Choosing the correct frame size

[tim0409]

Hi there

I've decided that after 13 years with my Edinburgh Bike shop hybrid I need a new bike, and today sat on a Cannondale cyclocross CAADX 105 - I am 6ft but my legs are a bit on the short side. I tried a 56 which (with my jeans on) was touching my crotch, so tried a 54 which was better but the assistant said I might need to put the seat back as I was slightly too far over the handlebars. I would welcome views on this as I really want to get it right!

Thanks

Tim

[Magic919]

You'd probably be better off avoiding a CX bike if you can.

[mcelliott]

Go to a proper bike fit - 6ft tall and a 54cm frame? Unless you're going to run a massive stem, a 130mm plus, I would say a 56 is probably the best size. Bike fit the way to go though.

Edited by mcelliott on Sunday 28th February 16:13

[j00pY]

I'm 5'11" and a half and have a 54 supersix and a 54 CAAD8.

I got a bike fit after I bought the CAAD and the bike fitter said that the frame was perfect for me. I used to think it was too long but as my flexibility on the bike has improved I have moved the bars a spacer down.

I would recommend buying a bike from somewhere that does a proper fitting as there is no point spending all that money buying something that isn't 100% right for you. I was very lucky to get a decent sales assistant at Evans when I bought my first bike but would have bought a 56 or even a 58 due to inexperience.

[Magic919]

No amount of proper fitting will overcome the problem of stand over height.

[tim0409]

Thanks for the replies - to be fair to the assistant it really wasn't about getting the definitive size today, more about the bike. On reflection, I would probably go for the 56 as my trunk and arms are relatively long, and there was at least a small gap at crotch level (more so without jeans).

[frisbee]

People usually go a size or two down with (proper) cyclocross bikes to avoid a painful encounter, the raised bottom bracket doesn't help either.

A road or gravel bike will have more clearance, especially if you get a sloping top tube.

[Moaningroadie]

frisbee said:

People usually go a size or two down with (proper) cyclocross bikes to avoid a painful encounter, the raised bottom bracket doesn't help either.

A road or gravel bike will have more clearance, especially if you get a sloping top tube.

Agree - I'm 6'2", 34" inseam and ride a 58 CAADX - a 56 would probably be better (eBay purchase of my 'normal' size)

[colin79666]

I'm 6'1", 33" inside leg and ride a 56 frame. One of these to be precise:
http://www.ktm-bikes.at/en/bikes/e-bike.html?actio...

As above though nothing beats a proper fitting and ideally a bit of a trial rather than just sitting stationary in the shop.

[jamiebae]

colin79666 said:

I'm 6'1", 33" inside leg and ride a 56 frame. One of these to be precise:
http://www.ktm-bikes.at/en/bikes/e-bike.html?actio...

As above though nothing beats a proper fitting and ideally a bit of a trial rather than just sitting stationary in the shop.

I'm exactly the same dimensions and ride a 56 CAAD10. I also have a 58 Genesis Day-One which is a fraction too big.

For the OP I don't see why a 54 would be a problem, it's easy enough to put a 120mm stem on it.