What measurement are people referring to when they list their bike size?

jobeken

I'm looking to break into the sport of road biking. I bought a mountain bike thinking I was gonna hit some trails but the only time I have to ride is at night and, with my daughter's kid trailer, weekends are out of the picture too. I've been using my mtb on the road for the last few months, and while it's still fun, I know the bike is pretty heavy and and slow compared to a road bike. With sizing different between the two and understanding that a proper fitment is key, I want to make sure I choose a bike with the right sizing. I'm just under 5'9" and, according to thesizing calculator at competitivecyclist.com, a bike with a top tube length of 57cm, a seat tube length center to center of 52-53cm, and a seat tube length center to top of 54-54.5cm is my ideal fitment. I understand that by going to a local bike shop they could take into account my measurements then order a nice bike for me accordingly. However, I have also taken to looking for used road bike due to the lower cost and the fact that, for the same money as a new entry level bike, I could get one with better components and frame construction. When people list a bike for sale they typically refer to a single measurement of 52cm, 54cm, and so on. What specific measurement are they referring to? I would obviously test it out before buying but any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Road bike frame measurement is not standardized so you have to know a) the fraame size designation of a particular bike you see for sale and b) how that measurement is made and what are the other dimensions ( top tube length, reach, and head tube length for that particular size.) A " size" that you see in an ad usually refers to the seat tube length although that could be a virtual size if you are talking about frames with sloping top tubes. This is why the frame geometry chart for a particular model is important. Some bike manufacturers only give sizes as small, medium, large etc. so the frame geometry chart is even more important. One of my road bikes and my time trial bike are both from the same company, yet the road bike is a size large and the TT bike is a small, yet they both fit properly. My son's first road bike was a 54 cm. He had a chance to buy a much better bike second hand that was a 52 cm. We measured both frames and they came out pretty much identical so he bought it and has been riding it for several years. A 57 cm top tube sounds very very long for someone on 5' 9" in height and you would find it very difficult to find a 53 or 54cm frame with that long a top tube unless it was custom built. You really should consult a bike shop for a proper fitting of any bike you are considering. As for ads for second hand bikes, don't count on the owner knowing the correct size of a bike, you have to take your own measurements

how can I teach 5 year old to ride his bike?

sarahjane1

I just took the training wheels off his 12 inch two wheeler. Any tips on helping him learn to ride?

Answer
Assure him that you will run beside him and hold the seat of his bike so that he won't fall. Once he gets going, you can let go of his seat for a time. Don't tell him that you're doing that. Once he gets up to about 10-20 seconds without you holding onto the seat, show him your hands and tell him that he's been riding without your help.

My dad taught every kid in the neighborhood how to ride that way. He took pride in it.

HTH

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Title Post: What measurement are people referring to when they list their bike size?
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