Cycling UK Forum

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone on the forum could give me some advice? I have come across a Roberts custom built tourer for sale second hand. It appears to be not only a fantastic bike but also for sale at a very good price. It is by all accounts a 21 1/2 inch frame. The guy who rode it previously was around 5,11. I'm 6,2 do you think I'm wasting my time or is it likely to fit? I could go and try out the bike and will do so before I buy, but it's located at the other side of the country and I don't want to travel all that way if there's not a chance it will suit my height.
I know that some mountain bikes or hybrids recommend a 21 inch or 22 inch frame for those around 6ft + so I'm wondering with the more upright riding position of the tourer if this would also apply for this particular bike? The couple of cycle shops I've visited have said my ideal frame size is 58 - 60 cm. Is the 3-5 cm difference in the frame of this bike on offer going to make a huge difference? I am new to cycling and would appreciate anyone's advice? I have also found a second hand 60 cm frame on a different bike and want to make the right decision. Thanks for your advice.

i'm also 6'2" and i wouldn't even consider buying a 21 1/2" frame. a 60cm one on the other hand would be spot on.

welcome to the forum

I too am 6' 2" and ride a 25.5" frame bike.
However I do have an old mountain bike which is 22.5" frame with a further 10" of seatpost.
So it is possible and it sounds as if the frame would be hard to resist buying. On the other hand it seems a bit of a waste of a frame which would so suit someone a lot shorter.

It depends on your leg length/reach. The issue is partly seat tube height - ie 21.5" is short for someone of your height but may be ok with lots of seat post showing. The issue is more likely to be top tube length. If it's long then you might get away with it but if it's proportional to the seat tube length then I would guess it's too small.

No matter how good a frame it is, you're better off on a cheap frame that fits than an expensive one that doesn't.

Thanks for all your replies. I think that, as hard as it is to resist what is a superb bike at a great price, I'm going to go for a bike with a larger frame. thanks for the advice!

I am 6' 3" and 15 stone.

I ride a 64cm galaxy which although totally comfy is too big for me...I could easily ride a 60 galaxy.

I have just bought a 61cm Bianchi and am currently building up an old 59cm frame which is also a good fit.

The main thing is the top tube reach from the centre of the seat post tube to the centre of the front tube along th etop tube. You can often get the same reach on different framed bikes by varying the stem length.

A smaller frame will likely need more seat post showing as well and may mean the bars are to low for you.

from what you say I reckon the 60 would be best .