Need Sizing

Were you able to get proper knee alignment and deflection on the bike they fit you on? Sizing is often based now on "virtual" figures depending on compact or semi-compact, or standard frames and other stuff like that so I wouldn't get too hung up on the "number" but concentrate on "the fit." That's why it can be hard to order a bike without trying it first, and why most of the posts like this will recommend doing what your doing and getting a fitting. Anyway, If the bike fits with respect to the crank (and you're comfortable) then move to the cockpit and reach, drop etc... If you need to lengthen the stem too much you can compromise handling etc... Make sure and ride it off the trainer.

I would ask, are you stuck on a particular bike that may not be suited to you physically, and are they "trying to make it fit" because you want it, it's a good deal, or they need to move it etc...? Do you trust this shop? How does this position compare to your old bike? If you were "used to" an improper fit before it will take a few rides for your body to adjust to a new position etc...

cmortal said:

Greetings,

This is my first post....I am looking to get a new road bike. I have gone through a professional bike fitting. My inseam was measured at 36.5" or 92.7 cm. I re-measured myself and I was 35.5" or 90.5 cm inseam...

There have been a few bike shops that are trying to put me on a 56 cm frame - they say I will be too stretched-out with a larger bike. I think a 56 cm seems a little small for my inseam and height (6' 2"😉 Can a few of you weigh in what you are riding today and what size you think I should be looking at.

Thanks,

Inseam measurement is probably a bigger determinant of what the saddle height should be rather than a determinant of frame size. Top tube length (or virtual top tube length) is probably a more important dimension in determining proper frame size. Their basis of suggesting a small frame size may be based on measurements of your torso and arm length, which affect your reach and are thus determinants of what you might need in top tube + stem length.

Since you are a pretty long legged guy, another factor in fit may be getting the saddle far enough back to give you the right relationship to the pedals.

What I would suggest is to test ride the sizes that the shop predicts for you in terms of fit and see if you feel comfortable. Also ride a larger size (with similar stem size) and see if it feels better or worse. Remember that fit kit type measurements are based on averages and are useful as starting points. Individual fit has to be customized based on your individual anatomy as well your flexibility, riding style, etc...

CDAKIAHONDA said:

Were you able to get proper knee alignment and deflection on the bike they fit you on? Sizing is often based now on "virtual" figures depending on compact or semi-compact, or standard frames and other stuff like that so I wouldn't get too hung up on the "number" but concentrate on "the fit."That's why it can be hard to order a bike without trying it first, and why most of the posts like this will recommend doing what your doing and getting a fitting. Anyway, If the bike fits with respect to the crank (and you're comfortable) then move to the cockpit and reach, drop etc... If you need to lengthen the stem too much you can compromise handling etc... Make sure and ride it off the trainer.

I would ask, are you stuck on a particular bike that may not be suited to you physically, and are they "trying to make it fit" because you want it, it's a good deal, or they need to move it etc...? Do you trust this shop? How does this position compare to your old bike? If you were "used to" an improper fit before it will take a few rides for your body to adjust to a new position etc...

The bike that they were trying to fit me on was a 56 cmCervelo Renaissance (steel) The first time I went into the shop they measured me at 58.5 cm frame. The second time I was at a bike show the same bike shop measured me and said I was a 56 cm. From the professional bike fitting, it says that I am 59.5 head-set to center tube (top tube) and 603 (frame size). In general most of the bike shops in my neighbourhood have not been great. There have been a couple that seem to really be interested in selling you any bike they have in stock and charging a lot for it. There are a few others that seem to offer a better product and better selling experience but they seem to have higher-end frames - which prices me out of the market.

I am looking at a used 2005 trek madone 5.2sl 58cm which is located in another city - same goes for some new lower cost carbon bikes - pedal force, motebecane, scattante, etc. I would like to see if I can buy used or on-line to keep my costs down so probably won't get a chance to try the bike before I buy.

I am going to try another fit calculator tonight to see what comes-up...

competitivecyclist.comCCYOpen ↗

Quote:
"I would like to see if I can buy used or on-line to keep my costs down so probably won't get a chance to try the bike before I buy.

I am going to try another fit calculator tonight to see what comes-up..."

I guess My next question would be "what are you planning on doing with the bike?" Racing? Fitness etc...? What level of components, frame choice etc.. do you need for those goals? Full carbon, or maybe just carbon stays? Full D-Ace, or 105? Aggressive handling or more comfort oriented? I guess I mean, which part of the bike should you put your money into?

I know of a few guys who have successsfully ordered on-line bikes before and have been really happy. Some of the on-line shops can be really helpful, especially if you can provide them with good measurements. I would want to check their return policy, parts swap policy etc... Consider if the bike comes ill equipped to fit you. If you have to buy a new stem, bars, seatpost, saddle etc... the cost really goes up.

CDAKIAHONDA said:

Quote:
"I would like to see if I can buy used or on-line to keep my costs down so probably won't get a chance to try the bike before I buy.

I am going to try another fit calculator tonight to see what comes-up..."

I guess My next question would be "what are you planning on doing with the bike?" Racing? Fitness etc...? What level of components, frame choice etc.. do you need for those goals? Full carbon, or maybe just carbon stays? Full D-Ace, or 105? Aggressive handling or more comfort oriented? I guess I mean, which part of the bike should you put your money into?

I know of a few guys who have successsfully ordered on-line bikes before and have been really happy. Some of the on-line shops can be really helpful, especially if you can provide them with good measurements. I would want to check their return policy, parts swap policy etc... Consider if the bike comes ill equipped to fit you. If you have to buy a new stem, bars, seatpost, saddle etc... the cost really goes up.

Plan on doing mostly fitness and riding with a buddy of mine who does ironman competitions (if I can keep-up). Saw a few stages of tour de france in person last year so it's always been a dream of mine to ride a few of the stages in the next 2 years. 50 - 100KM rides on weekend. Don't plan on racing but like to go fast...

Thanks for the great points on the stem, bars, seatpost, and saddle.

I ride with an Ironman too. Change the tempo on him a lot, it makes 'em crazy😄

Right now most of the major magazines like VeloNews, Bicycling etc... have their "buyer's guides" out on the stands (web sites). You can look at a lot of machines in all kinds of price ranges and get some ideas. (Felt F75, Cannondale Synapse Alloy 2 etc..) Then you can go to the websites. My personal advice would be to find a new bike, probably steel or aluminum with maybe some carbon parts like seat stays and fork if you feel you must. I don't believe I personally would ever consider purchasing a bike before riding it myself, so if you don't live in an area with LBSs you like, consider a road-trip with your buddy. What could be more fun than that?

You're a big guy, so I would recommend putting the money into a machine with the best frame you can find, and then you can consider upgrading components later. I beat a lot of guys who were on carbon and Dura-ace with my $1200 105 bike when I first started racing. I have a lot of bikes now, but I still have that bike, and I ride it, and I still love it.

My main thought is that your initial query was about fit, and I do believe that is still the primary issue.