What size would people recommend for someone 169cm tall and 73cm inseam? I'm guessing 52? Trying to get a frame for my girlfriend but it'll be her first road bike. We had tried out the Fuji Transonic 2.1 in 54cm that seemed to fit pretty well, and it seems like the LCR018 in 52 is pretty close.
Lots of people ask this kind of question. But any answer isn't better than no answer. And many people will be reluctant to advise you based on the information provided. A couple of things to keep in mind when figuring out her fit:
- A 54 is not a 54 is not a 54. Depending on the brand (assuming they even use numeric sizing) a given seat-tube length may refer to different things. Some folks measure the seat tube at its top, or at the top of where the top-tube joins the seat-tube, or at where the center-line of the top-tube joins the seat-tube. In the past it was easier because (essentially) all top-tube were horizontal, and frame sizes were available in 1 or 2cm increments. Now days, particularly with the cost of molds, fewer sizes are typically available, typically leaving us with more difference between sizes and and a narrower range from small to large.
- Lots of people like to fit using stack and reach, but these are measured from the BB and ignore the angles of the seat and head tubes. So this doesn't directly correlate to how ones body is configured. But it hints at one of the key factors to basic fit: the relationship between the length the riders legs and the length of their torso varies.
- This means that leg length and height aren't sufficient to fit your girlfriend. If you find a bike with a position that is comfortable for her, its possible to work backwards by measuring from the bars to the seat; and center of the saddle to center of the handlebar.
- Also of concern is the rider's flexibility, both physical and mental. Some riders, even new riders, are comfortable down low like a time-trialist, right from the start. Others will never get into that position. And many will start more upright and work their way lower with experience and training.
Someone on a forum won't know as well as you your girlfriends physical abilities and goals for purchasing a road bike. Try going back to a bike shop, and see what feels good for her. Then measure saddle height, saddle to handlebar reach, and drop from the top of the saddle to the top of the handlebars. Those are working measures that will get you off on the right foot.
The LCR018 has some flexibility for fitting (perhaps you've already noticed) including 0mm and 15mm setbacks for the seat(post) and a wide range of available handlebar width/(stem)lengths for an integrated handlebar. So if you have her in the right size, there are a good range of options to fine tune it for her.
Good Luck!
