Most Aesthetically Pleasing Frame Size??

[Tony Edwards]

It's an interesting question and one that, as a tall gent, has occurred to me in the past.

I tend to be . . . attracted to frames that are at or near my size (62cm or thereabouts). I tend to think small frames, particularly those with a sloping TT, look awkward. That being said, anything from say 53cm up looks good to me as long as the frame is proportioned in a way that pleases my eyes.

[witcombusa]

I think peoples eyes get used to looking at frame about the size they ride and thus look familiar. It might be interesting to see what non cyclist think is most pleasing to their eyes.

I have (and ride) bikes from 56 to 63cm. My eyes are happiest with frame in the 59-60cm size. I will say that really small (<52) and really big (>62) tend to look really awkward to me aesthetically speaking.

[EB]

29ers are great for this - tall people finally got a bike that looks best as a XL

[cnighbor1]

Once top tube slopes it in my opinion it loses a lot in appeal
The old road frames the pros rode in the 70's and early 80's are the best in design for aesthetics

[Jonah]

I definitely think larger sizes 58cm - 60cm looks best, headtube length is a big factor imo

[m_sasso]

I agree with Charles, however rotate those bars and levers, please and maybe two black walls or two gum walls, OK?

[soulspinner]

Originally Posted by black dog

54 to 56. Level top tube or slightly sloping.

this

[spacemen3]

My preference is for a 57 or 58 with a head-tube length of less than 18cm. And I don't mind a sloping top-tube.

[AngryScientist]

I think this Hampsten that is posted on ebay right now hits the sweet spot to my eye.

[bsullivan94]

Originally Posted by philhan89

56. Level tt.

yes

[bob_in_pa]

I think its' a combination of what you're used to looking at and the proportions of tubing diameter to frame size. For example, a frame built prior to the mid 80s or so, with standard diameter tubing, looks best (to me) somewhere around 56cm. Later oversize steel looks better a little larger (58-60cm?). The huge aluminum tube frames can look good over 60cm. Now my frames are all between 63 and 65 cm so I suspect I'm drawn to the look of larger frames then most.

The sweet spot for me was the 90s. Ie. Horizontal TT, oversize/shaped tubing, "robust" chainstays, double taper fastback seatstays, curved forks with fully slopping crown.

-Bob

[rain dogs]

All answers other than a 52cm seattube and 54cm horizontal top tube* are wrong, 'cause.... the golden ratio and all that.

(* provided we're talking road racing frames, of course.)

[witcombusa]

Besides actual frame size, other factors play a roll too for aesthetics.
Point deductions below;

-1, extended headtube
-1, horizontal dropouts
-2, tig welded
-2 sloping toptube
-2, dog leg fork bend
-4, straight fork
-5, 1x drivetrains with stupid large cogs

[kppolich]

Always a toss up due to the amount of steerer and seat post height. That, and larger frames with 700c wheels usually play tricks on the eyes.

[kiwisimon]

I ride a 55 56 and that is what attracts my eye.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what appeals to the individual is just perfect, for each individual.
There are some bikes that many gush over that do nothing for me, but I can't stand Ben Folds Five or IPAs either.