The Cycling Thread

Yeah I would generally be looking for a 55cm or thereabouts but the sizing guide says 57 will fit:


http://www.btwin.com/notices/wp-cont...le_Velo_EN.pdf


Looks like it should fit height from 175cm - 184cm and I am 179cm. But I won't buy if it feels like it doesn't fit


Edit: Also looking at that, the frame size might just be a number and pretty random. I have jeans which are 30" waist and some are 34" and they all seem to fit.

[maviczap]

57 may fit, although you might need to compromise by getting a shorter stem to get comfortable, which has an effect on the steering, but you won't be as aero, which can be more comfortable on longer rides.

All these generic frame sizes are always a bit of a compromise, because we're not all built the same, position is tuned by changing parts or lengths, to achieve the optimum position.

Even a custom bespoke frame will be built to your size, but using the thoughts of the frame builder dependant on what you tell him you want, so even then every frame will be different from the other.

Te be fair at this moment in time I will be after comfort more than aero position. I wouldn't mind a shorter lighter stem if I am feeling stretched. Who needs steering anyways!

As I was saying to Deano last night, I am after something I don't need to worry about too much over the winter and if I get back into it I will buy something else next summer. Still kinda wish I didn't sell my Bianchi 928 but it was the best thing to do at the time.

[maviczap]

Aye, comfort over speed is usually better

Originally Posted by maviczap

Agreed, I'm about 5' 10" but with long legs for the length of my torso

Biggest frame I can use is a 56, but all of my fleet are 54's, as the top tube are shorter, also about 54.

Well, I'm 182cm with approximately 83-84cm inseam and I'm riding a 55cm frame. That is 55cm to the horizontal line through the front of the top tube. The actual seat tube length is 52cm centre to top. First thought might be that I have a lot of seat post or I'm riding low, but neither is the case.

Arguably the most important measurement with frame heights and design philosophies all over the shop these days is the top tube length and that was what was used to size the frame.
As you say, it is usually better to go for the slightly longer stem. It'll steer better and have better hands on stability than the shorter stem, plus the bike is going to be a hair lighter, stiffer and more responsive with a smaller frame.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by MattCollins

Okay, I am thinking that frame (57cm) will be a bit big for you - they are a short frame geometry and 53-55cm would be about right if you are proportioned normally.
It is the sort of bike to look for though.

Originally Posted by MattCollins

Well, I'm 182cm with approximately 83-84cm inseam and I'm riding a 55cm frame. That is 55cm to the horizontal line through the front of the top tube. The actual seat tube length is 52cm centre to top. First thought might be that I have a lot of seat post or I'm riding low, but neither is the case.

Arguably the most important measurement with frame heights and design philosophies all over the shop these days is the top tube length and that was what was used to size the frame.
As you say, it is usually better to go for the slightly longer stem. It'll steer better and have better hands on stability than the shorter stem, plus the bike is going to be a hair lighter, stiffer and more responsive with a smaller frame.

I agree with that, but as I've found, a too smaller frame means a short headtube. Which means too much stack height with spacers to get your ideal handlebar height or if you can't get the height, you're too low & place a lot of weight on your wrists. So seat tube/frame height is also important.

I've got two 54cm frames which have the same headtube length & I'm comfy on both for miles. I have another, which has a racier geometry, with a shorter headtube, which I have to stack up with spacers & flip the stem to avoid backache. At 53 I'm not as flexible as I was

Well, I am a road bike owner once again! I went and bought it, it being this:



It's pretty nice, and it fits! I guess b'twin sizing is odd as it defo says 57 on it, but it fits well. In fact the lad selling it was at least an inch shorter than me. Wheels are true(ish, back is a little wiggly), gears change well and he threw in a couple of tubes, a crank brothers multi-tool and the original pedals which fit my cleats/shoes.

Brakes are surprisingly good considering I heard they were a weak point, maybe has changed the pads. Also has spent the last year getting used on a turbo trainer in his summer house/posh shed so there is no corrosion etc.

Only downside... the headset is either loose or gubbed. It's not moving a huge amount but it's noticeable. I don't know much about them so could be a trip to the bike shop, after I go to Decathlon and ask which of these fits:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/Buy/headset?brand=B%27TWIN

Any ideas? Are they hard to fit?

Cheers lads for your help so far

[maviczap]

Cool!

If the bearings are goosed, then they should just fall out of the headtube, no tools required. If you need to change the crown race on the forks, that's a bike shop job, although I've removed it carefully with a thin screwdriver.

To install I've used a Vax Hoover pipe which has a plastic end, doesn't damage the bearing surface! Plastic waste pipe does the same job.

But it maybe the headset needs adjusting, just a couple of minutes with an allen key.

Sounds not too bad, might have a go at it. The bike shop is less than 10 mins away if I get stuck!

I did have a quick check to see if it was just loose, it wasn't

[carelesschucca]

YAY!!! Road adventures ahead!!!