Hey there,
I’m in the market for a new cyclocross bike and found a frameset here in Germany that would be awesome. However, since I don’t have a roadbike to compare it to, I have no idea how to determine the correct framesize! It is driving me insane, could you please help me out?
I’m 5’9" tall with an inseam of 34". The distance from the ground to my sternum notch (notch between collar bones) is 56", so I guess that makes me long-legged with a short torso?
Anyway, I do own a Yaqui Carbo in size 55(measured center-top) with 78 degree seat angle and 53cm top tube. Needless to say, that bike fits perfectly! After all, it’s a Yaqui, right? The cyclocross frame sizes I’m looking at now are either a 54cm or a 56cm, both measured center-top. They have toptubes of length 52.5cm and 54.5cm respectively. It seems that top tube length is the limiting factor for me since my upper body is fairly short. 54.5cm top tube would seem ok for me for a roadbike (I think), but what about for a cyclocross bike?
I truly appreciate your help on this! Thanks, Jan
Throw some 1.8 tires on your Mt bike and BBAAMMM!- cyclo cross bike.
I don’t have a mountainbike! 
That’s why I want to get a cyclocross bike, the best of both worlds!
definitely go witht he smaller frame…you need to be able to control your frame well under your body…smaller frame …also makes it easier for carrying…I wouldn’t go much more than one size smaller than what you would ride on the road…
you want to get a frame that lets you ride a 110 or 120mm stem comfortably for the best control. Shorter stems are more difficult to control.
since you have long legs and a short torso, you should definitely go for the 52.5. When you do the stupid standover test, you’d probably fit a 56 or 58 cm top tube and then be stretched out like you were in the superman position due to your shorter torso. Not good for cross, not good at all! make sure you have a seatpost that is long enough for your legs. it’ll be sticking out quite a ways on a 52.
Hey,
thanks for the help. Unfortunately there’s no place in my vicinity to testride the frame, but the shop I’m getting it from will take it back if it’s not the right size, so no worries there. I just want to avoid the hassle of shipping it back and all that. The 110 or 120 mm stems you were talking about, do you mean at least that length? That’s definitely what I’ve been thinking, I’d rather get a smaller frame and longer stem like 120 or 130 mm than having a big frame and a 90mm mini stem and have shitty handling. Well, I’ll let you guys know how things work out. Thanks again!