Cheviot sizing help

[gentlemanmark]

I am hoping to buy a Cheviot this summer when the new bikes arrive.

My problem is getting the right size.

According to the Riv website, I should get a 60.

pbh 85.5 / 5' 10.5 ht. A liitle heavy.

However, I keep reading how "huge the 60 cm is.

I live way too far from Walnut Creek or any other Riv dealer to test ride.

Some say going bigger is better, safer since its a step thru.

Others say they have been really glad they went 55 instead of 60.

Now if you have always rode 650B...most 700's seem huge.

I have always ridden 700 wheels

The other factor is: 

I like the Nitto Bosco bar, as I only ride upright.

Dont race but like to get up and running along on the road for exercise and enjoyment cruising.

Is it perhaps the hugeness of the 58 Bosco that makes the bike seem bigger than really is?

Whats the best size then to get?

Can you order all 3 and then send 2 back?

Just your observation or experience/ opinion and if you are a dwarf, and all bikes seen huge, no offense intended.

This is serious, as at my age and health, it will likely be my last bicycle, 

Kindly, GM

[Deacon Patrick]

Give Grant and Co. a call. Many of us have been in the same boat as you, living far away. They sized me perfectly.

With abandon,

Patrick 

[Doug M]

With a PBH somewhere in the 91.5-92 cm range, I had the same questions when I bought my Hunq and AHH. I decided to go with the larger frame (62 and 65 respectively) in both cases and do not regret the decisions. Adjustments to effective TT length can be made up or compensated for in saddle position and stem reach. For most riders, the Riv geometry charts and PBH recommendations will not lead you astray.

[WETH]

GM,
I have a 60cm Cheviot awaiting parts for a build. If you live near Washington, D.C., you are welcome to check it out.
I will second Patrick's advice to give RBW a call; they are super helpful.
Congrats on the baby.
Erl

[dstein]

I have an 80 PBH and comfortably fit a 51cm SH and 48 or 51 Hunq (went 48 for more standover clearance for trail riding). I briefly had a 55cm Cheviot but sold it. One primary reason being that I missed the top tube since I was constantly lugging it up and down stairs. But also because it felt too big and unwieldy. The Rivendell sizing logic with the Cheviot is that since there is no top tube then standover doesn't matter so go big. I think it would have been a different story if I went 50cm, as a lot of people really like this bike. I say go smaller if its within your range (which it appears the you're on the upper end of the PBH range on the 55), but...definitely call Rivendell and tell them your concern as others have mentioned, they'll most likely validate that both sizes will work give you good advice on which way to go based on that without pushing you one way or the other. I feel that with all their other bikes they have strong recommendations but the Cheviot and Clems are different due to the lack of available sizes hence the PBH overlap b/w sizes. Just my .02, but Rivendell will guide you best. 

[Irving]

Howdy Mark,

I have a PBH of 86 or 87 (can't remember) and about 5'9 height and I have a 60cm Cheviot. It only has a fistful of seatpost but the bars are nice and high and I'm really comfortable on it. I probably could have went with a 55cm Cheviot with 650b wheels, but would have to have the longer reach stem jacked really high to get it to my achieved bar height. I really don't think you can go wrong, just a matter of aesthetic appearance, wheel size choice and preference of the height of the diagonal top tube. 

Grant posted his 60cm Cheviot recently on the blug and he claims to have an 84.7 PBH.

- Irving

[gentlemanmark]

Irving, Thats just what I needed! The 60 is the way for me to go...much rather have a lower seat and higher bars.....Youve answered my question.

Thank you very much.

GM