Bianchi 1885 - Offered in 9 stock sizes
A lot of customers who are visiting a variety of bike shops in their pursuit of the perfect bike ask us questions similar to “What size bike equates to a Large?” or “If you measured me as a 57, is that the same as a Large?”
Well, there’s no short answer here. A size 57 is a size 57 and we typically don’t see customers as Smalls, Mediums, or Larges. It’s easiest to explain this if you compare the size ranges in bikes to size ranges in shoes. Have you ever bought any shoes other than flip-flops that were sized S, M, L, or XL? The size varieties of peoples’ feet warrant more specific sizing to guarantee proper fit and comfort. It’s pretty much the same with bikes.
Our two principal lines offer bikes in very specific sizes by model at most all price points. The specific geometry will vary within those models based on the type of riders the bike is designed for. As examples, Bianchi’s mid-price 1885 model is quoted in 8 sizes (49,51,53, 55, 57, 59, 61 and 63). For a particularly petite person, Bianchi can go even smaller, offering the Eros Donna model in sizes of 44, 47, and 50 cm. For each of the sizes offered, there are changes in the bike’s geometry. See a standard Geometry Table on the Bianchi website.
So, not to confuse you, but we don’t believe that your size is as simple as S, M, L, XL. Maybe you are the lucky person sitting right on the top of the bell curve, and one of those four sizes is perfect for you, but for everyone else - PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
- Never spend more than $500 without being measured and fitted for your bike.
- Determine your size based on your height, torso length, shoulder width, shoe size, arm length, leg length, flexibility, and stand over height - not just any 1 or 2 of these measures.
- Compare the changes in geometry (head tube height, seat tube angle, top tube slope) that may vary by brand and model to provide you the closest match to your custom size in your price range.
- Have your bike fit professional use everything in his arsenal to get you closest to your perfect fit. For example - can you buy off the rack but be fitted more comfortably with a change in stem length, bar width, or saddle position?
- Buy a bike from someone who rides as a part of their life and would be embarrassed if they saw you on one of their bikes and it was ill-fitting.
Bottom Line - Size Matters - You may not want to do the research to understand everything involved in bike fit - don’t worry about it. Trust us that these things are important to us, ask our existing customers, and never settle for less than you pay for or deserve!
