Getting a bike

Johnmcl7

silverwhistle wrote: »

Out of curiosity I had a look and it raises a question about sizing for me. I thought I was 5'10'' although may be less now I'm older, so I'm right on the cusp with the sizing. Should I go smaller or larger in such circumstances?

Size is a difficult one as there's no one answer to that, choice of size can vary depending on the bike geometry, the brand and even just preference. I find online calculators seem to suggest too large a size for me and as a 5ft 10 person I find mediums are fine with Trek so went with a medium with a different company and even though I'm right on the border to large I find the bike a bit on the big side.

On another point, there is some really good advice on here, but for general enquiries like the OP's it can be a bit intimidating with all the talk about groupsets and the like. I had to go and check what my s/h bike was: it's a Claude Butler Cotswold bought off my neighbour but I've no idea of the components. I replaced the chain, rear block and derailleur cage but I still couldn't tell you what they are!

The importance of groupsets can be exaggerated a bit, they're often used as an indicator of whether the bike is good value for money - budget brands will usually offer better groupsets for the money and often branded bikes offer lower groupsets for the money. Better groupsets offer more advanced features, often 'feel' nicer to use and can be a bit lighter although most parts these days including the low end ones work reliably. Also in many cases it's fairly straightforward to upgrade parts if needed in future.

John

boatman

armyknife wrote: »

I've the same problem as I'm 5'10-5'11", it's proven difficult to choose between medium and large frames. I don't have an answer other than relying on a decent bike shop owner/attendants superior knowledge.

I'd go smaller, the saddle will go to the right height, but the reach can feel too much if its big.

armyknife

boatman wrote: »

I'd go smaller, the saddle will go to the right height, but the reach can feel too much if its big.

These are wise words.

Johnmcl7

The problem with going smaller in some cases is that it affects the handling, some people prefer the feel of the larger frame particularly in mountain bikes where the trend at the moment is to have a longer top tube and a very short stem. To me my 17.5 mountain bikes feel spot but I notice most people my height when asking for advice on size are advised to go one or even two sizes larger.

Also the sizing between different brands can be surprisingly different, I had a 54cm road bike and changed to a 50cm with another brand and it actually feels larger. Hence I feel it's something you have to be quite careful with.

John

glasgowdan

Handling on a mountain bike is a very different issue to a town bike. I'd go for a medium if I was 5ft 10.

My wife has a Marin Fairfax and it's lovely and light. I've a whyte Stirling and again it's a quality bike bought it used for £500.

Big wheels cope with rough surfaces much better which is why I'd avoid a folding bike at all costs. A small wheel can get sucked right into a pothole that a 29" would roll over which could spell a splatter on the road!

fred246

Have you tried Dutch bicycles Barbara? If you put Dutch bicycle and hybrid bicycle into google images you will see the difference. Hybrid bicycles have the saddle and handlebars at the same height. The Dutch have the handlebars much higher which some people find to be more comfortable.