Some Help on Sizing

[JohnWay]

Hi I'm new to Thorn Bikes and the forum and would like your thoughts on sizing.

I've just been to Thorn and ordered EXP Spec Sherpas for myself and the wife.

I've always ridden traditional style touring bikes ie. Mercian with horizontal top tubes, drop bars and about an inch of clearance from the top tube, I'm 1.82m tall (about 5'11") but have a standover height in cycling shoes of .915m (36").

The new bike is going to have straight bars and the salesperson at thorn reckons I should go for a 610s frame (about 75mm, 3" clearance mid top tube) with a longer stem as the 560xl would mean me having a lot of headset spacers which they thought would not be aesthetically pleasing.

However I'd like your thoughts as to if it's better to go for the smaller frame with more clearance and put up with the stack of spacers or if the clearance on the 610s is sufficient for a sloping top tubed bike?

[julk]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum.

I am as tall as you, but with a 33" standover height wearing shoes. I ride a straight handlebar 560L size Thorn bike which is the equivalent size to the Sherpa 560xl and find it fits fine. If I had another 3' of inside leg then the saddle and handlebars would need to be quite a lot higher on this size of frame.

I would suggest that Thorn have got it about right for you with the larger frame.

The really good thing is that Thorn will change it for you if you are not happy with the size provided, so there is no risk in taking their advice for starters.

Whatever size you end up with, I hope both you and your wife enjoy riding your new bikes.