frame size for some old steel

[david1701]

I ride a 52cm tricross and I love it, compact and neat. However I have a hankering for some old steel to match the bike I just bought my sister, with skinny little tyres and a more aggresssive position. Also the option to rebuild it as a SS if I get the urge.

Because of the way my tricross fits I have a feeling I should be looking for a bigger frame, like a 54?

There is a 22-23" (so I guess a 56-58 ish frame) frame like 5 miles away that I think might be too big, but I might message the guy and ask to have a test ride on it, not a massive fan of the colour but powdercoating is an option if I SS it. Also a 56cm sexy Holdsworth up in Taunton, but its a bit far to drive out to Taunton just to look at it.

 

[tyred]

The only way to know for certain is to stand over it and check for the necessary clearance as it depends on many factors. Just as important, if not more so is the reach to the handle bars. You can probably ride a bigger frame than you think as the modern trend seems to be towards smaller frames with more seatpin showing. Look at old photos and you will see that it wasn't always like that.

At 5'11" ish, I can comfortably ride my 25" framed Viscount Aerospace. I genuinely thought this bike was too big for me until I tried it out.

 

[david1701]

kk I'll get hold of something to try then. Thanks for the reassurance

 

[Alembicbassman]

I have a 58cm compact frame (sloping top tube) on my Alu-Carbon and a 56cm frame (horizontal top tube) on my steel road bike.

A 58cm with horizontal top tube would be a bit tight on standover, plus I have more seatpost showing to attach a bag/lights.