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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1920.0. "Cross Frame Size" by KAOFS::N_PIROLLO () Tue Apr 30 1991 13:53

    I'm a little confused about hybrid/cross bikes. I am in the midst
    of purchasing one, a Bianchi Foray, but am not quite sure about
    the frame size.
    I am 5'9", and have been looking at a 53cm frame. Problem is,
    should the frame size be based on a road bike size or a mountain
    bike frame size.
    If I stradle the top bar on the 53cm frame, I have ~ .75in. of
    clearance.
    Now, if the measuremnts correspond to a ATB frame size, this is way too
    big.
    So, I am now looking at a 51cm. frame size, but some folks say this is
    small for my height.
    
    My inseam length is ~32inches from crotch to bottom of shoe.
    
    
    Any help would be appreciated
    
    Norman
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1920.1MAYBE A TAD MINISCULEWMOIS::C_GIROUARDTue Apr 30 1991 15:485
     A 53cm will be a little small for you. I'm 5'6" and Kit Fit
    out to a 53cm-54cm size road frame. So I suspect that it might
    be a tad too small...
    
      Chip
1920.2WUMBCK::FOXTue Apr 30 1991 15:595
    I thought the rule of thumb for frame sizes for MTB's was 3 inches
    smaller than your road bike, and for hybrids 1-2 inches smaller than
    your road bike.
    
    John
1920.3Depends on the bikes use.WMOIS::N_FLYETue Apr 30 1991 23:1812
    
    Depends on what you are going to use the cross bike for.  If you are 
    going to use it for trail riding or cross event go with a frame closer
    to your MTB size.  If mostly asphalt or smooth dirt roads go a little
    smaller than your road bike size.  
      I use my cross bike for exploration days.  I pick an area on a map 
    and check it out.  This means terrain from asphalt to carrying the bike
    up a ledge.  I like a size 2" smaller than my road size.  
    
    						Norm