Just bought my first road bike :D

[Phixion]

I just ordered my first road bike, a Charge Juicer Mid 2010. Steel frame, Tiagra groupset... all for £599. As it's my first bike in years it's primarily for fitness. I'm overweight at the moment and it bothers me, so I'm hoping to have fun and lose weight at the same time.

It's due to be delivered in 5 or so days and the worrying has already set in, I'm 5'8", 29" (74cm) inner leg (short legs), apparently the standover height on the Medium is 81cm. So I won't be able to standover with both feet on the ground. Do you think I'll have any issues with this bike? I can send it back if there's any problem with it, but for £599 I am really hoping it'll fit! The standover thing doesn't really bother me, I'm just a lil worried about the reach.

Many thanks.

 

[jamman]

Someone will probably correct me but,
I think you'll be ok as it's recommended that when you're on your bike that you'll have to lean to one side a little to keep the bike upright when standing.

This will also make sure your legs are not over extending when you are sat cycling.

 

[twozeronine]

I'd say that the top tube is definitely too high for you. You should aim to have at least a 1 inch clearance, so you'll probably find that you have to lean over quite a lot when you stop. Looking at the dimensions on Wiggle, they say the top tube length is 56cm, so (assuming you have a fairly long body) you might find that the reach is ok. My top tube is 56cm and I have a fairly short body in relation to my legs (I'm 5'11" with a 34" inseam).

Edit: You could also just get a shorter stem, or move the seat forward if the reach is too much.

 

[kennyb]

Good luck with your new bike. Hope every thing turns out o/k and you enjoy every minute on it..

 

[Phixion]

Standover height is measured from the floor to the top tube, right? If so It's only a matter of a few cm bigger than my inside leg measurement.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I would say the medium is slightly too big, I have a 29" inside leg but I'm shorter than you at 5" 6'. On a traditional frame like the Juicer I would be looking at a 54cm frame, measured on the seat tube, on a compact frame a 52cm. When it arrives see if you can stand astride the top tube with both feet flat on the floor without actually sitting on the top tube or stretching to reach the floor, if you can do that you should be OK. My Kilmeston is a 53, one size up from ideal and its fine so you could be OK. Above all enjoy your new bike.