[beckham23]

I guess a totally newbie question...my current CAAD10 is 56cm as I listened to the bike shop...

As I do more and more research, I am starting to wonder if I should have gone with a 58cm. I am approximately 6 feet tall. When I ride my CAAD10, there are moments that I wish the bike is a bit taller, especially going uphill...may be it was really just my rookie legs that are giving up...

Your comments are greatly appreciated!

 

[foto]

Don't worry about research and reading, you need to base the fit on first hand experience.

I am about 5'9" and I read I should be on a 53-54, but I ride 57, and it feels great. There is a lot of wiggle room in bike fit, we are only talking about a couple of cms and there are a lot more variables than height: aspect ratio, torso length, riding style, flexibility, etc...

 

[onespeed]

Short answer is a 56cm frame.

You can raise the seat or put a longer stem on to suit your body.

The 56cm is a good starting point.

 

[MYMOJO34]

I'm 6'2" and am comfortable on frames ranging from 56-60cm... depending on how they are set up.

I think Foto is spot on with his post.

 

[mmoose]

summary of the longer answer...different manufacturers measure differently, top tube length is more important, some like "smaller" frames, some like "larger frames", not all 6' people have the same leg vs torso lengths, get a fitting (experienced eyes watching you ride is better data than you telling us how you feel) from a recommended fitter, when in doubt - and if it really bugs you- get on a custom builder's wait list who asks for your measurements, purpose and riding style.

(I'm 6', could ride "frame size" 55-61 depending on the bike and setup etc etc. Old bike is a 60, newer compact frames could be the 55. I currently would look more for effective top tube length of 58cm so I can adjust from there)

 

[paule11]

I am 6 foot and I go for a 58 to 56 toptube current bike is 56cm touring bike 57cm touring bike feels way bigger as it has higher headset different geometry.

I think 56cm to 58 cm willwork for most 6 foot tall people

Had a 60cm frame once and it was too big

 

[tystevens]

I'm just a shade under 6', and ride a 56. Works fine for me; I'm glad I listened to the LBS talk me out of the 58.

 

[MerlinAma]

......different manufacturers measure differently, top tube length is more important,......, not all 6' people have the same leg vs torso lengths, get a fitting (experienced eyes watching you ride is better data than you telling us how you feel) from a recommended fitter,

Exactly.

A little longer seatpost and a longer/shorter stem makes frame size less of an issue especially if looking at a compact (sloping top tube) frame.

Extreme leg vs torso length issues can be an issue for sure, but I'm not sure what % of riders really have that situation.

So ideally you do use an experienced fitter.

Of course there are several on-line fit resources you could play with to see if you are in the ballpark.

 

[RussellS]

Your 56cm Cannondale CAAD frame is too small. You need a 58cm Cannondale CAAD frame. I am 5'11" and ride 58cm CAAD frames. With 12cm stems. Setback seatposts. I use bikes with 57-57.5cm top tubes. The 58cm CAAD frame has 57.5cm top tube. At 6 feet, you will need a 13cm stem and plenty of setback to get properly stretched out. I bet you are riding the 56cm bike with a big hump in your back. Your back is supposed to be flat when riding, not round like a ball.

 

[csmith1991]

I got my first road bike last Saturday. I'm 6' 0" as well, and the salesman gave me a few bikes to try (one 54cm and another 57 cm). I, coming from mountain bikes, personally liked the 56 cm the best. Honestly, I couldn't tell a difference between the 56 and 57; however, the 54 made my arms in a odd and uncomfortable position.

If you're ok riding it then it's a good fit for you

 

[krustyone]

I guess a totally newbie question...my current CAAD10 is 56cm as I listened to the bike shop...

As I do more and more research, I am starting to wonder if I should have gone with a 58cm. I am approximately 6 feet tall. When I ride my CAAD10, there are moments that I wish the bike is a bit taller, especially going uphill...may be it was really just my rookie legs that are giving up...

Your comments are greatly appreciated!

Just go back to the LBS where they fit you, they did fit you right?, and tell them what is bothering you. A few measurements and they should be able to suggest a remedy-be it adjustment or part swap.

I am 6'2" and ride a 56, 57, 58 depending on brand but my torso is long, height is not the determining factor.

Good luck!!:thumbsup:

 

[inayim]

this is going to sound redundant but im also 6ft fall and a 56cm compact frame fits me very well. the seat post is comfortable for me at about 3 inches above the stem which worksout about perfect

 

[OldZaskar]

I'm 6'1" ride a 61 - an XXL. So, at your height - you'd be on anything from a 56 to 61
Punchline: As others have said, put yourself in the hands of trusted fitter.

 

[Ventruck]

More redundancy in facts:
Andy Schleck rode a 56cm (on Specialized) at 6'2"
Lance Armstrong rode a 58cm at 5'9"

You gotta experiment on test rides.

 

[masivemunkey]

I'm a little over 6' and I ride a 56cm bike. I have a really long torso compared to my legs though so I'm thinking about going to a 58cm. Is that how it usually works? Super long torsos go a size up?

 

[krustyone]

I'm a little over 6' and I ride a 56cm bike. I have a really long torso compared to my legs though so I'm thinking about going to a 58cm. Is that how it usually works? Super long torsos go a size up?

You just have to try it, might go with a longer stem or different post first(cheaper)

 

[rwhsurf]

.....

 

[tipstall]

What is your inseam? I like standing over the tube of a 56" but like the feel of a 58" moving. I'm 6' with a 34" inseam. I think I will cycle-cross this fall and I will probably go with a 56".

I'm a noob so don't listen to me.

 

[Kontact]

Despite the variations in body measurements, the majority of 6' tall people are best off on what would be considered a 58. Going by inseam or body length alone will play against a good fit, because someone with long legs is going to need a shorter top tube, but not a shorter stack. And someone with short legs needs the top tube length. Unless the person's proportions are so far off that they really need a custom, total height is one of the best predictors of frame size.

I've been doing this a long time, but now work at a shop that does the best fittings in the midwest. Our fitter starts with a blank slate, but I have yet to see someone who fits a stock bike and the size wasn't predicted by height. There are always exceptions, but those prove the rule, right?


I wouldn't use pros as examples of how to size a bike. Non-pros shouldn't be concerned with trying to find the lightest, shortest wheelbase, lowest stack frame they can fit on. Bikes fit that way are great for crits, not for all around use.

 

[My Own Private Idaho]

I have one 68cm, one 66cm, and one 25' bike. All fit me. The one that's being made for me is a 58cm, with a 63cm TT. We'll see.