Road vs. hybrid fitting

Quoted message said:

Should a hybrid frame size be the same as one's road bike frame size?

The reason I ask is that when I bought a hybrid bike a few years ago the
LBS recommended a 48cm frame. I'm 6'1" with an 89cm inseam (yeah I'm
mixing systems). A little later I got a 60cm frame road bike that
another LBS recommended . Now I'm looking at a Rivendell and they
recommend a 61cm (at least). It's close to the 60cm roadie but the hybrid
bike has thrown me for a loop.

I rode the hybrid for years and never thought twiceabout it, but after I
got the road bike the hybrid feels like a tiny circus bike whenever I ride
it. Was I just poorly fitted or are ATB/hybrid bikes made to fit
differently?

Different companies measure different frames in markedly different ways, and
sometimes within those companies they measure different styles of bikes
quite differently. It's entirely possible that all three frames (the 48cm
hybrid, 60cm road bike and 61cm Rivendell) all fit you appropriately. It's
also possible that they hybrid's smaller than optimal. Without knowing the
geometry of the specific bike, it's impossible to know, although
intuitively, 48cm does sound a bit on the small side.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

Mike Jacoubowsky wrote:

Should a hybrid frame size be the same as one's road bike frame
size?
------------------------------------------------------

As was said previously, many brands and styles have different
geometry and features that affect their fit, as much as the basic frame
size. I've been using a street-modified mountain bike as a general road
bike. It has a 22"/56cm frame and fits me fine, with plenty of options
for raising the seat and bars high enough. However, I just bought a
hybrid bike
that I had to get in a 25"/63.5cm size, as the smaller models wouldn't
accomodate my needs. This new bike has a handlebar headset type that
can't be raised, except by an angle-adjustment, so this played a part in
the fit. I also had to get a high-rise handlebar, to make this
25-incher work. My 22" mountain bike has a 4-inch bar-raising
capability and can also take an additional 4-inch stem-extender, so its
range of fit is much greater, despite its smaller frame size.

As with anything, the best way to get what suits you, is to try it
on for size, before buying. Pay a lesser amount of attention to the
manufacturer's dimensional specs than to how it actually works with you.

Steve McDonald

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

Different companies measure different frames in markedly different ways, and
sometimes within those companies they measure different styles of bikes
quite differently.

One of the best reasons I have no desire to order frames online.

Even though there are some drooly ones out there.

--Blair
"But then, I can't even get wheels right..."