Right size bike. Thai bike frames don't fit me

[papersource]

Hi,

I am having a lot of trouble fining a 10 speed road bike that fits me. I am not looking to race but to ride 10 km per day or so. I am tall 6'2" and so far most Thai bikes are too small frame size.

But today I found a bike that that was size 54 and the height was more than ok but it seems that that the length is short. I. E. the front tire and rear tire are too close together. The bike was an OPTIMA and 14000 baht. I don't get it. Why are they so insistent on making such a small frame?

Sorry, I don't know the proper terms but it is smaller than all the 10 speeds I have ever had in the USA. Very frustrated and looking for some advice. I am not smart about cycling in Thailand. I have even thought of importing a Jap bike from the USA but that sounds too difficult.

I am in Rayong but will buy from Bangkok if that is the answer. TIA to anyone that has advice.

[moonoi]

Try Giant (Worldbike), Trek (Pro Bike) or Merida (Cycle Sport),  all bring in larger sizes, and if they don't have it in stock can order it in.

 

Specialized also bring in up to size 56 frame (when I had one, had to fit a 450mm seat post and a 130mm stem to get the fit right)

 

As you noticed, smaller frames will have the wheelbase shorter than larger frames, I wouldn't say they are too close together, a lot of cyclists prefer a smaller frame size as its lighter and will be more responsive. Depends what you're looking for.

[Somtamme]

Hi,

I am having a lot of trouble fining a 10 speed road bike that fits me. I am not looking to race but to ride 10 km per day or so. I am tall 6'2" and so far most Thai bikes are too small frame size.

But today I found a bike that that was size 54 and the height was more than ok but it seems that that the length is short. I. E. the front tire and rear tire are too close together. The bike was an OPTIMA and 14000 baht. I don't get it. Why are they so insistent on making such a small frame?

Sorry, I don't know the proper terms but it is smaller than all the 10 speeds I have ever had in the USA. Very frustrated and looking for some advice. I am not smart about cycling in Thailand. I have even thought of importing a Jap bike from the USA but that sounds too difficult.

I am in Rayong but will buy from Bangkok if that is the answer. TIA to anyone that has advice.

Size 54 is probably too small....you should refer to geometry tables on-line when you've narrowed a bike down eg

http://www.giant-road-bike.com/index.php/bike-fitting-issues/

One of the most important parts is horizontal top tube measured centre-centre. For someone around your height, minimum should be 570mm. The set up process is then to set your correct saddle height e.g.: http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/how-to-get-your-seat-height-right-14608/

As a guide 109% of inseam can be used as quick reference. Stem length and height can be set up by shop.

[GarryP]

I imported my through Worldbike. Took three months but worth the wait.

[Loptr]

At 6'2" you need a 56... I am the same height and when fitted for road bikes that what works best for me... 

 

[Somtamme]

At 6'2" you need a 56... I am the same height and when fitted for road bikes that what works best for me... 
 

It's not quite as simple as that. A 56cm size (measured as seat tube) may again could be too small. Rather than base it on seat tube size, look at top-tube lengths. The trend is with some manufacturers to supply only a limited range of compact frame sizes and with each change in size there are large incremental changes in the top-tube. For someone your height, you'll looking at minimum 570mm C-C top tube.

Also, whilst on the subject, there are also two options being offered now; one being the more race designed frame with traditional geometry and the other (eg Specialised Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse) with slightly shorter top tubes, relaxed angles and higher head tubes giving a bit more comfort. It depends on what type of riding.

[Loptr]

 

At 6'2" you need a 56... I am the same height and when fitted for road bikes that what works best for me... 
 

It's not quite as simple as that. A 56cm size (measured as seat tube) may again could be too small. Rather than base it on seat tube size, look at top-tube lengths. The trend is with some manufacturers to supply only a limited range of compact frame sizes and with each change in size there are large incremental changes in the top-tube. For someone your height, you'll looking at minimum 570mm C-C top tube.

Also, whilst on the subject, there are also two options being offered now; one being the more race designed frame with traditional geometry and the other (eg Specialised Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse) with slightly shorter top tubes, relaxed angles and higher head tubes giving a bit more comfort. It depends on what type of riding.

 

 

I will defer to your superior knowledge on the topic... I went into a bike shop and said "I''ll take that one" and they fitted me for that model...  

[moonoi]

 

At 6'2" you need a 56... I am the same height and when fitted for road bikes that what works best for me... 
 

It's not quite as simple as that. A 56cm size (measured as seat tube) may again could be too small. Rather than base it on seat tube size, look at top-tube lengths. The trend is with some manufacturers to supply only a limited range of compact frame sizes and with each change in size there are large incremental changes in the top-tube. For someone your height, you'll looking at minimum 570mm C-C top tube.

Also, whilst on the subject, there are also two options being offered now; one being the more race designed frame with traditional geometry and the other (eg Specialised Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse) with slightly shorter top tubes, relaxed angles and higher head tubes giving a bit more comfort. It depends on what type of riding.

 

 

Agree, The top tube length is far more important in fitting than seat tube in my experience. I'm 6'1"and find a 56 too small from most manufacturers, for Cervelo I need a 58, Specialized/Trek 60, but my current Giant is size L (55.5) and fits well.

 

This is how my 56 Specialized Allez ended up looking (I do like an aggressive riding position), the only problem was because the seatpost is so long, at high power it flexed back and forth making the bike unstable, so I ended up selling it. Very nice handling bike though other than that, shame they won't bring in larger sizes.

 

[attachment=275492:DSC_0431.jpg]

 

 

[papersource]

Hi,

Thanks for all the information provided to me. It is hard for me to discuss bikes today as all the nomenclature has changed since I really knew bikes and rode a lot in the 1970's.

It is really frustrating for me now because I firmly believe that bicycle design achieved perfection around 1975 and since then (for me and in my opinion) design has been all downhill and price has gotten extreme(for me)

I am going back soon to have a second look at a fuji road bike for 21k that is about the best I have seen so far but have also been looking at second hand shops for an older bike in my style where the racing handlebar is the same height as the seat. Have not found anything there.

Here is a bike that is the design that I am talking about:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/1979_Peugeot_UO-9_Super_Sport_road_bike.jpg

And
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t/450094/help-1970s-lejeune

These bikes balanced so well that you could ride them no hands for long distances. I bought a TREK bike a few years ago and it was just junk compared to these older bikes.

I actually had these brands bikes in the 1970's plus Motobecane (what happened to that great brand?) and they were good for long 30 mile rides for me and that is plenty now and I'm obviously older and looking to do less. I know I am asking for the impossible but just wanted to say thanks to you guys and show you what I am really looking for.

These bikes were great for me when I was a teenager in a bad home life. I rode all day everywhere just to get away from the house and when it came time for football I was the best midfielder for my age group because I could run circles around everybody else without getting winded due to riding these bikes up hills etc.

[moonoi]

I think the closest to what you are looking for is probably something from these guys http://surlybikes.com/bikes The importer is Piriya International, you can see the bikes they bring in and prices here http://www.thaimtb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=354&t=815419

 

However, the problem is the local importer doesn't really bring in the larger sizes, and the cost will be far more than the 21k you're looking at for the Fuji.

 

If you are interested in a Surly, I recommend Cromozone in the northeast of Bangkok (near Fashion Island) contact details are Cromo Zone (Max Valu สุขาภิบาล1) 083-178-6888 , 02-944-7285, always found them to be really helpful, but better if you can speak Thai, or have someone who can help you with translation.

Edited July 18, 2014 by moonoi

[papersource]

Thanks. Actually, I have shifted gears from looking at new bikes.

I have found a few guys who sell vintage bikes in BKK and am hoping that they can find me a vintage Peugeot. If not I am also thinking of buying one on ebay and shipping it from France and dealing with customs but hope not to have to go that route.

[moonoi]

Good luck with that! I hope you find what you're looking for, and to seeing some pics of your new steed on here

[GarryP]

Thanks. Actually, I have shifted gears from looking at new bikes.

I have found a few guys who sell vintage bikes in BKK and am hoping that they can find me a vintage Peugeot. If not I am also thinking of buying one on ebay and shipping it from France and dealing with customs but hope not to have to go that route.

Actually there are a number of shops that sell new "vintage" bikes. That is, bikes that are built to look like vintage bikes, same frame, saddle and handle bar set up but using more modern equipment. Mostly made from chromoly (chrome molybdenum) steel. With its greater flexibility than alumin(i)um, chromoly is quite popular for road bikes and hybrids (the non-shock absorber variety), as it is not quite so hard on the arse (ass if you are from across the pond). However, it is quite a bit heavier than alu and a lot heavier than carbon, so if weight is a consideration it may not be what you are looking for.

 

There are quite a few "vintage" style bikes that I have seen and I really love the look and would like to own one or ten. Alas, I cannot justify the need for more than one bike to my wife. 

[moonoi]

 

Thanks. Actually, I have shifted gears from looking at new bikes.

I have found a few guys who sell vintage bikes in BKK and am hoping that they can find me a vintage Peugeot. If not I am also thinking of buying one on ebay and shipping it from France and dealing with customs but hope not to have to go that route.

Actually there are a number of shops that sell new "vintage" bikes. That is, bikes that are built to look like vintage bikes, same frame, saddle and handle bar set up but using more modern equipment. Mostly made from chromoly (chrome molybdenum) steel. With its greater flexibility than alumin(i)um, chromoly is quite popular for road bikes and hybrids (the non-shock absorber variety), as it is not quite so hard on the arse (ass if you are from across the pond). However, it is quite a bit heavier than alu and a lot heavier than carbon, so if weight is a consideration it may not be what you are looking for.

 

There are quite a few "vintage" style bikes that I have seen and I really love the look and would like to own one or ten. Alas, I cannot justify the need for more than one bike to my wife. 

 

 

Hey GarryP, is your wife not familiar with "The Rules"? http://www.velominati.com/the-rules#12

 

The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.

 

While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned

 

[papersource]

Just bought a vintage 1973-4 Peugeot from a great little shop in Bangkok. I am really, really happy with this bike and wanted share my experience locating and buying it.

I looked into buying directly from Europe or USA on ebay and paying for shipping and the import tax. This route seemed like a big hassle with unknown possible problems such as tax but I would have gone this route if I was not able to locate a nice vintage bike in Bangkok.

Last year I had a Trek bike and was never that happy with the design, quality or fit and I started to yearn for one of my old 10 speeds from the 1970's. These are difficult to source in Bangkok but there are a few dealers out there and demand for these old bikes is growing very fast in Bangkok and everywhere else. It is the phenomenon of aging baby boomers like myself (am 53) wanting to relive their youth. There is even an annual vintage bike show now in Bangkok.

I was thrilled to find this Peugeot UO8 (which has a cheaper frame than the much more desirable Peugeot PX 10 which includes Reynolds 531 frame) The PX 10 is supposed to have a nicer ride and is a great investment bike but this UO8 that I found was a lot cheaper at 14,000 baht at Art Vintage Bikes on. Ram. Intra 65. This bike can be purchased in Europe for about 6-7000 baht in europe but shipping is about 6000 plus about 40% import tax so these vintage bikes are much more expensive/valuable in Thailand.

I think I was very lucky to find this this bike because it had some really good components that other used Peugeots did not have like Shimano 600 derailer(superior to the standard Simplex) Maviv Rims, Sugino Maxi cotterless crank, Cinelli italian handlebars, Campagnolo seat tube and italian leather seat. For me this quality blows away any new bike for sale in Thailand in the same price range and I am so happy to be able to find this in Bangkok at a very decent price imo.

After much searching and inquirees I was only able to locate 1 Peugeot PX10 for sale. It was a mint 1969 which the scarce blue paint but the price was a bit much for me at 80,000 baht. (I saw a similar on on ebay for 45,000 baht but prices for this model are all over the place depending on year and condition. One thing for certain is that the prices are going up fast for top vintage models bought by collectors as investment. I think I sold my old Peugeot in 1979 when I went of to college for $75.

Art has about 40-50 vintage bikes in stock including Motobecane which is a brand I remember from early 1970s suburban Boston. There are only one or two other shops/dealers that. I could find in Bangkok one of which is Teddy cafe bike shop.

I paid Art and addition 2000 to service the bike which included all new brake and shifting cables, refurbishing the crank case with new ball bearings and grease and cleaning the bike which was filthy. He took off the brake handle from another bike which had center pull levers that I like and switched it onto my bike but leaving the rest of the Mafac brake alone plus a few other things which needed work/replacement.. I thought this was good value too.

The quality of this Peugeot seems far superior to any of the new bikes I saw for sale in Thailand and at size 58 is fits me too. It rides like a dream. I hope the attached photo of the bike can be opened.