Frame size, Need some help Options

[kevin]

You're probably all going to say "go to a shop and get a fit done."

In any case, here is my problem. I'm 5' 11" (180.3cm for metric folks). However, my inseam (as measured by standing flat foot against a wall, with a 6" stance and putting a hard back book between my legs) is about 35.5" or 90+cm.

So, if you're getting the picture - I have a freakishly short torso with long legs.

Old road bike was a flat top tube 60cm frame. It always felt too big. New(er) bike was a 57cm sloping tube. It always felt too small.

Are there any sizing charts out there that consider torso length?

Sorry if this is a duplicate thread. I searched, but found nothing about frame size. I looked at the most recen't "bike suggestion" and there was some talk about size, but not this specific. More like just "get a good fit, don't worry so much about the frame."

Any thoughts?

This post has been edited by kevin: Feb 23 2008, 09:24 PM

[Roadent]

You're probably all going to say "go to a shop and get a fit done."

In any case, here is my problem. I'm 5' 11" (180.3cm for metric folks). However, my inseam (as measured by standing flat foot against a wall, with a 6" stance and putting a hard back book between my legs) is about 35.5" or 90+cm.

So, if you're getting the picture - I have a freakishly short torso with long legs.

Old road bike was a flat top tube 60cm frame. It always felt too big. New(er) bike was a 57cm sloping tube. It always felt too small.

Are there any sizing charts out there that consider torso length?

Sorry if this is a duplicate thread. I searched, but found nothing about frame size. I looked at the most recen't "bike suggestion" and there was some talk about size, but not this specific. More like just "get a good fit, don't worry so much about the frame."

Any thoughts?

Kevin, I just PM'd you....

[kevin]

Thanks.

Yeah, my body has some freaky dimensions - legs versus torso.

Right size for my legs is usually too large for the torso. Right size for the torso is usually too small for the legs.

[kevin]

Thanks to several people who have PM'd me.

I got some good suggestions.

There is a site: Wrench Science, where there is a pretty good system, but of course you can only really know how well it works by riding a bike.

[DPCandND]

Here's two cents:

1. Splurge and buy a custom frame....Plenty of great builders out there, in all material types. It will cost 3-5k, but it is yours fo-eva.
2. If you are going to go stock and get an off the rack bike....shop for what fits you well (there are plenty of shorter top tube bikes out there) and then wait for the right deal.


...and...re:#2 above....Your local bike shop will probably NOT be able to assist. A semi-local VERY Professional shop MIGHT be able to help you. Once you know the size, TT length, wheelbase length, fork geometry, etc....just do the shopping.

[kevin]

I'm a tightwad. Far too expensive to go custom. Some day...

[vaunTrevi]

I'm a tightwad. Far too expensive to go custom. Some day...

Hi Kevin,

You might find this article of interest:
http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=2183



My understanding is that Wobblenaught:

http://www.wobblenaught.com/

can match an off the rack bike(s) that will come closest to fitting your particular measurements once sent in. This might take the sting out of getting the right bike for your particular build.

Good hunting,

Vaughn