Frame Sizes for sprinters

[jmpollard88]

Hi all, just a quick one regarding sprinting frame sizes.

Iv'e got a 55 cm Orbea on order at the moment, but at 5 ft 10 inch, I don't know if its too big for sprinting.

I know a lot, including myself, like to get down in the aero position and really hang over the bars (Cav's riding a 49cm by all accounts and isn't much shorter than me).

The 55 felt comfortable on the turbo and would be perfect for flats and hills alike, but as for actual sprinting i'm unsure about the size given the seat post is really low out of the frame, I don't know if it'll allow me to transfer maximum power through to the wheels (I use a lot of force/strength similar to Cav's style hence the comparisons).

Any ideas?

 

[avanti]

Ask a coach for his or her recommendation.

To me 55 cm (TT) sounds a little long for your height (I'm 5-10 and ride a 53) but it all depends on your body shape and frame geometry.

 

[42x16ss]

See a good fitter and be prepared to switch frames. What model is your Orbea and what is your inseam measurement?

 

[hfer07]

Hi all, just a quick one regarding sprinting frame sizes.

Iv'e got a 55 cm Orbea on order at the moment, but at 5 ft 10 inch, I don't know if its too big for sprinting.

I know a lot, including myself, like to get down in the aero position and really hang over the bars (Cav's riding a 49cm by all accounts and isn't much shorter than me).

The 55 felt comfortable on the turbo and would be perfect for flats and hills alike, but as for actual sprinting i'm unsure about the size given the seat post is really low out of the frame, I don't know if it'll allow me to transfer maximum power through to the wheels (I use a lot of force/strength similar to Cav's style hence the comparisons).

Any ideas?

Are you sprinting on the saddle? Is the seat tube integrated to the frame? Have you ridden a bike with that frame size before?

Seek a bike fitting service to guide you on this matter-you won't regret it.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Maximum power isn't a function of seat post height.

Go way back in time and every elite rode with just a tiny bit of seatpost sticking out on framesets sold to the public in 2cm increments.

The small frame is a trend for different reasons depending on to whom you speak.

Get someone to check your fit. They will be the right person to sort out your question.

 

[sponsor]

Hi all, just a quick one regarding sprinting frame sizes.

Iv'e got a 55 cm Orbea on order at the moment, but at 5 ft 10 inch, I don't know if its too big for sprinting.

I know a lot, including myself, like to get down in the aero position and really hang over the bars (Cav's riding a 49cm by all accounts and isn't much shorter than me).

The 55 felt comfortable on the turbo and would be perfect for flats and hills alike, but as for actual sprinting i'm unsure about the size given the seat post is really low out of the frame, I don't know if it'll allow me to transfer maximum power through to the wheels (I use a lot of force/strength similar to Cav's style hence the comparisons).

Any ideas?

The 55 may be fine. A 49 is quite small.
The problem I have seen with bike fit here is so much of it in on a plane. They fit you like you would ride in a still pace-line. Video of most sprints shows huge side to side movement and turning back and forth.

The amount of side to side and lean is based on things like Q-factor, handlebar width, bar and stem material, your upper body and core strength, cadence, wheels, crank length, even center of gravity of the bike - and when you kick. Then the standing or sitting positions. These items are not often measured in a fit session, and are different than what you might have in ideal road position.

While frame size matters, I don't think it is that big a deal unless the top tube is getting hit/you are changing position to avoid it.

If you can...look at video of great sprinters, then have someone video you and adjust.

Video below the rider is your height. This is a road racer/crit rider and light junior, so it may not apply to you but you asked for ideas.

The 1st bike is 54cm 40cm bars, the green MASI is 56cm 42cm bars, cockpit length is the same. As the sprints tend to be long and uphill the larger frame stabilizes things a bit.

https://vimeo.com/103348283