I'm 15 years old, about 5 10' and my dad found a good deal on a 200 sci kestrel frame and it's a 56 c-t

from what i read it seems like i could have gone bigger, especially since im growing, but my dad has that frame on his bike in a 61 and when i sit on the saddle or stand over the top tube it feels like i need about 5 cm. and once im done growing i get his bike.

what do you guys think? will a 56 cm frame be okay?

im new to this so please help :D

I'm 15 years old, about 5 10' and my dad found a good deal on a 200 sci kestrel frame and it's a 56 c-t

from what i read it seems like i could have gone bigger, especially since im growing, but my dad has that frame on his bike in a 61 and when i sit on the saddle or stand over the top tube it feels like i need about 5 cm. and once im done growing i get his bike.

what do you guys think? will a 56 cm frame be okay?

im new to this so please help :D

... your overall height is not a good indicator for frame size...

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

There are more than one fit method... but this is fairly standard for most road machines. As you can see, your cycling inseam measurement (more than your pants inseam) is at least your best start... but, it's possible, that given your age... your height (it still has a bit of mean info) and the frame you've mentioned that it might get you in the ballpark...

Take the time to read the sizing info on the above link... and take a few accurate measurments (measure each dimension more than once for greater overall accuracy and cut down on downright errors). Along with seat tube length... you'll need to look at the top tube length and possible stem reach/rise combos.

Since there are no shops that offer fit analysis anywhere near here, I used the fitting toll at Wrench Science. I took careful measurements and in the end bought a bike that fit me according to those measurements. The only thing I had to chnage on the bike was the stem, I bought one slightly larger to comply with Wrench Science's measurements and I've been very happy on my bike, it's comfy and it really feels like I do fit. You can get to the fit tool here: Wrench Science's Road Bike Fitting (http://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1/Secure/PopupWindows/SetAesthetic.asp). Just take in consideration that at 15 years old you are growing fast, so you may outgrow your bike too quickly. I grew a lot from 14 to 18, and you most likely will experience the same. How much that will affect you depends on your budget. If you're on a small budget you may want to stick to a bike with a frame that is slightly too large for you, but using a shorter stem and use your seat lower. As you grow you may buy a longer stem and raise your seat.

it looks like right when i get it it will fit just about right, then i'll grow out of it, i know. and i'll ride it too small but with a longer stem for a while, but after a that my dad said i can have his 61. so i have two of the same bike, basically, and one is 5 cm bigger. how does that sound?

... but how do you know how much you might grow? There's enuff room 'tween a 56 and 61 such that, once you done grow'd enuff... neither might fit... in the end, personal fit can be a matter of milimeters (depending on other frame factors, I can go as low as 58 or up to 60 (remember, not all frames are measured the same way... not all frames with a specified seat tube length will have the same top tube length) with respect to certain dimensions... just be aware... you'll prolly ride one... or the other...

I think that there is a good chance that the 56cm bike will fit. If it doesn't sell it on Ebay and get a larger size bike based on what you have learned. There is quite a difference between a 56 and a 61 of the same manufacturer. If you outgrow the 56 and the 61 is still too large, strip the 56, sell the frame and buy a larger frame to install the components on.

As you are young and more flexible that us old coots, a slightly large or small frame should not cause major problems.

I am 5'8" an am riding a 56cm frame(56.6top tube) Its a tad big. But everything can be adjusted. Right? So i would say a 56 would be fine for now. Mabye a 58,,,,but going too big is bad.

I am 5'8" an am riding a 56cm frame(56.6top tube) Its a tad big. But everything can be adjusted. Right? So i would say a 56 would be fine for now. Mabye a 58,,,,but going too big is bad.


There isn't nearly enough information in your post. Are the measurements C-T (center-to-top) or C-C (center-to-center)? Moreover, just your overall height is not a good indicator of what bikes will fit you. You need to supply at least your inseam length, otherwise how can one tell whether you have long legs or a long torso? Another thing that would be very helpful is the seat tube angle (STA) of the bike. That will determine how much fore/aft adjustment on your seat, which will determine the "effective" top tube length.

Basically a reasonable place to start with fitting is how to determine your seated position relative to the drivetrain. That is determined by your seat height and seat fore/aft position as a function of your legs' measurements. Usually people start with the good old KOP (knee-over-pedal) position, i.e. your knee should be vertically above your pedal spindle whhen the pedal is at its horizontal foremost position. Hence it's necessary to have all the numbers above just to get the correct KOP positioning.

The original poster should also supply the numbers above to get a better start on the free armchair fitting service ;-). Some of the veterans on this board can do a better job explaining than I can.

Look up C-40's posts on this forum.....you will understand seat tube angle (S.T.A.), top tube length (T.T.), "reach" (T.T. minus setback), and head tube length (H.T.). From these figures (including seat tube length/saddle
height) combined with how much drop you may prefer from saddle to bar top; you can calculate a frame size. Ideally, you shoot for a 110 to 120mm stem with an 80 or 84 degree rise and 2cm or less of spacers on your fork.
Hope this helps!