The formula I learned from the staff of a bike shop I worked at in 1973 has always worked for me-- (and I should note, probably only works for bikes with horizontal top tubes)--
1. Stand over the top tube with feet flat on the ground, and you should be able to lift the front tire approx. 4" off the ground. (with tires fully inflated of course)
2. Straight-line distance from center of pedal spindle to top of saddle should be 109% of measurement from crotch-to-ground. (wearing socks or barefoot)
When I was younger I was able to tolerate a wider range of frame sizes. As I have aged, I have found I am most comfortable riding one specific size. In my case 58cm center-to-top. Larger frames now feel unwieldy and cumbersome to me. On smaller frames the top tubes typically feel too short. I have compensated for the shrinkage-with-age phenomenon by slightly lowering the saddle height.
The good news is that at age 52, cycling is as comfortable as ever, possibly even more so!
Keep those cranks spinning!!
Steve Goodwin Westford MA
Michael Francis Butler <michaelbutler@fastmail.fm> wrote: I know this is an old chestnut but what do other members think is the appropriate frame size for inside leg measurements. Do you subtract 9.5" from the inside leg measurement to get the correct frame size. Also when setting the correct saddle height do you place the heels on the pedals and pedal backwards without rocking in the saddle. Some people I know measure their inside leg and multiply by a number, I think its 1.08 to get the measurement to set the saddle height. I would be very interested to know especially as there are many frame builders on the list. Finally I was always advised to ride a 22.5" or 23" frame but nowadays I ride a 22" or 21.5" and I feel a lot happier. Is this old age stoop setting in. Michael B Huntingdonshire UK -- Michael Francis Butler michaelbutler@fastmail.fm
-- http://www.fastmail.fm - Choose from over 50 domains or use your own
_______________________________________________
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com