Picked up this beauty of a bike for free from a family member who isn't riding anymore. However, wanted to hear your thoughts about sizing before I fix it up. I'm around 5'8, the frame is 50 cm… is it worth my time to try and adjust it to accommodate for my size or should I pass it off to someone else?
by strawberryrock75
17 Comments
i think it might be too small for you
Ahh sorry to say but yeah, too small
You could consider selling and using the money to buy a bike that fits.
I agree that it’s too small, but it’s a lot easier to fix a bike that’s too small than one that’s too big. A high saddle and long stem will go a long way toward getting the geometry right. I wouldn’t quit on this one just yet.
Put a long boi 130 mm stem on there and it’ll be fine until you find something that fits better
Where’s the rear brake? Chainstay mount?
Try to mod the front, there are some things that make the bike position “longer”
If it toe-overlaps really badly, then it’s way too small. Looks like the saddle reaches your hip just fine, but the cockpit is a bit cramped. Put a 110 or 120 stem on it. At 5’8″ you would be optimal on a 54, but a 50 should be able to be stretched for you. It was free after all.
I used to have that bike (Shrek because of the interesting color, but it was on sale.) It was a great bike! Sorry it doesn’t fit you
Always easier to make a smaller bike a little larger. A too big bike, less so.
Happy riding!!
I’ll always pick a bike smaller for me than bigger! Depending on geometry, I’ll consider buying one size down for more aggressive behavior.
Make sure you adapt your components placement as close as you can to a correct fit and you might have a nice little machine!
One test the old folks at my club always say… Sit on your saddle, right foot on pedal cleat engaged. Your leg should be slightly bent, not straight. If that’s the case, the saddle height is correct. For your saddle to handlebar distance, stick your elbow to the saddle tip. Your fist ✊ should be really close to the post but not touch it. If that’s the case, distance is correct.
You should give it to me
Nice bike shoes!
NDS 2nd pic homie
It depends…. I’m 5’8″ and that’s a good size for me. But I have relatively long legs & short body, so I prefer a little shorter reach that bikes recommended for my height.
I’d say try it. And see how it goes. Even if it is a bit small, you might be able to ride it comfortably with a a lay-back seat post or a little longer stem or something.
Too small, yes, but see how you feel on it. If you feel OK maybe talk to a shop about ways to expand your reach a bit and get a seat post long enough to jack up.
Don’t ride a bike that doesn’t fit. Little things that are wrong start to add up after hours of pedaling and can cause injury.