Bike sizing issue

Hey guys. I'm a bit green on this stuff but I've been offered a really nice Orbea Orca for a heavily discounted price - it's a 54 frame size (compact) but I'm 6ft tall. Everyone says see how it feels but I don't really know what it's supposed to feel like. Is this likely to be too small for me??

Thanks in advance.

Not seeing you on it makes for guess work but a 54 might be too small for a 6 foot peson.
Go to a bike shop and see what they size you for. I would guess a 56. Of course you can generally size a bike up with a few components easier than you can size one down so if you have opportunity take the Orbea by and see what they say.
From this side of the computer,it's still all guess work.

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Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

I am betting that a 58cm would be more appropriate (see chart below) You should really spend the extra $200 and get it professionally sized... There are many factors that make a difference... top tube length, seat tube, etc. You really won't know until you are fitted. Here is a rough rule of thumb:

Bike Frame Size: 58 - 60 cm
Height: 5'10" - 6'1"
Inseam Length: 31.5" - 33"

Bike Frame Size: 60 - 62 cm
Height: 6'0 - 6'3"
Inseam Length: 32.5" - 34"

Bike Frame Size: 62 - 64 cm
Height: 6'2" - 6'5"
Inseam Length: 34.5" - 36"

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*2007 Orbea Mitis
*Zeus FCM Full Carbon Fork
*Campy 9 Spd Chorus Drivetrain
*Campy Chorus 9 Spd Shifter/Brake Levers
*Campy Chorus Carbon Crank
*Easton EC70 Carbon Seatpost
*Fi'zi:k Arione Carbon Saddle
*Ritchey BioMax Pro Handlebar
*Origin 8 Pro-Fit Stem
*Speedplay X-3 Pedals
*2007 Rolf Prima Aspin Wheels
*Michelin Krylion Carbon Tires

thanks for the reply - i took a couple of snaps - see what u reckon -

I don't know...it looks a bit small for you... did you get it sized? From this picture's angle, looks like the top tube might be a bit too short.... in your position riding from the brake levers, you should not be able to see your front axle. You might need a longer stem??? Looks like you seatpost is adjusted to the right height..... I still think that you should get an opinion from a reputable bike store and have them fit you. When I got my fitting, they too all sorts of measurements...inseam, height, position, etc.

__________________
*2007 Orbea Mitis
*Zeus FCM Full Carbon Fork
*Campy 9 Spd Chorus Drivetrain
*Campy Chorus 9 Spd Shifter/Brake Levers
*Campy Chorus Carbon Crank
*Easton EC70 Carbon Seatpost
*Fi'zi:k Arione Carbon Saddle
*Ritchey BioMax Pro Handlebar
*Origin 8 Pro-Fit Stem
*Speedplay X-3 Pedals
*2007 Rolf Prima Aspin Wheels
*Michelin Krylion Carbon Tires

Looks too small. Both the seat tube and top tube are not long enough IMHO.

Also looks like a link or two could come out of that chain whilst you're at it.

Cheers guys. that's useful. better not to spend the money on it then. i've been offered a second hand Blue RC7 which is 58cm and has full dura ace groupset. I'll have a go at that instead! You guys got any views on them?? I'll take a snap of me on it if you don't mind and fire it up for your comments! thanks again - great help.

What swampy1970 said. It 'looks' too small and too short in the top tube for your frame. Your (the OP's) opinion matters most though.

I appreciate that but I don't really know what i'm looking for or feeling for. only been riding a year.

cheers.

I'm 5'11" and I 'prefer' a 60cm frame, as measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube (aka center-to-top) - I have long legs and arms and a shorter than average body. More 'normal' folk my height seem to prefer 58cm frames.

Sizing for compact geometry frames will be a little smaller - you'll need to visit the manufacturers website to get their sizing details. Each should give an equalivent size based upon regular road geometry - ie an Orbea comact 56cm may be similar to a regular 60cm frame. I'd take a few minutes to check those details before you buy.

Sizing is the number 1 priority. Not only does it effect your positioning it also effects weight distribution on the bike, which in turn can effect how the bike handles. Sometimes it's a marginal deal, but if you're spending that kind of money then take some time to get it right.

Cheers Swampy - I'll pass on this Orbea then and try out the 58cm Blue. Hopefully it will be a better fit for me.

Thanks again guys

Biggest problem with the 'sizes' they place on bicycles is that they are not a measure of the 2 dimensions that really matter. '54' is the seat tube length but the seat tube ANGLE and top tube LENGTH are the critical dimensions. I think the biggest issue is trying to get the handlebars high enough as a 54 'may' have a pretty short headtube. Big discounts on a bike that doesn't fit means you will be discounting it to another.

Go to a bike shop that does sizing on a fit cycle and take those measurements and find a bike that matches. Sounds like you are doing it backwards. Fit then frame, not buy frame and they try to make it fit.

Thanks guys - I've stuck it on ebay for my friend if anyone is interested!

Agree with you on the headtube length issue, which is why the top tube and head tube lengths are the important ones. Is this what you intended to say? Seat tube angle is compensated for by using more or less seatpost setback to get the same position relative to the BB, so isn't all that important as far as static fit is concerned.