Do people on purpose buy way smaller frames ? Because every cool build there is online, the seat post is super high vs mine. It can't be that they all have super long legs, right?
I got those fancy builds from "slowspinsociety". Last pic is my bike, it's the official size that Wabi recommended, is it too big ?
by ogrezok
33 Comments
I’m just a short leg goblin
Yes a lot of people will get one size smaller. It is easier to make a smaller frame fit than a frame that is too big.
You can use a longer seatpost and stem on smaller frame. With a bigger frame you’re kinda shit out of luck.
Holy shit that canondale seatpost is like atleast 12” exposed lol
I’m 6’3”, I should ride a 60cm, the thing is though, I have short arms so I need a short reach, so I ride a 55cm. That gives perfect seat-post stick out and the ability to add actual stem lengths.
yes,im using a size 54 cm toptube before now im using size 52 toptube or 53 feels much more better
With MTBs it’s pretty common, but yeah I don’t get it for track bikes unless it’s some niche frame, like a pursuit frame or something.
I personally have about 6″ of post showing (and that’s the top of the seat tube to the top of the post up under the saddle). That happens to make it so the minimum insertion markings is just inside the tube, so I feel like that’s pretty perfect.
If I were you I’d have gone for a *slightly* smaller frame, but if it feels good and works then whatever!
yes smaller frame with longer stem looks and feels better
one size smaller with long stem, 10-12cm is done to get small reactive builds. It also looks good in photos 😛
only you can answer if it is too big. if you feel comfortable on your current setup then it is not too big
Yep. I should use 56, but have used 54 for a long time. Mostly, cause I like the look of a high seatpost and at least 100mm steam… but that’s totally personal. Also, it’s a little easier to sell it someday, I believe.
God I miss my Ellipses…
Smaller frame is lighter and it looks better to have more seatpost imo
Maybe op could get a crankset with shorter arm length? Unless theirs is already 165mm,then they could raise their seat a bit.
Some people size down for track bikes because of the higher bottom bracket. Higher BB often means higher top tube.
I always say, we pay thousands of dollars extra to save a couple grands, I say nothing better than removing materials to remove some weight 🤷🏻♂️
Back as a messenger I favoured a slightly smaller frame, simply because it responded quicker and I didn’t need the stability of a larger frame. When I rode longer road races I needed the larger ‘normal’ sized road frame. I mainly ride gravel now and have a slightly smaller frame, again for the quick response.
Yes
Honestly yeah. My track bike is about a size small. My road bike fits and has considerably less exposed post. I’ve had a few track bikes and preferred the slightly smaller frame. I’m 6’1” and an eai bare knuckle in I think 54 was the best feeling bike I’ve ridden. I bought it off a buddy that’s like 5’8 😂
[deleted]
I think that is correct, I do the opposite, when I was 13 dad bought me a Schwinn Varsity that was too big. Since then I always feel the need to be stretched out on a bike. I am 5’9 and am only comfortable on bikes people who are 6 foot or taller ride, I notice most people are riding on bikes too small with seat post out 18 inches, my bikes the seat are either not out at all or only a few inches.
Your post is both extremes. First bike is waytoo small. Your bike is too big. Middle bike is okay
Yes, please don’t judge me, I learned it from triathlon.
My bike is just right, but the standover height is risky still
If I step off the bike and the floor next to by bike is just 2cm lower, my balls will kiss the frame a little too hard for my comfort 💀
As an ex-bmxer I certainly haven’t ever been interested in something large.
At 5’10 I bought a 47cm Tokyobike and quickly realised it’s more girlfriend sized. Now I ride a 52 which ıs still about 4cm smaller than It in-theory should be for my heigh.
Feels utterly perfect, so responsive and easy to chuck about.
I have heard that small fans have less flex and therefore desirable. I have considered sizing down due that but never put it in practice.
Manufacturer sizing charts are baloney and most inexperienced and even some experienced ride a bike that’s too small, and have no seat post visible
that seat is so low, you dont have knee pain?
Yes. Fixie with smaller frame is more nimble.
Depends what you’re into. I used to think the tall seat post was a good look, but these day’s I prefer a bigger frame with a classic French fit like yours. Yours looks wonderful!
I always buy smaller frames, I’m incredibly short!
Frames have changed alot. On a conventional frame the loose rule was a fist and 2 fingers between frame and bottom of seat
For the most part downsizing works well. But also depends on how you ride. I’m 5’9 and my ideal size is 54cm, but I ride a 53cm on a track geometry bike. Smaller frame makes it more snappy and nimble and responsive for weaving through traffic. It’s also a bit more of an upright position. But then I have a regular steel 90’s road bike that is 55cm. That serves its purpose too as road bikes tend to have a bit more aggressive geometry for your reach and dedicated for those long road races. I like the smaller 53cm for fixed gear as I feel more in control but stick to the road bike for road rides. I also have a 54cm (city bike, more of a commuter) and that one is the best fit just for comfort and chill rides with my kids. So depends on how you ride and its purpose. My favorite overall is the smaller 53cm for fixed gear as I can get up to speed quick and make quick decisions in the city. I’m sure if I switched to a 54 or 55 on fixed it would be fine too, just not as nimble. My advice is ride what feels comfortable and what feels safe.
I’m 6.0″and have short legs and a long torso. My 26er is a 15 which most think is way too small. I love it because it feels very responsive and balanced. Also I don’t crush my junk on a quick dismount….