newbie..5'11" 188lbs and in need of Bike..

Size has a lot more to do than just with height (torso lenght, inseam, flexibility, etc). But as a range, you will probably be looking at 56-58 cm.

Here is a good website that someone shared yesterday to get you at starting point.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

The main thing is to go ride as many bikes as you can and find the right one for you.

Good luck and don't be scared, just be informed and ask lots of questions about components, tune ups included, etc.

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Edited by Chris Tree 2006-05-09 3:34 PM

I am 5' 11" 195 and own a Trek 1500.  58cm.  you should go get sized at the bike shop and test ride a few, but that would be my guess.

Definitely go to a bike shop and let them get your measurements to and get you fitted properly. Most importantly, test out different bikes and see which ones fit you better. Reccomeding a size like 56 or 58 is really just a starting point. As mentioned, different manufacturers size their bikes slightly different. One company's 58 is another company's 56. There's also a difference between compact vs traditional geometry bike. On my Giant hybrid bike, I ride a 55.5cm frame while on my Trek 1500 I ride a 60cm frame. Go get fitter and do lots of test drives.

Thanks everyone, the one consistent answer I am getting is to test ride a lot of makes and models, should be fun, however scared because I feel bad for the bike shop when I tell them no to a lot or some or a few...Thanks a million and God's Speed!

I own a Guru Cron Alu 53cm. I am about 5'10" and 180 lbs. The bike is aperfect fit for me. I would definatley suggest getting fit by a professional.