Hey so I’m looking at getting back into fixed gear riding and wondering what size I should get 56cm or 58cm I’m 6foot I have a 56cm gravel bike so what yall think would b3 best
Depends on other factors. Leg and arm length are just as important as height. Also different companies measure their bikes differently so a size 56 from one brand isnt the same as from another brand. The general advice is if you’re between two sizes, go for the smaller one, because it’s easier to make a slightly small bike fit you versus a slightly large bike.
RepulsiveLuck1146 on
The easiest way I can put it. Short legs long arms/torso= 56cm. Long legs short arms/torso= 58
ygktech on
Bike fitting is super complex, so without a ton of measurements it’d be hard to say what’s best – but when in doubt buy the smaller size and swap out components to size it up if needed.
I’d also say fixed gear riding tends to benefit from a smaller bike, as you’re more likely to try and maneuver around things instead of stopping, and a shorter wheelbase tends to be more agile. A larger frame might give you better toe clearance when cornering, though it’s unlikely to be a serious issue on any frame designed for fixed gear riding, especially if you put shorter cranks on.
jorimaa on
I’m 5’11 long legs and arms, I ride a 56cm frame both road and track. A 58cm track frame is okay but I like raising the saddle a lot.
Brave-Flow1035 on
If the gravel bike is comfortable at 56 I’d go the same way with track. I find that with track bikes it’s better to go with smaller measurements because you want something nimble and easy to control.
chilean_ramen on
For track bikes ita better a bigger frame. Not like road cycling where you downsize the bike.
You can ride 58 easily. I have a friend with your height and 56 its a little small for he. 58cm should be the best choice.
ronin775 on
I’m gonna add my 2 cents. Get your inseam measurements. Take 2 inches off , match that number to the stand over height of the bike. Iv probably had 20 bikes and have never gone wrong with this.
itscochino on
58cm. I am 6’3″, but I do have long legs and arms. One of my bike is a 62 and for me it fits perfect. My other is a 59 and it feels small but I’ve made adjustments to make it work
Keroshii on
I’d be checking how the geometries actually compare. Alot of companies nowadays use 56/58 ect, as vague ideas of what a frame size actually is. I know my checkpoint is a size 56 but the top tube is 58.4cm. If your gravel bike is a nice fit then get the fixed gear that matches up nicely. However it does depend on whether you want to run dropbars or flat bars and what stem lengths you like to run.
ryanrla on
Choose the smaller size when in between two sizes always. Helps with looks & better control of bike
haggletheberg on
I’d go smaller than the gravel bike, I’m 5’11 and I ride a 53 or a 52cm.
That_Concentrate_223 on
50cm with giant seatpost
Sockenbett on
I have the cinelli frame and it is very large on the top tube. Due to the crit geo. I think it would make more sense to get one size smaller. I am 185cm and mine is the XL version, you can find a few pictures on my profile.
15 Comments
Depends on more then hight reach also plays a factor
compare bike geometries here:
[https://bikeinsights.com/](https://bikeinsights.com/)
Depends on other factors. Leg and arm length are just as important as height. Also different companies measure their bikes differently so a size 56 from one brand isnt the same as from another brand. The general advice is if you’re between two sizes, go for the smaller one, because it’s easier to make a slightly small bike fit you versus a slightly large bike.
The easiest way I can put it. Short legs long arms/torso= 56cm. Long legs short arms/torso= 58
Bike fitting is super complex, so without a ton of measurements it’d be hard to say what’s best – but when in doubt buy the smaller size and swap out components to size it up if needed.
I’d also say fixed gear riding tends to benefit from a smaller bike, as you’re more likely to try and maneuver around things instead of stopping, and a shorter wheelbase tends to be more agile. A larger frame might give you better toe clearance when cornering, though it’s unlikely to be a serious issue on any frame designed for fixed gear riding, especially if you put shorter cranks on.
I’m 5’11 long legs and arms, I ride a 56cm frame both road and track. A 58cm track frame is okay but I like raising the saddle a lot.
If the gravel bike is comfortable at 56 I’d go the same way with track. I find that with track bikes it’s better to go with smaller measurements because you want something nimble and easy to control.
For track bikes ita better a bigger frame. Not like road cycling where you downsize the bike.
You can ride 58 easily. I have a friend with your height and 56 its a little small for he. 58cm should be the best choice.
I’m gonna add my 2 cents. Get your inseam measurements. Take 2 inches off , match that number to the stand over height of the bike. Iv probably had 20 bikes and have never gone wrong with this.
58cm. I am 6’3″, but I do have long legs and arms. One of my bike is a 62 and for me it fits perfect. My other is a 59 and it feels small but I’ve made adjustments to make it work
I’d be checking how the geometries actually compare. Alot of companies nowadays use 56/58 ect, as vague ideas of what a frame size actually is. I know my checkpoint is a size 56 but the top tube is 58.4cm. If your gravel bike is a nice fit then get the fixed gear that matches up nicely. However it does depend on whether you want to run dropbars or flat bars and what stem lengths you like to run.
Choose the smaller size when in between two sizes always. Helps with looks & better control of bike
I’d go smaller than the gravel bike, I’m 5’11 and I ride a 53 or a 52cm.
50cm with giant seatpost
I have the cinelli frame and it is very large on the top tube. Due to the crit geo. I think it would make more sense to get one size smaller. I am 185cm and mine is the XL version, you can find a few pictures on my profile.