Road Cycling - Frame Size .. is too "big" fatal? Can I adjust?

Help. Couldn't resist getting back into road cycling ( long, long break) and bought
a Specialized Allez Elite Chromo (compact geometry) that says it's equivalent
to a 54cm frame. I rode a 52 in the past and all the measurements put me in
at 52.7 or so.

The bike felt great on initial ride and my reach to the bars seems fine. Only complaint
after a moderate one hour ride is a pain "on" the anterior of my knee ( hurts when I press on it
- not when I get up and down).

Is it fatal to ride a bike that is on paper too big but feels fine ( I assume I will be able to adjust
to overcome the knee issue) ? Are there adjustments I can make? Thanks, Ray ( first time poster)

I've logged countless hours on a bike that was "too big" for me. If it works for you, what's the problem?

As for the knee pain, try playing with the seat hight a bit, that makes a huge difference.

So your measurements(you were sized?) say a 52.7cm is your proper size? A 1.3 cm larger frame should not matter much at all. The compact frames are designed to accomodate a range of sizes, in theory, so you can adjust stem length for fit.

Your knee problem is not related to frame size although it may be related to seat height.

Fatal as in will you die from riding a bike that is 1 cm too big for you. I doubt it. I would take it back in to the shop where you bought it and explain the knee pains and see if they can help you dial in the exact set up you need. I measure for a 60 cm frame, but ride a 58. It's never bothered me.

Thanks for the replies. Will look into the seat height and perhaps a fitting.

No, fatal only if it was a bad mistake in the purchasing decision. Again, thanks.

Thanks for the replies. Will look into the seat height and perhaps a fitting.

No, fatal only if it was a bad mistake in the purchasing decision. Again, thanks.

I agree with the other posters...sounds like you actually set your seat too low...that often accounts for pain in the knee...

Now, it could be fatal if you were busy looking down at the frame worrying about the size when you went smack dab into one of those old GMC pickups that people use to sell slurpees by the side of the road...yup, that could be bad

Z

I agree with the other posters...sounds like you actually set your seat too low...that often accounts for pain in the knee...

Now, it could be fatal if you were busy looking down at the frame worrying about the size when you went smack dab into one of those old GMC pickups that people use to sell slurpees by the side of the road...yup, that could be bad

Z


Thanks for the advice and I deserve the humorous bashing for the use of the overly dramatic word "fatal" in describing my situation.. Thanks again..

Thanks for the advice and I deserve the humorous bashing for the use of the overly dramatic word "fatal" in describing my situation.. Thanks again..

Let me know how the position change goes...and no offense meant by the "bashing"...I was just amused at the idea of the preoccupation causing a disaster...

G'day,

agree with most of the other posters. 2cm isn't going to be a huge issue for you. You can muck about with seat height, stem length, crank length, bar height etc so that its no issue. Most fitters will look at all these things when deciding on a recommended size for you. In the end, its all about comfort. The knee issue has nothing to do with the frame size,

cheers,

Hitchy