Bike Sizing

creepycrawley

I am looking to buy a road bike assuming the weather does improve and have been seduced by some of the very fine looking bikes (such as Planet X) available online. I'm anxious however about how to work out the right size without being able to try the bike. I am wondering whether I am better ignoring the online "bargins" and sticking to something supplied by a bike shop I can get to.

I suspect I already know the answer to this but are there any reliable ways of established the correct bike size short of sitting on it?

Thanks

hopper1

You could find bikes of similar geometry in your LBS, try them, to find which suits you best, then use that sizing to order your online bike.

ugo.santalucia

creepycrawley wrote:

I am looking to buy a road bike assuming the weather does improve and have been seduced by some of the very fine looking bikes (such as Planet X) available online. I'm anxious however about how to work out the right size without being able to try the bike. I am wondering whether I am better ignoring the online "bargins" and sticking to something supplied by a bike shop I can get to.

I suspect I already know the answer to this but are there any reliable ways of established the correct bike size short of sitting on it?

Thanks

Yes, the size of the bike is two thirds of your inseam height. Measure your inseam height and multiply by 0.66... then approximate to the closest number free of decimals. That's the size you are looking for
All in centimetres, of course

Clockworkali

I have just ordered a bike online as in my experience local bike shops are just too expensive.

If you have an existing bike that fits, just make sure the frame measurements are similar. If the effective top tube is a little bigger or smaller you can always change the stem. If you are considering a carbon planet x,one thing to note is that the small frame only has room for 1 bottle cage. This is not a lot of good if you want to go out for long rides. Also i know the bikes have had good reviews, but the frame i had was not very well finished.

GyatsoLa

I think its well worth getting a professional bike fitting - there are a variety of companies that do it. Most will give you measurements or a print out indicating your proper set up. It costs a bit, but its probably cheaper in the long run than messing around with different stems, etc., trying to get your bike feeling right.

strodey

+ 1 for bike fitting

creepycrawley

Thanks that is helpful. I have ben using an Evans tourer (bought for commuting) over the last 7years and taking it out increasingly for pleasure. I've found that I have increasingly needed to raise the saddle so I am alsos a little unconvinced about my ability to choose the correct fit at a bike shop!

I think it is time to ditch the pannier rack, mudguards and 24kg lock!

red dragon

Bike fit is a very sound place to start.