Thread started by aksendz at 10.28.08 - 12:01 am

those that met me know that i have a china bike
i've spent twice what its worth on repairs and maintence, new brakes every month, pedals come off every two months, random flats

i am looking to buy a bike from craigslist but i don't know what size i should get. i'm 6' and 32 inseam
i need something in which i can go long distances and fast

who wants to hold me by the hand and guide me through the world of bicis

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damn this thread is being burried fast
no wonder luke joined the dark side



aksendz
10.28.08 - 12:35 am

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sounds like you need a seat tube of 55-57 cm or so. Go try some bikes out and see what fits.



monovsstereo
10.28.08 - 12:40 am

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Luke never did. It his his father Aniken that was seduced to the DARKSIDE as I did, only my cause and dark powers lie on the BIKESIDE of the force.



DARTH VELOZ
10.28.08 - 12:42 am

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57-58cm is more like it. but possibly 57 is a better fit. try both.



DARTH VELOZ
10.28.08 - 12:44 am

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go to a shop and get fitted



la duderina
10.28.08 - 12:48 am

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is that the frame size or the size from the pedal to the seat or from ground to seat

(told ya you needed to hold my hand)



aksendz
10.28.08 - 12:48 am

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frame size. I have a track frame (no fork though! lol!) with a standover of 32" if you're lookin to go that route.



monovsstereo
10.28.08 - 12:53 am

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frame size is the measurement from either the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the top tube -or- from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube.

the best way is just to try different sizes and see which fits best before buying anything



la duderina
10.28.08 - 1:37 am

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aye, between 54-58 cm would fit ya, try a couple, find one that feels right. the measurement that is going to matter more when you're within a close range is top tube length, as it is more difficult to change later than seat tube height (changing seat height is easy, changing length requires buying a new stem).



FuzzBeast
10.28.08 - 6:52 am

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so basically look for the best reach to the handle bars?



aksendz
10.28.08 - 8:47 am

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yes.
you want it long enough that you don't have a severe arch in your back, but not so long that you're coming off the front of the seat when you're in the drops. and if you're gonna use bullhorns, be aware that you're gonna be even farther forward when tucked into those.



Eric Hair
10.28.08 - 9:27 am

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well on my mtbk, when i first started to ride it my back hurt.
now it doesnt.

and on the bullhorns, i can always grip it on the top part when i need to, can't I?

another thing is pricing. how can i determine if i'm getting ripped of by someone douche on craigslist.



aksendz
10.28.08 - 9:44 am

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You can get a good idea of prices by searching for the bike/frame in question on ebay. Most bikes sold on ebay are sold at fair market value. Take what you see on ebay and assume you can barter a 5-10% better deal on craigslist.

If you feel like you're getting close to a purchase, and want to confirm a deal, just post here; someone should be able to give you a yay or nay.



Eric Hair
10.28.08 - 10:17 am

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Keep in mind that your pants inseam is different from the leg-length you use for measuring bikes.

I'm guessing you probably need a 59-62cm frame, as I'm your height, wear 30-32" inseam pants, and ride a 61cm frame.

There's a lot of BS about buying compact frames, but buy a frame that fits. As long as you've got an inch or two of crotch clearance when you're standing over the bike, you're set. (For mountain bikes, you'll want more than that.) Then make sure the top tube length works for you, or you'll be buying different stems to get that sorted out as well.



JB
10.28.08 - 10:31 am

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inseam is from the inside of your foot to your crotch, oui?



aksendz
10.28.08 - 2:33 pm

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I need a Yoda too.

But I guess that's what she said.



imachynna
10.28.08 - 2:40 pm

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http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/choosing_a_frame_size

Pant inseam is from the crotch to the anklebone, standover height is from the pubic bone to the floor (put a book/yardstick between your legs, pull up, measure from there to the floor) minus an inch or two. Bike frame sizes are the measurement along the seat tube from the center of the bottom bracket to the center (or top) of the top tube.

The above article should give you a pretty good idea on how to measure yourself.

There are so many variables that you just need to get a basic sense of what size frame you need, and then try a variety of bikes to find one that fits best.

If you're on a budget, you need to get a basic sense of what size frame you need, find a bike you can afford, and then adjust it to fit by modifying the stem height and length (by replacing stems if you have a threadless fork) and adjusting the seat height, angle and fore/aft position.

I'm guessing you need a 58-62cm frame.

Let us know what you finally get.




JB
10.28.08 - 2:58 pm

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I WISH I HAD SOMEONE TO HOLD MY HAND.



eddieboyinla
10.28.08 - 10:23 pm

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Well, the guesses can run from anywhere from 54-62, it really depends on your proportions. I may be close to 6'1" however, I ride a 54 (track) and a 56 (road), but I gots short legs and a long torso...



FuzzBeast
10.29.08 - 12:57 am

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