddle to when my feet are comfortably on the floor and it's actually 33". If I used that measurement alone I'd be into L sizes, but I can reach the bars on this comfortably and get down on the drops....
I've room to alter it with a raised/extended stemif necessary but only time will tell whether that's needed!
Happy days!0
