What's the problem?

So, you are shopping for a new road bike or frame. Deciding the correct size has you puzzled. Some bikes still have the traditional frame design with a horizontal top tube. But a majority of models in the bike shops you visit have sloping top tubes, and these are offered in only 3 or 4 sizes.

Here's some help:

A bike's size is more important when it has a conventional diamond frame with a horizontal top tube. This makes stand-over height more crucial than with a downward sloping top tube. When all bikes had quill stems and threaded steerer tubes, seat tubes had to be fairly long in order to get the handlebar high enough in relation to the saddle.

Use these 3 tips to select the frame size that's right:

1. For a standard diamond frame, the size is important although a centimeter up or down shouldn't matter. The difference can be taken up with the seatpost, by cutting the fork's threadless steerer tube to the correct length, and by choosing a stem that angles upward, downward or is level.

2. For a sloping-top-tube frame (often called a "compact" frame), seat tube length is all but meaningless. What's important is the effective top tube length so you can obtain the proper reach to the handlebar. Then it's a matter of installing a seatpost and stem of the appropriate lengths.

3. Get an expert opinion. The best way to ensure you're getting a bike of the correct size is to have a pro fit. Full-service bike shops can do this for you, as can cycling coaches. Many shops use tried-and-true commercial fit systems that have proven to work well for most riders. Tweaking is accepted and even expected following a fit that puts you on the right-size frame and into a good, basic and comfortable position

Feel free to email me with any more questions regarding bike fitting at hibiscussunglasses@gmail.com.