Track vs road frame sizes - London Fixed-gear and Single-speed

punkpixel · 20th August 2008

I always though track frames should be sliglty smaller than road frames in comparison. However, spoke to some german expert (!?) the other day and he was certain they should be the same.

I have been riding 58 on my road bikes and 56 on track bikes so far.
Do I choose my track frames too small?

I am 185cm (I know it doesn't really go by height). Anyone here similar height, what do you ride? And what's your view on comparing road - track frame sizes?

the-smiling-buddha · 20th August 2008

I have the same problem

I measured my inside leg a hundred time as 83 cm

I times it by the conversion factor 0.65 in Bernard Hinault's book

and everytime I get a 54cm frame

and I bleedin ain't because I am up to a 57.5

and I reckon for a road bike I'd fit a 58 or 59cm easy

I am very puzzled by this...?

punkpixel · 20th August 2008

inside leg would be about 86 or 87 in my case.
been quite scientific about my roadbike but never thought too much about it with the track frame, until now.

Bernhard · 20th August 2008

Is it something to do with the length of your body as opposed to the length of your legs?
I remember being shown a method of measuring your bike by placing your elbow on the front of your saddle and seeing how far away the tips of your fingers are away from the handle bars (should be around 0 - 2cm I think). This could however be ramblings of an imbecile but it makes some kind of sense to me.
185cm is just over 6ft according to google btw.

Bernhard · 20th August 2008

Oh and isn't the bb raised for a track frame so less chance of pedal strike hence the smaller measurement from centre of cranks to centre of seat post?

asm · 20th August 2008

^ indeed. Track bikes (generally) have a higher BB than road bikes.

However, this just means the pedals will sit higher, so in reality you'd want the same size as you would a road frame, only the top tube will fit more snugly into your inseam measurement.

20th August 2008	#1
punkpixel	Track vs road frame sizes I always though track frames should be sliglty smaller than road frames in comparison. However, spoke to some german expert (!?) the other day and he was certain they should be the same. I have been riding 58 on my road bikes and 56 on track bikes so far. Do I choose my track frames too small? I am 185cm (I know it doesn't really go by height). Anyone here similar height, what do you ride? And what's your view on comparing road - track frame sizes?
	quote reply

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20th August 2008	#2
the-smiling-buddha	I have the same problem I measured my inside leg a hundred time as 83 cm I times it by the conversion factor 0.65 in Bernard Hinault's book and everytime I get a 54cm frame and I bleedin ain't because I am up to a 57.5 and I reckon for a road bike I'd fit a 58 or 59cm easy I am very puzzled by this...?
	quote reply

20th August 2008	#4
Bernhard	Is it something to do with the length of your body as opposed to the length of your legs? I remember being shown a method of measuring your bike by placing your elbow on the front of your saddle and seeing how far away the tips of your fingers are away from the handle bars (should be around 0 - 2cm I think). This could however be ramblings of an imbecile but it makes some kind of sense to me. 185cm is just over 6ft according to google btw.
	quote reply

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