Question:
5'10 what size road bike cycle should I use?
Kevin L
2006-09-03 10:17:26 UTC
5'10 what size road bike cycle should I use?
Twelve answers:
Ric
2006-09-03 11:51:02 UTC
I'm 5'10 and I ride a 56cm road bike, Trek 5200. Keep in mind that some road bikes measure small so you'll need too test ride the bike before you buy.

Also keep in mind that you need to buy from a qualified bike dealer and you should be fitted, don't let anyone tell you otherwise and if they try go elsewhere.
hlsj_99
2006-09-05 17:05:06 UTC
It depends on how old you are, how long your arms are, what your toso length is, what your inseam is, how tight or flexable you are and even how long your feet are.



HAving said all that you will fall in the range of a 52 to a 56 cm frame. Those are the extremes. Get on a few bikes that size and go for a rid. Assuming the stem is not too long you will find a size you can stand over and feel at home on. Do not fit your body to the bike - fit the bike to your body. Do not fall prey to performance claims and buy a bike that is too big, and don't be lured into a bike that is too small because :it's more comfortable".



The correct bike will feel right. Everything will fall into place. At this point leave the shop and come back later. Does it still feel good? If so you can start fine tuning the fit with different rises and reach's in the stem. Don't forget that handlebars come in different widths And reaches! The reach difference is a great tunning aid. Seatposts come in different amounts of setback - this is how you adjust for leg length.....this is a touchy area....of very old "rules" - if you don't push a big gear your knees will be ok....



So that is how you decide which frame size. There are a lot of "experts" out there, but none of them have your body - listen to it!
Daniel H
2006-09-03 20:19:40 UTC
Either 54 or 56, but how do you tell?



Well, if you're built like most German with long torso and shorter legs, then you'll ride a 56. So, if your "6 pack" abs are more like 8 or 12, go for the 56. Also, if you have long arms. Scott, Giant, Canondale, Specialized



However, if you're the other way around, like most French, with short torso, possibly shorter arms, and long legs, then you'll ride a size 54 with a Profile Designs H20 performance centric riser stem sized appropriate for your reach. Trek, Schwinn, Look, and Specialized Roubaix



The easy way to figure out which one you are is to try on men's collar shirts (traditional shirts for suits). They come in two arm lengths. Shorter sleeves rides the short bike with a tall stem. Longer sleeves rides the larger bike.



Ignore your pants, inseam, and all leg measures unless you are shopping for 20 year old bikes. Standover height is an unreliable measure on the modern compact frame geometry. Refer to the epic length seatposts as seen on the Tour de France. Those are compact frames, and so are the majority of bikes at the bike store. Normally, one would only show THAT much seatpost to fit a hybrid, but it was a good example, wasn't it?



However, there's no text answer that can stand up to a comparative test drive, which is what you need to do. Just test drive until you find the one that stands out as a lot faster and a lot more comfortable--at the same time. That indicates fit.



P.S. Your traditional size might have been a 58, but please avoid a new 58 because it could cause you spine damage from overreach, and would certainly be a short distance ride. Look at 54 and 56. With "lettered" sizes, ignore the numbers entirely and go by test drives.



It is best to test drive bikes when your tolerance is low, such as after work or after pulling weeds in the garden, or after you have already been on a 75 mile ride. With a low tolerance (tired, aching) when you begin your test drives, spotting the "one" that combines comfort + speed will be even easier.
anonymous
2006-09-05 20:17:33 UTC
Don't listen to anyone that says a 26" is a bike size, because their exposure to bicycles is limited to what Wal-Mart has in stock and still think WD-40 is a lubricant!



Since everyone's fit needs are different, and because fit is the single most important aspect in a road bike, you need to take the time to get fitted properly.



You can go to a good shop that has some type of "fit kit" like the popular Serotta one, but that's going to cost you at least $100 or more.



Colorado Cyclist has a decent fit guide, but the most complete online bike fit guide is on www.wrenchscience.com. Their measurements are quite precise and exhausting, and you definitely need someone to help you measure. But the payoff is that when you're done, you get a list with your proper frame size as well as stem length, bar width, seat height, seat-to-stem distance and crank arm length.



Go check it out!
jibjibjub
2006-09-03 18:08:15 UTC
Height isn't as important as your inseam. Measure that and go from there. Keep in mind that every framebuilder uses a different geometry. Top tube measurements can vary from smaller to larger than the given framesize and that's important for a comfortable fit. Remember that you can adjust the seat post a lot easier than you can buy a new stem. The best way to fit a bike is to go to a shop and start taking some measurements. If somebody your height rides a certain size frame that doesn't mean jack to you (unless you both have the same length arms, legs, torso, use the same pedals, use the same seatpost, etc.)
anonymous
2006-09-06 01:39:27 UTC
check your standover and your reach across. it varies from person to person, you will not necessrily use the same size as someone else your height. a bike shop can help fit you properly and you are not required to buy from them after asking help. your standover is the distance from ground to the top of the top tube and reach across is the difference from the centerline of the seat tube to the centerline of the headtube.
OnThe36th
2006-09-04 01:58:08 UTC
I went to my local bike shop and got myself fitted. They measured my inseam and arm length as well. They can tell you what size is recommended for you.
.
2006-09-03 17:19:56 UTC
try 26" mountain bike. or try the one that the clowns use in the circus. the one wheel bike. for sure it will fits u. u can adjust it chair as high as the ceiling
Ben P
2006-09-03 20:44:32 UTC
Look here and follow directions:

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
canoegy89
2006-09-03 17:36:16 UTC
58" frame, im 5'11 and have that, also, it has a wide range, you could be 6'2 and still use it
anonymous
2006-09-03 17:22:19 UTC
At least a 26''. I'm 6'4'' and have one .
anonymous
2006-09-03 17:22:49 UTC
you should get a tricycle


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