[mudcat]

Hi y'all-
I'm looking at a Soma Doublecross frame but have a question about sizing. The geometry table lists the 52cm frame as having a 556mm top tube. This seems like the right size but I'm worried that this frame is more like a 52cm bike with a stretched TT than a 55cm bike with a sloping TT. I'm 5'10" with a 31.5 inseam(no shoes, book in crotch method). Anybody have any suggestions?

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)

Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

[gescom]

Hi Mudcat. I purchased a 54cm Soma Doublecross frame over the internet last year. I'm slightly under 5'10" in height and find the 54cm with its 57.2cm top tube a little bit long.

I ride with a 9cm handlebar stem around about 1 to 2cm below my seat height. This is with the stem at its lowest position (no spacers). This gives me a riding position with elbows positioned forward of my knees which I find comfortable. The position would make those Rivendell guys proud (45 degree angled back and knee positioned half-way down the top tube).

I've got it set up as a fairly dorky bike with flat handlebars, bar ends, downtube shifters :), rear rack and 700x37 tyres with fenders. Using 170mm length cranks I have no trouble with toe overlap with the front wheel fender. Good for off-road use.

Its a sweet ride but really I should have got the 52cm frame with an 11cm stem. The 52cm c-t would give alot of seatpost showing but I suspect it would handle alot better. As the headtube and uncut fork tube are generous in length I wouldn't see a problem with handlebar height. Top tube length is more important.

The closest bike frame size wise is the Jamis Nova (also uses 631). Its got a 53cm c-t model with a 55.5cm top tube and 55cm c-t with 57cm tt. If you could try one out you would have a good comparison to the Doublecross.

IMO either frame would fit but if your inclined for speed and proper handling get the 52cm, however the 54cm makes for good light touring use with its longer wheelbase.

Btw the paint on the Doublecross isn't the thickest you'll see and tends to chip easily.

[cachehiker]

5'7", 30.25" inseam.

My 48 cm Soma Double Cross measures very similarly to my 52 cm Felt F50. The seat tube on the Soma is exactly 48 cm and only a 1-2 cm shorter than the Felt. The effective top tubes are almost identical.

The frame leaves me with about an inch of standover. I also have about 1-2 mm of toe overloap with tall 35 mm tires, but clear 32 mm tires by about the same amount. When I've got the Freddy Fenders on it, my toes will hit the front fender if I'm not careful. My feet are also pretty small at size 40.5.

[mudcat]

Thanks, Quescom, your reply was most helpful!
mudcat

[mudcat]

Thanks for the reply Cachehiker. I can't deal with any toe overlap, although I hope it wouldn't be a problem on a 52cm frame.

[endform]

A 52?? I'm 5'9" and ride a 56 and a 57. It seems like you'd be hunched way over on a 52.

[climbhoser]

My endless internal debating continues....

I'm 5'10" with a 33.5" inseam and am on a 56cm Crosscheck. The TT is too long. I have a Thompson with seat all the way forward, and an 80mm stem with 25deg rise and about 2cm of spacers and I feel like the reach is close to right, but it's kinda extreme. The little stem isn't right, the way forward set seat isn't right (though I still have KOPS).

I was thinking a 52 Soma Double Cross as well, but wanted to make sure with the steeper seat tube that I wouldn't need a setback seatpost.

Anyone my size riding a 52? Whaddaya think?

[climbhoser]

A 52?? I'm 5'9" and ride a 56 and a 57. It seems like you'd be hunched way over on a 52.

As for this...

The 56 Crosscheck has a 121 mm headtube. The 52 Doublecross has a 116mm headtube. 5mm, so my spacering would go to an inch instead of 2cm, because the BB drop is the same.

Which reminds me, what length is the Soma Doublecross fork?