Bike and Cycling Forum > Bike Rack > Road Bikes > What size road bike for someone 5'8"?

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Old 01-19-2011, 01:09 AM   #1
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What size road bike for someone 5'8"?

When i went to bike shop, the guy from shop told me 5'8 should ride 54cm bike. But i tried my friend's bike, have below comment:
cannondal carbon 6 -50cm too small
specialized tarmac -52cm with high seat post, size fit but not speedy
Kestrel RT-800 -53cm, feel little too big, but speedy

can any one give me some idea, thanks


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Old 01-19-2011, 02:37 AM   #2
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Size

You should find a good local shop with a person who can fit you. I tried the random, much better fit after i got help. Is this your first bike? Whichever bike it is, good luck and enjoy.
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Old 01-19-2011, 12:18 PM   #3
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a good start

That's not a bad starting place, but a good local bike shop will use a combo of this baseline measurement, how the bike 'feels' to you on test rides (which they should allow), a professional fitting, etc... There are many variables that affect the fit (long or short legs, torso, arms etc... for your overall height), all of which a good LBS will take into account. Sounds like you already have a good start with riding different frames and getting an idea of what feels right and what doesn't. Picking a bike isn't a snap decision. Analyze and enjoy the process and ultimately when you settle on one, you'll be a happier cyclist for it.
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Old 01-22-2011, 07:39 PM   #4
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Lots and lots of variables you need to consider if you are looking for ideal fit. A size 54 between bike makers could be very different when it comes geometry and lengths. Research proper fitting online. There is a ton of good info available. For new riders the one criteria I wouldn't put a lot of weight on is "how is feels." A new rider has no idea how a properly fitted bike should feel. How a properly sized and fitted bike feels initially will change as you become more fit and accustomed to the cycling position.
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Old 02-13-2011, 02:13 PM   #5
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There are too many body type variations to not go with a fitting, especially for a road bike, as you're more apt to spend a lot of time pedaling that thing!

I'm 5'9, and I have shorter legs and a longer torso, my standover height is under 30", on a Specialized Secteur I felt better on a 50 cm as compared to the 52, but that was just around the parking lot. Meanwhile I know people shorter than me with longer legs.
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Old 02-13-2011, 04:41 PM   #6
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look here: Fit Calculator - Competitive Cyclist
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Old 02-14-2011, 01:13 PM   #7
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5'7" here and a 48cm fits me perfect. But everyone's legs are different. But don't buy one that doesn't feel right, you will never be comfortable.
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Old 02-14-2011, 04:41 PM   #8
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That is...interesting.
I am 5'10" and and very well fit to a 58 cm road bike.

Use a fit calculator.
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Old 02-14-2011, 06:17 PM   #9
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Yup, you're only about an inch taller than me, but I'm thinking of a 50. Maybe I need a Nut Bra to increase my standover height!
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Old 02-14-2011, 08:49 PM   #10
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Hey guys, size is not the most important


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