size????

[Greetings...

When I purchased my first road bike the shop where I purchased it gave me a COMPLETE fitting...they took all the measurments an was able to purchase a bike that fir me right at 99.9%...So look for a shop that will do a complete fitting...It might cost, as in my case, but I got the price of the fitting deducted from the total cost of bike...You want a bike that fits you becasue if not you can expect all kinds of trouble...Just my $0.02 worth

Around a 56cm sounds right to me, but you really should choose the frame you like, and then get fit for it at a shop that does bike fitting, because there are a number of variables: frame geometry, stem length, crank length etc. You can tweak each of these a little one way or the other to get yourself to fit on a frame one size smaller or larger, but dont get a bike without being fit from the bike's geometry imho. Test ride it of course as well. Rule of thumb: get fit for the frame you like and then be able to tell a bike shop I need this stem length, this crank length etc.. dont let them simply sell you what is on the floor and tell you its going to be ok.

Rule of thumb. Take your inseam measurement. Stocking feet back against the wall feet approx. 6-8 in apart. Wear your cycling shorts. Now take a level if you have one or use a book about 1 1/2 in thick. Bring this into your crotch firmly. Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the book or level.. Repeat X 2 or 3. Now inseam # (inches) X 2.54 X .67.(C to T) There is your frame size. 56 cm seams right for you for your height unless you have really short legs. I have a 53 C to C or a 54 C to T (Note that you need to be aware as to whether or not the frame size is measured on a C to C or C to T basis). On my current bike and I'm 5'8". Inseam 32 inches. Probably could have gone to the next smaller size but the bike feels fine especially the top tube length with stem. Above all do a test drive if you can and have a fitting done.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by beckham21
Ok so I'm getting rdy to purchase my first road bike...thanks for your help everyone on that..but, I have one slight problem...I did a lot of research on the net about what size of frame I should get and pretty much everything I looked at said my frame size is a 51cm..but with me being 5'11" going on 6'0" it said to go a few frame sizes bigger so like 54cm...well, I went to our bike shop and the guy gave me all the information comparing a big frame to a small frame...and he said that I should much rather get a 56 and I was like well with all the information I have obtained it says around 54 or less and he's like I think you should get the 56...so can anyone help me on this ...thanks I'm going to test ride it, but I mean with this being my first road bike I might not be able to tell if it will be comfortable

Even a 58 in some brands would not be out of line depending on how you are bult. Get a proper fitting for even 2 from someone that knows what they are doing. Lance is supposedly 5'10" and Rides a 58 trek.