Frame sizes

bigharj

My first post!

After 2 years of running and a knee injury I am hanging up my running shoes. I know the importance of having the right type of trainers for running and am assuming that this will also apply to bikes.

For a first bike (road bike), I was looking at a Carrera at Haflords (they look quite nice) their max frame size is 58cm. I have been to the following site http://www.ebicycles.com/index.php and have been measured as a 61cm frame, I am 6ft 7in tall with an inside leg of 35in.

Will 3cm make a lot difference and how much adjustment is there in the handle bar & seat?

I also intend to join a cycling club (Wolverhampton Wheelers is nearby) should I join first or get the bike first?

Thanks

Harj

wishitwasallflat

Fit varies from manufacturer to manufacturer - but there is that type of adjustment in primairly stem length. The problem with Carrera is you are relying on finding a Halfords branch where someone will be able to give you a decent bike fit and make those adjustments! I would think that's possible but sadly not certain unless you know your local branches. For example there is one guy in one of my local Halfords who I would trust to get it right but other (staff and branches round here) which I would reccomend you avoid like the plague! If you don't have this info (or know someone who does) you may probably be wiser to get a bike from a specialist local bike shop (again if you knoe of a good one or can get a reccomendation go there) as Halfords is very very hit and miss when it comes to knowledgable staff.

I am a big fan of Specialized Concept Stores - in my experience very knowledgable staff and customer service second to none - do a dealer search here

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/home

The advantage is they do proper test rides (not just a spin round the car park on a stock bike that isn't set up for you!) and a decent bike measuring adjustment and set up service which is free if you buy a bike from them and £40 if you don't - but if you think of the issues you may have with an ill-fitting bike (losses if selling it on alone!) I think it's money well spent.

sungod

depends on the geometry, your flexibility and lengths of arms, body and upper/lower leg

on a 58 i think you risk being cramped, or needing a stem so long that the bike steers like a barge

the saddle needs to put your hips and knees in the correct position wrt the bottom bracket and pedals - especially important if you've had a knee injury

once the saddle is correct, the bar height and stem length can be determined

as it's your first time, i'd really try to find a decent shop to advise you on what you really need - or try the club, maybe there're some members who can come along with you to help with advice/selection

buying from halfords/online might seem to save some money, but if you suffer poor fit and end up needing to replace parts the saving may be less than the cost to put things right