Answer by shox for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?
My advice to anyone is to not buy a bike based off the sizing chart. Brand to brand or even model to model the sizing chart isn't going to be consistent. If possible go to a store and actually sit on...
View ArticleAnswer by Weiwen Ng for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small...
I believe that sizing down if you're in between sizes is the conventional wisdom. Some answers have alluded to this.You do need to be able to get the saddle up to your preferred height without...
View ArticleAnswer by Bill H for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?
It comes down to how much cash that you want to spend after buying a bike in order to set up "properly" ... As an alternate to having a custom built frame.I would favor the smaller frame but likely...
View ArticleAnswer by Paracielo for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small...
Here is another take coming from a 67 year old.In my early twenties I picked up a used 55 top tube Peugeot, of course with down tube shifters. I am only 5'6", with short legs and long arms. I got used...
View ArticleAnswer by Tom Bisson for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly...
I have two bikes. An older (1980s) Nishiki, heavier bike chromoloy frame that my LSB claims is too big (probably equivalent to a 58cm), and a new light aluminum 56cm Cannondale that feels too small but...
View ArticleAnswer by joelmdev for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small...
You can (almost) always make a small bike fit bigger, but you can only make a big bike fit so small. If you're a 'tweener you can typically go either direction. Take sizing charts with more than a...
View ArticleAnswer by Don Wei for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small...
The most important thing is that you are comfortable riding it. In my experience a slightly smaller offers the benefit of more agility & lighter weight. However where you will be riding is a factor...
View ArticleAnswer by Ged for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?
I wouldn't pay too much attention to sizing charts and the like. They are OK, but we are all different in how we balance. I'm just under 6 feet tall yet I ride an extra large Boardman. As someone said,...
View ArticleAnswer by NOTjust -- user4304 for Is it better to have a slightly big or...
I just returned a bike that was slightly too large. The issue with stand over height is a safety concern for your personal parts and to avoid injury (don't just 'stand over' it, lower yourself a bit,...
View ArticleAnswer by Mike Samuel for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly...
Rivendell Bikes argues that most road bikes sold are too small. They're probably in the minority opinion as far as bike shops go, but they have (collectively) a lot of experience in frame geometry and...
View ArticleAnswer by user1207758 for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly...
As several have pointed out, it is best to get something that actually fits you but with that in mind, it is better to go a little smaller than a little larger of a frame. For example, look at George...
View ArticleAnswer by wonea for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?
A bike which is too small can be gnarly, a bike too large can be cumbersome and unwieldy. If you can, test ride both of them if possible! Or test ride a similar bike from the same manufacturer, in the...
View ArticleAnswer by Mark W for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?
It's all about personal preference. I bought slightly too small in a 29er mountain bike. It's slightly lighter than the larger one and more agile, though the seat was too low for me and I had to get an...
View ArticleAnswer by GordonM for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small...
You can raise the saddle and handlebars on a medium to meet your needs, but lowering them on a large might be tricky, depending on the bike's design. Also, there's standover to consider. There should...
View ArticleAnswer by WTHarper for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small...
If this is your first bike, go to your local bike store and have them fit you professionally. Then, ask if they have loaner bikes so that you can get a feel for the size of the bike before you invest....
View ArticleAnswer by Matt Adams for Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly...
On a road bike its probably a toss up. Seats can be raised or lowered. Stems can be brought in or out. As long as the standover is comfortable, you should be fine on the large.
View ArticleIs it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?
I'm planning to buy a Scott Speedster S30 (This is my first road bike) and I'm looking at the size chart. I'm around 177 cm tall, and this fits exactly in between the M and L section. Just wondering,...
View Article