please help new guy

jjayf said:

Hey all, I'm new to this forum and was wondering if you could give me a bit of advise. I want to upgrade to a more comfortable faster bike. I am rideing 20-60 miles a day on an specialized allez...aluminum frame 58cm...which is too big ( I'm 5'11) on country rouds here in reaford nc... I was wondering what bikes people recommend...I have been looking at trek 5200-5500 used bikes and Specialized Rouboaix ....I was wondering what smaller companies that are out there with models in the smae price and performance range.

I also did some measureing and calculating and have come up with the following dimensions for a frame; about a 55 seat tube c-c and top tube about 54 cm this translates (at least in trek terms) to a 54cm frame..that seems tiny! is that correct?
any and all help is appreciated.
thanks.
jay🙂

I am 6'0 tall and I also need a 55 (I ride a trek 54 cm). It only seems small since you are currently riding a 58 cm. To assist with your choice between Specialized and Trek. The Roubaix and the 5000 series Trek's have a big difference in frame geometry. Specialized uses body geometry, kinda like Giant's compact road design.

The top tube slopes, this is probably why you were able to ride a bike that is too big for you. If you see a Trek 58 cm, think about where that top tube connects to the seat post, and part of you should jump for joy that your last bike was a BG frame.

I ride a Trek and a Giant; the difference in feel is notable. My Giant is similar in frame shape to a Specialized bike, and it is easier on my body for long rides. I would say, go with the Roubiax. The carbon fiber frame with Zertz inserts should really soften up your rides. It's not a sprinter and doesn't feel as stiff as some sprinting bikes. Throw a leg over both bikes and see which you like better. My guess would be the Roubaix.

The other bikes to consider are the Trek Pilot series, which is similar to the Specialized Roubaix series. As you go up in price within these two series, it appears that Specialized upgrades the frame first, and then the components, while Trek upgrades the components first and then the frame. Thus, at the same price, the Roubaix is more likely to have a better frame with lower level components, while the Pilot will have higher level components with a lower level frame.

If the Trek 5000 series is they way you are leaning, then also consider the Specialized Tarmac series. For long rides, where comfort is more important than speed, then I would be more inclined to go the Roubaix or Pilot route.

The 54 frame size sounds about right, but it also depends on your inseam and reach. Try both the 54 and the 56.

Sorry to be a little off-topic but I just was reading over this and it stuck out. I'm 5'10" and 175 lb. and I ride a 56cm Trek 2200. At first it seemed a little odd when I upgraded from my Trek 1200 but after adjusting the bars and seat position and angle I found a comfortable medium and can easly ride 60 miles in a day no problem.

What is the best way to measure to ensure your riding the proper size?

Again I'm sorry for hijacking the thread.

elephen said:

Sorry to be a little off-topic but I just was reading over this and it stuck out. I'm 5'10" and 175 lb. and I ride a 56cm Trek 2200. At first it seemed a little odd when I upgraded from my Trek 1200 but after adjusting the bars and seat position and angle I found a comfortable medium and can easly ride 60 miles in a day no problem.

What is the best way to measure to ensure your riding the proper size?

Again I'm sorry for hijacking the thread.

In-seam makes the difference. Not every "body" is built the same. Where a 54 cm works for me, at 6'0 with a 30 inch in-seam, it may be just a bit too small for you. If Trek made a 55 cm it would be ideal, but since so many people will fall in between sizes, it is just a matter of what feels right.

The best way to know if the bike you are riding is the right size for you, is to have trust in the person who sized you up for the bike. I ride 2 or 3 three days a week with the guys from my local shop, and I would never argue road bike particulars with guy who fitted me up for my bikes.

Three years and three bikes later, no complaints what so ever. If you ride a lot and don't seem to be in pain, then I would say your bike is the right size. Since seats and bars can be moved, there are many combinations to achieve the "right" fit. As long as you find it, it doesn't really matter how you got there.

Gentlemen thanks for the help
I decided to go to a bike shop and test ride some bikes...I actually like treks in 58 and specialized in 56....I think I have just gotten used to bigger bikes.
I just sent payment on a used trek 5500 i figured for the price of a lower end carbon bike, and that the time i have little time to research and test ride all kinds of small companies I would go for a popular one....we shall see what it looks like when it gets here...I'll take it in to the local shop and get it fitted.
thanks again for your help
after listening to many expert opinions that conflicted greatly I came to one conclusion ... within the range of about 5cm its all about how it feels to you.
thanks again
jason

Gentlemen thanks for the help
I decided to go to a bike shop and test ride some bikes...I actually like treks in 58 and specialized in 56....I think I have just gotten used to bigger bikes.
I just sent payment on a used trek 5500 i figured for the price of a lower end carbon bike, and that the time i have little time to research and test ride all kinds of small companies I would go for a popular one....we shall see what it looks like when it gets here...I'll take it in to the local shop and get it fitted.
thanks again for your help
after listening to many expert opinions that conflicted greatly I came to one conclusion ... within the range of about 5cm its all about how it feels to you.
thanks again
jason

I got my bike in tha mail yesterday and spent all night putting it together and cleaning it.....I even got the dremel out to polish the tarnished aluminum....and rubbed out the paint with some compound....it needs some tires and maybe a chain but.....the bike is awesome...I had a little remorse when i pulled this scratched up filthy bike out of the box but after some hard work it looks great and rides a thousand times nicer than my old heavy aluminum specialized....the fit is comfortable so far ....i'll take it aout for a long ride tomarrow