Med frame high seat or large frame low seat?

licko
licko Posts: 72
edited January 2010 in Road beginners
I'm about to buy my first proper road bike after years of MTB. I'm 5'9" and seem to fall between a 54 & 56 frame. I've sat on a few bikes of each size in the shops, and both feel fine.
Is it generally better for the frame to be on the large side or the small side?
With MTB's I have always sized down for better maneuverability, but I guess the same dosen't apply to road bikes?

Comments

  • Barrie_G
    Barrie_G Posts: 479
    measure your top tube+stem length on the mtb, then check out the geometry on the road bike your buying and see which one comes closest, don't forget for a compact frame you'll be looking at the virtual tt+stem length.
  • At 5'9 I'd say you'd be a 54cm mate.

    What are your leg and torso lengths?

    With a smaller frame you have more adjustability.
  • Yep i would defo go for a medium 54cm, unless its a BMC or Ridley etc as you need to go one sizedown as toptubes are 56 for a medium. Go for high saddle, not short saddle as if you are low down, this means you will have to have a shorter stem to, which makes it really twitchy on decents! Plus a low saddle and short stem look's naff and un cool ha! 8)
    Up hup hup hup.....fricking hate that!
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    TornadoTom wrote:
    At 5'9 I'd say you'd be a 54cm mate.
    What are your leg and torso lengths?

    With a smaller frame you have more adjustability.

    +1
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • ravey1981
    ravey1981 Posts: 1,111
    I'm 5'9" too and ride a 54cm frame (medium)

    I am of "normal" proportions, 32inch inside leg etc

    If you are about the same then I'd go for a 54
  • licko
    licko Posts: 72
    Sounds pretty conclusive, 54 it is. Cheers all!