First bike size advice

mightywhelk

Hi there, i'm thinking about getting my first road bike but as i'm new to all this, need some advice on what frame size to go for. I'm 5' 9" with a 30" inside leg.
Whilst I realise I could go into one of the local shops for fitting etc, i'm simply not able to afford any of the bikes on offer (even entry level) and will have to source something second hand or low budget new. My conscience dictates to me that me it's not fair to use the time of these guys when I have no intention of buying one of their bikes, I feel that's rather poor form.
I'd be grateful for any advice about the best new low budget (£200 -£250) bikes or what to keep an eye out for on the second hand market.
Cheers
Scott

Sunderland Supporter

Go and check out a 53cm and 54cm frame, any bigger will stretch you out too far and a 52cm will be too small. Check out the top tube lengths while you are at it and anything circa 535m - 545mm should provide a range within which you will find something that works for you. Id also suggest a 100mm stem for a guy with your dimensions. Go checkout a Specialised Secteur 53 or 54, great first bike and at great prices. Do let us know how you get on.

DavidJB

Sunderland Supporter wrote:

Go and check out a 53cm and 54cm frame, any bigger will stretch you out too far and a 52cm will be too small. Check out the top tube lengths while you are at it and anything circa 535m - 545mm should provide a range within which you will find something that works for you. Id also suggest a 100mm stem for a guy with your dimensions. Go checkout a Specialised Secteur 53 or 54, great first bike and at great prices. Do let us know how you get on.

Think that may be a little small...56 would be a good size for him. I'm 5,10 with a 29 inside leg and a 56 fits me fine (my cube is a 58 though but thats because it's a cube!)

It depends on brand but I'd say 56.

g00se

I'm 5'9" with a 29" inside leg and 54cm is good for me. Of the bikes I tried, I would say 56cm would be too big. If I had to change, I'd go smaller than 54cm rather than larger.

Also, check out http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO To get a better idea of frame sizes and even geometries.

Bozman

A couple of posts have just shown you that you need to go and get measured for a bike.
I'm 5' 9"/10" and i use a 53 and 53.7 TT, one bike is small the other is medium, the small has the longer top tube, i tried a 55 once and it was way to big, we're all different shapes and sizes, long legs, short legs, long trunk..... etc. Manufacturers have different sizing too, the likes of Giant have really long top tubes, it just goes on and on.
Show an interest in a shop and get measured, you don't have to walk out with a bike.

ShutUpLegs

Fantastic, four answers all giving different sizes.

styxd

I'd go with the 54cm ish advice. At least you'll be able to fit a longer stem if it is a bit short.

t.m.h.n.e.t

ShutUpLegs wrote:

Fantastic, four answers all giving different sizes.

And all of them missed the crucial flaw

best new low budget (£200 -£250) bikes

pilot_pete

For what it's worth, T.M.H.N.E.T. has it right, you are really going to struggle to find a bike for that kind of money, even more so to find one that might actually fit you as well!

Frame sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so one 54 is not the same as another 54! I know that doesn't really answer your question, but the truth is there is no simple right answer...

So, if you can get measured up that would be a good idea, however many shops won't do this unless you order a bike due to the inevitable measure up followed by Internet purchase. You may be able to get a fitting if you pay, but if your bike budget is £250 I guess you won't be spending £100 on a bike fit.....

So, I don't want to sound too negative, but with your limited budget your options are very, very limited. If you buy a bike that you can't make fit you then it will be a waste of your £250. Remember that even if you get lucky with a frame that fits you, you may still need to change the stem etc to get the whole bike to fit you, another cost if you buy second hand.

If there is any way of stretching your budget to about £400 you might just be able to pick up a deal for a new bike in a bike shop....probably last years model in something. The thing with that is 1) quite often the 'old' model has a better spec than the new one and 2) you can get a bike that fits and they will change bits like the stem, cassette etc to match your requirements, all in the price.

Last point then, I am 5'11" with a 34" inside leg and I ride a 56cm Pinarello, and to be honest I think with hindsight I should have opted for the 55cm frame as I have fitted an 80mm stem to get comfy. So you can't tell from height and inside leg alone which size frame will fit, it is much more complex including the vitally important top tube length which is dictated by your torso/ arm length, seat to bar drop, what type of riding you are planning to do etc etc etc. Someone mentioned the Competitive Cyclist website, which has a 'fit guide'. You and a friend can take accurate measurements of your body parts (oooo errrr!) and plug them into their calculator which will give you a good idea of what will fit you. Then you will need to to ascertain bike measurements of the bike you intend buying and see if it is within your range. This is probably your best bet on such a limited budget.

Hope this helps.

PP

t.m.h.n.e.t

Pilot Pete wrote:

For what it's worth, T.M.H.N.E.T. has it right,

FWIW also. I was in the market for a new bike last year and discovered that my local Specialized dealer had an end of year/line sale on. I got my Allez (linked in sig) which was marked down to £450 from £600,just out of your price range but imo,you would be better off holding back and spending more. Better off in the long run.

Of course I fell it love with it and well,I'd love to upgrade :twisted:

mightywhelk

Hi guys, should anyone be interested, I took the advice to bide my time and up my budget. I've just bought a 54cm Trek 1.1 which fits me rather well. Because of your comments I was able to talk with a bit of knowledge and confidence at the shop which definitely helped.

Thanks chaps - now to get some miles in!

p9uma

mightywhelk wrote:

Hi guys, should anyone be interested, I took the advice to bide my time and up my budget. I've just bought a 54cm Trek 1.1 which fits me rather well. Because of your comments I was able to talk with a bit of knowledge and confidence at the shop which definitely helped.

Thanks chaps - now to get some miles in!

Nice one. Someone who asked for advice and listened!

Pics please or it didn't happen!

Ringo 68

mightywhelk wrote:

Hi guys, should anyone be interested, I took the advice to bide my time and up my budget. I've just bought a 54cm Trek 1.1 which fits me rather well. Because of your comments I was able to talk with a bit of knowledge and confidence at the shop which definitely helped.

Thanks chaps - now to get some miles in!

Congrats and good choice of bike.

Now comes the fun bit.