sizing

[hangfire]

hi all

i have tested a few bikes so far and with minimal changes i look like a medium size
180cm tall - short legs
i am looking for a hybrid/flat bar bike to commute/trail on with disc brakes
is it worth looking at a bike like this?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-view-detail ... 1063046480" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
its sized small
i really like the specialized sport model
this looks cool

[rodneycc]

Hi Mate, Orbea Carpe are nice bikes but I reckon this one might be a little small for you. Just remember with sizing the top tube length is more important than the seat tube length (as you can generally adjust the seat height more) So at 180cm with most of that height in the upper torso you would be a Medium or M/L 54-56cm around about that depending of course on make and model of the bike (some like BMC are a little different again!).

Anyway I'd probably keep looking around and test riding a few out there. Think you are on the right track looking at Gumtree should be a few out there that people buy a flatbar and then upgrade and haven't had much use.

Good luck.

[AlanAtom]

Yes, a small may be too cramped for you, I am 176cm and I ride either a medium or large flatbar frames.

[hangfire]

thanks guys, i suspected as much but i wondered if there was a way of tweaking seat heights etc to compensate...
i will keep looking

[hangfire]

looks like a medium has come up
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/prahran/ ... 1063763329" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
its a h30 rather than the h20.
i would like to try it out, but what would a realistic price be?
what defects should i be looking for?
i would like a half decent bike as i am not looking to upgrade any time soon

[bychosis]

I'm around the same size and find that I need medium or large frames. Depends a little on the manufacturer. You can tweak a frame to suit with stem, seatpost etc, but I've tried riding my wife's bike, and another smaller frame a couple of times and it just doesn't work.

As for inspection this recent thread has some info.

Also check out the sticky thread on buying a bike/parts.