Frame size

[rodgy-dodge]

I would love to try out a Road bike, having always had mountain bikes with a frame size of 18".
what sort of frame size would I need in a road bike? are they the same as MTB or is there a massive difference?

 

[adscrim]

Your best bet is to go down to your local bike shop and try some on for size. Frame numbers are a strange beast with manufacturers using there own system to allocate sizes. They can use seat tube centre to top or centre to centre, top tub, actual size, effective size...

It's not unknown for some to use different methods for different models.

Go and sit on some and see how they feel.

 

[NormanD]

Most manufacturers match your hight to the frame size I.E = Here but I've tried a few road bikes from a 54 to 56 inch frame to match my hight = 5'7" and inseam = 29.5" and found many of the road bike frames just don't suit me.

Best advice is above, go down and try a few out

 

[Banjo]

I would love to try out a Road bike, having always had mountain bikes with a frame size of 18".
what sort of frame size would I need in a road bike? are they the same as MTB or is there a massive difference?

There is a big difference in sizing for mtb to road bikes. This fitting guide will give you an idea but as has allready been said you really need a fitting by someone who knows what they are doing.Unfortunately working in a bike shop doesnt neccesarilly qualify someone as a bike size expert so take care to get it right.Go to different shops and see if they concur.

Road bike size guide

Remember your leg measurement is not the same as your trouser measurement.It should be from tight up in your crutch to the floor.One method is to stand back against a wall and slide a book up between your legs as far as possible, mark the top then measure to the floor. This will be a greater measurement than your trousers.

 

[jimboalee]

Here's the easy method.

It can be done before you go to a bike shop by using a measuring tape and the internet, or just go to the shop and stand astride a bike.



Make sure the bike's tyres are inflated. Wear shoes with a representative heel. Wear cycle shorts under your trousers.

Remove your trousers and stand astride the bike and pull the stem to your dangly bits. There should be about 40mm between the top of the toptube and your crotch.



Complicated maths come when you are buying a frame that doesn't have any wheels attached to it, or the frame doesn't exist yet.

A LBS man will pop a pair of wheels into a bare frame and forks to do this test.

 

[rodgy-dodge]

cheers guys I might have used my common sence really, had the same trouble choosing the last mountain bike. I have a very long body apparently and had to get a mans frame to suit which leads me to Jimboalee's suggestion; [Remove your trousers and stand astride the bike and pull the stem to your dangly bits] I'm a lady and I don't think anything dangles! (LOL) this did make me chuckle...and the book under the crotch oooo er matron...I think a trip to LBS is in order. Thanks again for wisdom and links

 

[jimboalee]

cheers guys I might have used my common sence really, had the same trouble choosing the last mountain bike. I have a very long body apparently and had to get a mans frame to suit which leads me to Jimboalee's suggestion; [Remove your trousers and stand astride the bike and pull the stem to your dangly bits] I'm a lady and I don't think anything dangles! (LOL) this did make me chuckle...and the book under the crotch oooo er matron...I think a trip to LBS is in order. Thanks again for wisdom and links

Sorry about that Rodgy-dodge.

"Lift your skirt and pull the stem up to your front bottom."