Trying to decide if I should keep this bike and turn it into a project, or sell it and get something that fits me "better". I am 5 foot 7 inches, bike is a 1987 (found in 1988 catalog but produced in 1987) Cannondale SM500 – 20 inch frame. Seat post is as low as it goes. Legs bent enough? Not enough? Was hoping to turn this into a touring/versatile comfortable(ish) city cruiser. Are saddle bags an option if the post is so low?
by mmaaggiiccc
23 Comments
If you have to slam the post the frame is too big. Also you want your foot on the pedal properly.
It looks a bit big when you’re standing next to the bike but it seems to be a proper fit when you’re on it.
Because of the lowest setting of the seatpost, it’s probably a little tall. An 18-19” medium might be best but that’s not easy to find either. You could ride this for awhile until a smaller bike turns up.
You are def just a bit short for that frame. I’m 5 foot 8 and even an 18″ bike felt fairly large but I got used to it. If you can’t stand over it with shoes and not hurt your gooch then its going to be a problem.
Looks too big for a comfort cruiser.
It’s hard to go by height alone, but for reference I’m 5’11 and I’m comfortable on 20” frame 26ers. I even ride a 18” 26er with a suspension fork.. so maybe it is too big for you. I do have short legs though so average proportioned people of my height may ride larger bikes. Generally you don’t want the top tube up in your junk when you stand over the frame. I feel more comfortable on a smaller bike with longer stem to compensate for reach.
It’s totally possible for a bike to fit well when you’re on it … but too large to easily get on and off it. I rode a giant-for-me 21″ vintage mtb bike for years (i’m 5’6″ in shoes), and it was awesome while riding, less so when dismounting or on rough terrain. City cruising probably involves a lot of stop and start, touring maybe not so much, but fully loaded bikes get dicey when you do stop.
Personally i agree with the other poster who said to ride it for a while while you look for something a little better fit, or different geometry.
20 inch is just too big for you. You are solidly in the “medium” bracket.
I’m about 5’ 10” and I like 18-19” frames depending. You want a 17” frame with most bike. Or a medium.
what happens when you’re straddling the bike? if you can get off in a pinch without slamming your crotch on the top tube i think it would be fine.
Real talk, it might be a smidge big but it’s fine.
People sayin’ “too big” didn’t see photo 2. You confirmed you can stand over it, it seems to fit ok otherwise. Ride it and see.
If you go off of standover height alone…which by the way is the least important part of a bike fit (reach and pedalstroke are the most important bits) you would essentially get a smaller frame that is more “normal” looking but would have a shorter reach than what you would probably like given your torso and arm length.
Keep in mind that your bike fit should prioritize RIDING not your STANDOVER.
And keep in mind that the standover rule was made by bike manufacturers who made frames to fit the majority of the human population…meaning the sizes are biased for normally proportioned people since those type of people make up the majority of the market. Thankfully, you seem to fall into that “proportional” group vs me…where I’m in the “non-proportional” group…at least for Western standards.
From your side view picture, your rider triangle (I stole this from motorcycling culture but it fits into cycling as well) looks pretty comfortable. Your pedalstroke looks good and your reach looks good as well. Nothing about the pictures you provided tell me that you’re uncomfortable in any way. Meaning that the bike generally fits you just fine.
The type of bike and your type of riding also plays a factor. Is this just a commuter relaxed riding bike? Or do you use it in a spirited manner for fitness or trail riding?
Relaxed bikes you have way more of a margin of error in terms of bike fit since those rides are usually shorter and laid back anyway.
But for 90% of the population good enough is good enough. AS LONG as you’re not over reaching in your pedal stroke or your reach.
It looks like not a lot of wiggle room, but also not HORRIBLY outsized, if it’s too big it’s just barely. Your leg extension looks good. You can put saddle bags on it, you need a rear rack though
IMO, it’s pretty big for MTB fit but maybe not way off from older road bike fit. I think you have a little room to raise the saddle. Also, seems like the stem is pretty short so you aren’t too stretched out. It’s a cool bike! I’m setting up the equivalent Cannondale road bike which is maybe a little big but seems ok so far.
Good enough
It’s fine. It’s not an exact science. Neat room by the way lol.
It’s definitely a tad big, but doable. Especially with that short stem on it. These old mountain bikes usually had super long stems on them. Maybe ride it around for a couple of weeks and see what you think. A smaller frame will feel more nimble but a larger bike should feel less stressful on your wrists and shoulders.
Like others ls have said …ride it for a while and see. I’ve had both ends of the spectrum that worked just fine …a vintage GIANT mtb that was technically too big for me given the seat post position…it was used for loaded touring and the bike was perfect for it. Like others have said you tend to be standing less and riding more when touring…
…also had a GIANT mtb that was “too small” given the seat post height and the extended stem …the bike was used as an around town commuter and the small frame made it nimble and fun to throw around.
Don’t follow standards just to follow them. Ride the bike and see if it works for you. The 2nd pic in my estimation looks like the bike is the perfect size for you…
It is definitely a full size too big for you, but I wouldn’t let that stop you from riding it.
I’m 5’8, Bought a 20 inch bike and rolled with it even though it was too big. I had the same thing, it was right at my crotch but not in it. Eventually I came to regret it. Sooner or later that top tube will crush your nards sadly my dude. I appreciate you wanna make it work but I’m saying this as a fellow medium rider, don’t waste your time. The more money you put into it the worse it’ll suck.
Is it just me or is that too much bike for those beautiful floors? I see one wheel spin causing hours and hours of sanding and polishing to get the marks out.
Straddle the top tube. Then grab hold of the top tube, one hand in front and the other behind you, and pull the bike up into your crotch. How many inches of space is under the tires?
I’m always riding bikes that are too big for me, you’ll be fine if you love it.
Things that honestly help, get a low profile saddle, something you’d ride if you were a roadie. Or like a c17 brooks. And if your mechanically inclined you could do a 165mm 1x crank swap and get some more seat post out/legs bent
IMO its fine if you like the bike. Also, throw some 160-165mm cranks on there and you’ll be extra golden, especially at your height. I like Spacycles 160mm cranks.
looks fine to me based on the second picture.