Wanted 18"/medium frame/bike for someone 5'8" and advice

[ARC5555]

Looking for a frame or whole bike to replace my current commuter, a 20" GT Palomar. I've been using it for 5 years and I'm beginning to have back problems. Don't think it's caused by the large frame, I only commute 25 mins, but it isn't helping.

I've fallen in love with my GT because it allowed me to get to a new job that has set me back on track in life. I've come to the realisation its not ideal for me and I would like to go longer distances but hesitant to if I'm not comfortable on the bike.

To keep costs down, I was thinking of getting a lighter chromoly frame in the right size and swapping parts over until I save enough to upgrade them.

I'm happy to pay a bit more for the right bike or frame so don't want to put a limit and I'd be very happy with something with a funky colourway! Or a GT! Beggars can't be choosers though!

Thanks for any help to go about this. Looking at the bikes and tinkering with my own (and riding it!) has given me a lot of joy recently and some of my friends want to join now too!

Thanks for reading and any suggestions.

All the best

 

[d8mok]

At 5.8 a 18inch GT is too big. You need a 16.

Remember GT is measured centre to centre.

 

[greencat]

Given you've ridden it for 5 years, clearly have some attachment to your existing bike and only beginning to get back problems...I wonder if it would be worth investing in tweaking the set up eg riser bars and/or a shorter stem.

 

[Siish]

I have a Scott frame on Ebay if any use, item number 186860064124 186860064124

 

[ARC5555]

At 5.8 a 18inch GT is too big. You need a 16.

Remember GT is measured centre to centre.

Thanks! So my Palomar is actually a 22" frame? Makes sense that I really have to reach for those bars!

 

[ARC5555]

Given you've ridden it for 5 years, clearly have some attachment to your existing bike and only beginning to get back problems...I wonder if it would be worth investing in tweaking the set up eg riser bars and/or a shorter stem.

Thanks! I do have a certain attachment to it, but as was pointed out to me, it's a massive frame! I thought about new bars, something a but higher and swept back?

I have a friend who would make great use of it who is over 6' who doesn't have a bike currently and would continue to carry someone to a new stage of their life!

 

[ARC5555]

I have a Scott frame on Ebay if any use, item number 186860064124 View attachment 913192186860064124

Thanks! I'll have a look

 

[d8mok]

Thanks! So my Palomar is actually a 22" frame? Makes sense that I really have to reach for those bars!

It’ll be 22 inches centre to top if it’s a size 20 GT yes.

I’m 5.11 and couldn’t ride a 20 GT. I’m a 18.

 

[ARC5555]

It’ll be 22 inches centre to top if it’s a size 20 GT yes.

I’m 5.11 and couldn’t ride a 20 GT. I’m a 18.

Makes sense that it took me 2 mins to hit the ground when I fell off it haha!

 

[bikeworkshop]

Frame size is the vital starting point, but if you're developing back problems, it would be well worth your while getting some advice on a good bike setup for your height, fitness and use.


A lot of "bike fit" salespeople are full of you-know-what but if you have a long- standing shop in the vicinity who deal with touring and commuting, i'd suggest you drop in for a chat,
even offer to pay for an advice session if you're not buying anything off them.

It will be money well spent, believe me.

Consider the cost of your commute on public transport.
Add to that gym membership, or a weekly physio session!