question about Clem L frame sizing

[Christopher Young]

Clem L Owners:

I'm looking for a used 59 cm Clem L in hopes I won't have to wait till May 2026 when the new ones are scheduled. According to the current Riv info about Clem frame sizes, that is the right size for me (PBH 92 cm):

PBH ranges:

45cm - 68 to 81cm

52cm - 74 to 88cm

59cm - 86 to 96cm

What I'm confused about is that I have seen some used Clem L bikes with frame size 64 cm. Given that I'm 6'1" and I'm well within the PBH range for the current largest Clem L, what size people were those 64 cm Clems made for? I'm asking because I want to know if I should even consider buying one if it becomes available. 

thanks for you assistance.

Chris Young

ABQ

[Tyler Johnson]

Old man Petersen says you should buy the biggest frame that fits your PBH. Given that adjacent Riv frame sizings always overlap by a few cm, you would likely be at the low end of the next largest frame (62cm?). Plus, you can always tweak the stem to get your handlebars closer to the saddle. 

But if you get a used Clem, double-check the PBHs on older models since the same frame nominal sizes have changed PBHs over the years. I'm not sure about Clems, but that has happened with other frames from the aughties.

Tyler

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[Joe Bernard]

Christopher, 

What is your saddle height as measured from center of BB shell (crankbolt) to top of saddle? From this measurement you can approximate how much seatpost you'll have showing on a 64. If that looks reasonable to you then you can add what type of bars/stem you plan to use; if you're going for a way-reach-back like a Bosco the bigger frame may work. Flattish bars? The 59 might be better. 

Joe Bernard, 79pbh, 52 Clem L with Boscoes on a short-reach stem

[Jim in Mpls]

I'm 6'1" with a 90cm PBH and 79cm saddle height and ride a 2020 64cm Clem L, which was the size recommended to me by Grant, and it fits me fine. It is a big bike though. I can't hang it from the hooks on our light rain trains here in Minneapolis.

Mine's for sale if you are interested, but shipping may be pricey.

Jim in Mpls

[Christopher Young]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for that info, and I am interested in your bike. I'm going to try to send a direct email to you to get more information. 

Chris

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[Mackenzy Albright]

I'm 6' 2" with an 89.5pbh. Ive owned a 59 and 64 clem. I kept the 59. Both are fit well. My biggest heads up is the 59 has lower stack headtube. It's good for bars like Bosco or tosco or higher stems so had more wiggle room for different bars. The 64 has a long headtube and felt better with lower stem height and lower bars like losco's but felt more limiting as I didn't need the height. I'm terms of saddle height and reach it was easy to set them up nearly identically for fit preferences. Both were great bikes. Splitting hairs. 

[Christopher Young]

Thanks for all the excellent information! It's so helpful to have such knowledgeable and friendly people readily available.

 I'm actually now thinking that given my PBH and the riding I intend for this bike, the 64 cm might actually be the better size. Looking at the picture of Jim's bike and knowing my PBH, it seems like I'd have the seat just a smidge higher, which would be fine (I also checked the bottom bracket to set top height on my 61 cm AHH, as one of you recommended). 

Jim -- let's talk.

Chris

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[Paul M]

Here's a picture of a 64cm Clem L with a seat height of 78cm. My 89cm PBH was pushing the limits of fit especially with the 70cm effective top tube.

[Mackenzy Albright]

My 64 with a 89.5 pbh saddle height. 

[Nick Shoemaker]

Hey Chris!

My dimensions are almost identical to yours (long legs, woo!) and I've been happily riding a 64cm Clem for the past three or so years. Here are a couple of pics to give you some idea about bar & saddle height. I also run my saddle a bit lower than would be optimal to allow a bit more maneuverability on trails (which are ~95% of my riding)

1) 80mm Dirt Drop Stem, 'slammed' (bars level-ish with saddle); 175mm cranks:

2) Same 80mm Dirt Drop Stem, raised up a bit more comfortably; 165mm cranks:

Happy Clem hunting - they really are the best bikes in the world!