6ft 3 on a 57cm frame

[Milkfloat]

Which is like saying that having shoes that are too big is better than having shies that are too small. ie. Slightly less sh!t.

A fair statement - which would you prefer, too small shoes or ones that are too big, but with an extra pair of socks on? I would contend that a frame that is slightly too small is better than one that is too big as it is easier to compromise a fit. Obviously one that fits perfectly is the one to go for (unless it is black )

 

[bonsaibilly]

A fair statement - which would you prefer, too small shoes or ones that are too big, but with an extra pair of socks on? I would contend that a frame that is slightly too small is better than one that is too big as it is easier to compromise a fit. Obviously one that fits perfectly is the one to go for (unless it is black )

I don't subscribe to that theory... provided the frame is within a tolerance either side of one's ideal fit, it's just as easy to lower/shorten a seat tube/stem setup, as it is to lengthen either of those proportions. And safety-wise in terms of ride positions I'm not sure there's any reliable evidence that riding a large frame adjusted down in size is inherently less safe than riding a small one adjusted up... BB

 

[Milkfloat]

I don't subscribe to that theory... provided the frame is within a tolerance either side of one's ideal fit, it's just as easy to lower/shorten a seat tube/stem setup, as it is to lengthen either of those proportions. And safety-wise in terms of ride positions I'm not sure there's any reliable evidence that riding a large frame adjusted down in size is inherently less safe than riding a small one adjusted up... BB

Fairly tricky to shorten a seat tube though, but I guess that would come outside of your 'tolerance'.

 

[totallyfixed]

All my bikes are in the range 58 to 61cm and I am just a bit taller than the OP. Anecdotal evidence is a bit pointless as long legs/ thighs / long torso / suppleness, etc can all lead to the same height person riding a different size. Add to that there are the frame angles to consider, all my bikes are different which explains the variance in sizes of the frames. Best advice is try it and see.

 

[ColinJ]

I would rather put the saddle down and use a shorter stem on a larger frame than put the saddle up and use a longer stem on a smaller frame because the latter choice tends to give an excessively big drop from saddle to bars. I suppose it is fine if you like a very bum up/head down position but I prefer a less extreme one.

 

[bonsaibilly]

Fairly tricky to shorten a seat tube though, but I guess that would come outside of your 'tolerance'.

Indeed it would.!

 

[Hover Fly]

6"4" and ride a 23 1/2" frame, but my trousers inside leg is only 30" and shoe size 9, so I suspect I'm well away from normal build for my height.

 

[ColinJ]

6"4" and ride a 23 1/2" frame, but my trousers inside leg is only 30" and shoe size 9, so I suspect I'm well away from normal build for my height.

Blimey, you can say that again - I thought my 32.5" legs and size 10 feet were on the small side for my height of 6' 1"!

 

[stalagmike]

@Hover Fly would be interesting to know what the top tube and stem are like on your bike. You must have a very long torso! :-)

 

[Hover Fly]

A very long btorso indeed. But I can get comfortable with a 22 1/2" (57cm) top tube and 140 or 150 mm (6") stem, th at way I don't struggle to get a frame with sensible geometry and can buy stems dirt cheap in clearance sales when the odd sizes are always last to go. For instance http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ST3TPCC/3ttt-pro-chrome-corsa-quill-stem-nos

 

[MattDB]

6'6" on a 61cm frame road bike.