Frame Sizes

[killa]

What's the deal here?
I have no idea what i'm looking at. I jsut thought there was kids bikes and adult bikes.
I'm looking for a good all rounder, no off roading but requires decent comfort. Do you just base the frames on your height?
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Bike:- Yamaha TRX850 | Killas Biking History | Killas Gaming History | Killas autmotive history

[UnknownStuntm...]

Not really - inside leg is the critical one, then 'reach'. Most bikes of any note will have a size guide, so you can tell the geometry before you ride one, and a good sales person will be able to describe the difference you'd feel.
MTBs - if you're going off road, get a lower top tube, though as above, if it's a proper offroader, the geometry will no doubt take this into account when you look at the size chart.
No size chart pretty much means 'if I fitz, I sitz'.

[killa]

Ok cool, thanks
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Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
Bike:- Yamaha TRX850 | Killas Biking History | Killas Gaming History | Killas autmotive history

[G]

Ideally get a ride on one at your local bike shop etc if you can - who should also then be able to advice on sizing.

[Ronin]

If you go to any good bike shop they will find the bike that fits you best and then adjust the bike to fit you properly.

[stinkwheel]

The only accurate answer that can be given is that there is absolutely no standardisation of frame sizes. Not even within the same make and model. You HAVE to sit on them sand see what works for you.

The length of the top-tube is almost certainly the most important measurement. Much more important than the (nominal) seat tube length which is what they quote but don't all measure between the same two points. You can alter the height and position of the saddle and bars by a huge amount these days which will compensate for variations in seat tube length as long as you can reach the pedals with the seat at its lowest position.

The length of the top tube is fixed and will determine how far away your arms are from your body (and therefore how far over you're leaning).
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[G]

You can always get a longer stem to account for a shorter top-tube, but apparently shouldn't go too short.

[el_oso]

agree that top tube length is the most important factor in choosing the right size of bike. The size that shops usually tell you is seat tube length which has a much greater lee-way that top tube length. As long as you don't get a seat tube length that is too big, then you could raise the seat a good few inches. The top tube length is only practically adjustable by buying a new stem which might give you around +/- 1-2". The changing the stem length will also affect your handling. may be good or bad depending on use and prefernce.
Evanscycles seem to do an easy to read guide. My advice would be go down to a cycle store and sit on a few and ask for help. Let them know your requirements. Most of the people in specialist stores know their stuff and are avid cyclists themselves. I used to ride (mountain/dirt jump) with a lot of guys and a hot girl that worked in a bike shop. (Although not sure if hotness increased due to being an adrenaline junkie biker)
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