Discussion
OK, after a very educational read round this forum I'm more excited than ever to start bike shopping. Problem is this - I really like the look of a Chris Boardman and think I can jump up a couple of spec-levels if my company do the cycle 2 work scheme, which I think they do.
But it looks like Boardman might not make a big enough frame...
I'm 6'6" - what do you guys think would be a suitable frame size? I know I know i need to sit on a few bikes, but TBH its been so long since I've ridden that I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference between an inch here or there and I'm worried I'll get something which turns out uncomfortable a month into it. And after my last experience in a bike shop I'm not convinced the sales staff aren't just trying to size me up with whatever happens to be on sale and "happens to be in stock, sir". So there you go - what frame size and do Boardman do any big enough (couldn't work out what measurements were which from their site). Will the handlebar width go up in proportion to the frame size too?
Last question, sorry I'm rambling - what are the general views on bull bars (is that the right word)? I always used these as a kid and found that orientation more comfortable. But I've heard stories that these are dangerous if you fall off, and virtually none of the bikes I've seen come with them as standard.
Thanks!
But it looks like Boardman might not make a big enough frame...
I'm 6'6" - what do you guys think would be a suitable frame size? I know I know i need to sit on a few bikes, but TBH its been so long since I've ridden that I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference between an inch here or there and I'm worried I'll get something which turns out uncomfortable a month into it. And after my last experience in a bike shop I'm not convinced the sales staff aren't just trying to size me up with whatever happens to be on sale and "happens to be in stock, sir". So there you go - what frame size and do Boardman do any big enough (couldn't work out what measurements were which from their site). Will the handlebar width go up in proportion to the frame size too?
Last question, sorry I'm rambling - what are the general views on bull bars (is that the right word)? I always used these as a kid and found that orientation more comfortable. But I've heard stories that these are dangerous if you fall off, and virtually none of the bikes I've seen come with them as standard.
Thanks!
I should think you'd be looking at a 62cm+ frame - whats you inside leg (oi oi!)
However different manufacturers measure there frames differently. Also, with compact frames (i'm presuming you're after a road bike?), add 4cm to their sizes to get the "effective" size. Whats your budget? Any reason you're going for boardman?
Bull bars? :S
However different manufacturers measure there frames differently. Also, with compact frames (i'm presuming you're after a road bike?), add 4cm to their sizes to get the "effective" size. Whats your budget? Any reason you're going for boardman?
Bull bars? :S
Inside leg's about 33" I think.
Came across a link for boardman from this forum, and liked the specs of the bikes. Otherwise I was thinking of a specialized rockhopper (based on mates suggestions). Budget is not set in stone, but if I get the cycle 2 work discount then I could stretch to something tasty at £1000 level, otherwise I'm looking at about half that. Halfords look like they've got a 10% sale on so the boardman would be £540 which seems like a bargain.
Came across a link for boardman from this forum, and liked the specs of the bikes. Otherwise I was thinking of a specialized rockhopper (based on mates suggestions). Budget is not set in stone, but if I get the cycle 2 work discount then I could stretch to something tasty at £1000 level, otherwise I'm looking at about half that. Halfords look like they've got a 10% sale on so the boardman would be £540 which seems like a bargain.
With your build an 1000 quid to spend you should keep out of halfords.
33" inside leg and 6'6" suggests you've got quite a long back. I would recommend going to a shop which builds its own frames as well as off the peg. You may find a custom build is just within your budget (it'll be steel though)
If you are cycling more than 10 miles to work and aim to ride 30 plus miles at weekends then a road bike will suit. If it doesn't fit right you will be into a load of problems with knees and back.
Bars can be bought to suit if you're having a bike built for you they range from about 42 - 46cms for road bikes. They should be as wide as your shoulders.
If you're not planning on riding far, you might find that a hard tail mountain bike suits (there's a bit more margin for error because the frames are more compact). To adjust for reach you can buy a stem to fit. You're spoilt for choice with your budget. You will still be better of going to a specialist, getting the frame right (chances are there will be an off the peg to suit) and building it up to fit perfectly.
It sounds odd but don't buy one too big - you see a lot of big blokes riding things that look like 5 bar gates - when you walk through the door it might be the shop's opportunity to offload some POS that they can't sell.
33" inside leg and 6'6" suggests you've got quite a long back. I would recommend going to a shop which builds its own frames as well as off the peg. You may find a custom build is just within your budget (it'll be steel though)
If you are cycling more than 10 miles to work and aim to ride 30 plus miles at weekends then a road bike will suit. If it doesn't fit right you will be into a load of problems with knees and back.
Bars can be bought to suit if you're having a bike built for you they range from about 42 - 46cms for road bikes. They should be as wide as your shoulders.
If you're not planning on riding far, you might find that a hard tail mountain bike suits (there's a bit more margin for error because the frames are more compact). To adjust for reach you can buy a stem to fit. You're spoilt for choice with your budget. You will still be better of going to a specialist, getting the frame right (chances are there will be an off the peg to suit) and building it up to fit perfectly.
It sounds odd but don't buy one too big - you see a lot of big blokes riding things that look like 5 bar gates - when you walk through the door it might be the shop's opportunity to offload some POS that they can't sell.
I'm 6'5 1/2" with a long torso and have just bought a planet X superlight in 'XL' size. This is a compact frame, however, does have a longer top tube (by about 2cms) than other competitors in the same £1000 price bracket. I've fitted a 13cms stem and the bike fits fine.
Planet X also offer the cycle to work scheme, so should be within budget.
It's worth going for a bike fitting session with someone who knows what they are talking about. Beware that many 'experts' really aren't experts and are not that knowledgable. I used Auriel Forester, who in addition to being a 4 time world champion also has a PhD in exercise related matters! www.scientific-coaching.com
Planet X also offer the cycle to work scheme, so should be within budget.
It's worth going for a bike fitting session with someone who knows what they are talking about. Beware that many 'experts' really aren't experts and are not that knowledgable. I used Auriel Forester, who in addition to being a 4 time world champion also has a PhD in exercise related matters! www.scientific-coaching.com
I found this very rough calculation for bike sizing which makes me think your 33" leg and 20" frame sounds perfect for you:
"Measure your inside leg measurement to the floor, subtract 3" (for mountain bikes, or 1" for road bikes) then subtract 10" (the average distance from the bottom bracket to the ground)." I make that
(33-3)-10=20"
It so happens that the Boardman large size is 20", which I would have thought would be fine (you'll soon find out as you've bought one now!) I'm 5'10" and have the medium (18") Pro and that seemed a little long for me at first, and I kept thinking I might have been better suited to a small (16") frame. However, after tweaking the saddle and pedal cleat position, changing the handlebar angle and removing some stem spacers, I feel the fit is just right now. I'm also thinking of trimming the handlebars as they are very wide.
From what I can tell, the bikes seem to have quite a long top tube, and Halfords build the bikes leaving with the stem spacers at maximum height for more adjustment post-purchase. The handlebars are also quite wide which would benefit a larger rider, widening your "stance". There are also the adjustments I mentioned above you can make to get comfortable. IF really necessary you could probably try a longer stem to fit your "long back".
Good luck and happy, comfortable riding!
"Measure your inside leg measurement to the floor, subtract 3" (for mountain bikes, or 1" for road bikes) then subtract 10" (the average distance from the bottom bracket to the ground)." I make that
(33-3)-10=20"
It so happens that the Boardman large size is 20", which I would have thought would be fine (you'll soon find out as you've bought one now!) I'm 5'10" and have the medium (18") Pro and that seemed a little long for me at first, and I kept thinking I might have been better suited to a small (16") frame. However, after tweaking the saddle and pedal cleat position, changing the handlebar angle and removing some stem spacers, I feel the fit is just right now. I'm also thinking of trimming the handlebars as they are very wide.
From what I can tell, the bikes seem to have quite a long top tube, and Halfords build the bikes leaving with the stem spacers at maximum height for more adjustment post-purchase. The handlebars are also quite wide which would benefit a larger rider, widening your "stance". There are also the adjustments I mentioned above you can make to get comfortable. IF really necessary you could probably try a longer stem to fit your "long back".
Good luck and happy, comfortable riding!
prand said:
I found this very rough calculation for bike sizing which makes me think your 33" leg and 20" frame sounds perfect for you:
"Measure your inside leg measurement to the floor, subtract 3" (for mountain bikes, or 1" for road bikes) then subtract 10" (the average distance from the bottom bracket to the ground)." I make that
(33-3)-10=20"
Never seen that calc before, but it works for me: 6'5", 36" inside leg to floor....so 36-3-10 = 23" and as my Trance happens to be 22", it's close-as-damn a perfect fit!"Measure your inside leg measurement to the floor, subtract 3" (for mountain bikes, or 1" for road bikes) then subtract 10" (the average distance from the bottom bracket to the ground)." I make that
(33-3)-10=20"
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