Van Nicholas Sizing?

pkripper

I'm finally taking the plunge and getting a van nicholas, ideally a mistral (although appreciate they're getting superseded), but am torn on the sizing. I could get away with both a 54 and a 56 I think, but am struggling to make up my mind which. There's no dealers remotely near me, and it's a big outlay so want to get it right.

Anyone out there who's about 5'10, 32" inside leg, arm length 62cm? What size do you ride? And do you think you're on the right one? I know it's no substitute for actually trying one, but they're rarely stocked, and even more rarely in more than one size...

Or indeed are there bikes with similar geometries that I could try that anyone knows of?

banditvic

I ride a 52cm Yukon I'm 5' 6" 30" inside leg.

schweiz

Height 5'11"
inside leg 33"
arm length 26.75"

VN Euros is size 56 with 100 mm stem (top tube = 550 mm, 72.5° seat tube angle)
for reference BMC Size is 55 with 105 mm stem (top tube = 560, 73.5° seat tube angle)

bmxboy10

Same size as you more or less with a 56cm mistral. Fits ok but my 110mm stem is a little long but I also have the vn set back ti seat post. Toe overlap a bit of an issue.

vs4b

6 ft 1 1/2 tall 32 insid leg and have. 58 mistral. I was expecting to buy a 56 but the tt was a bit short. In fact from memory the tt on the 58 is much nearer 56 than 58...

exlaser

hi, i am 5'10 with a 31' and a half inside leg. have just been measured and have ordered 56 ventus(the replacment for the mistral) with a 100mm stem.
this gives me the same top tube length as the med size giant tcr,i own at the moment.

i was told i could fit a 54, but i would have had to have a riser stem to get my position correct.

hope this helps.

thespanishadam

I'm 5ft9 and ride a 54cm VN Chinook.

If it's not been mentioned, it's probably worth checking the Euros on planet X for £1500. Although it's not full Sram Force, still seems like a bargain.

luv2ride

I had a 56cm Euros on hire when in Mallorca last year - I'm 5'9 with a 31" inseam. Most comfortable bike I've ever ridden (although the excellent roads no doubt helped...)

Milkmaid

I'm 6ft with an inside leg of 32/33 inches. Have ordered a 56cm Chinook after test riding a 56cm Mistral. Can't wait for mine to arrive, but beware - you may be in for a long wait. I ordered mine on 28th July and still haven't got it. Actually, it turned up at the bike shop last week but the frame was scratched and it was fitted with the wrong saddle, wrong seatpost and wrong chainset. And they didn't ship any wheels! As you can imagine I didn't take it away form the shop and am still waiting. Apparently I should have 'my' bike in another couple of weeks but I've heard that before.

pkripper

See, this is sadly where it all falls down. With all the above I still can't make up my mind, and it seems some are riding a 56 and some on a 54! Are there any bikes that anyone knows of of similar compact geometry?

bmxboy10

pkripper wrote:

See, this is sadly where it all falls down. With all the above I still can't make up my mind, and it seems some are riding a 56 and some on a 54! Are there any bikes that anyone knows of of similar compact geometry?

In that case you have only one option - try one. Dont spend £1500-2000 and take a chance - not worth it. Where do you live? Maybe we can recommend some shops or you may even find a forum member nearby who can let you sit on their bike

pkripper

I'm in South London / Surrey - can get to Corridori and they have a 56 in, but ideally would want a store with both!

bmxboy10

pkripper wrote:

I'm in South London / Surrey - can get to Corridori and they have a 56 in, but ideally would want a store with both!

Try BIKE PLUS in Croydon they somtimes have VN Bikes in stock.

or

Bike Science South East
Tunbridge Wells
TN4 0QB

Or make a day of it and drive up to Fat Birds

thespanishadam

I bought mine from corridori. great to deal with.

Im in beckenham, Kent if you want to try mine.