Hybrid Bicycles - Pondering a 56 centimeter Specialized Allez. I'm 6' 4" tall.

Bon Jour,

I’m looking at buying a Specialized Allez. The frame size is 56 centimeters. I’m 6 feet and 4 inches tall and I weigh 190 pounds. My inseam is 34 inches and my shirt size is an 18 collar and 36 inch sleeves.

I prefer road bicycles and the Allez would be lighter and faster than my Giant mountain bicycle with an aluminum frame. And the price is reasonable. From the size charts I looked at, 56 centimeters is a bit short for me, both in terms of height and the length of the top tube.

I’m thinking I would hike the seat up as far as it would go, lose those awful dropdown handlebars and install a nice pair of upright handlebars. (Dropdown handlebars are horribly designed from an ergonomic perspective. At the very least, the bottom parts should spread outward so the top parts don’t get in the way. But the crappy design doesn’t even manage to get that obvious thing right. Putting your hands on the top bar is a strain on the wrists. Riding for hours all bent over is a strain on your lower back and a strain on your neck because you’re holding your neck at an unnatural position just to see where you’re going.)

I looked at handlebar stems. I see there are a few that are adjustable. I could get one that is adjustable and goes up diagonally. That would give me more reach, both up and across. A bicycle in my size range is 60 centimeters. Only 4 centimeters more, which is 1.57 inches. I could certainly find a handlebar stem that goes up and over 1.57 inches.

There’s always an inflexible person in every crowd. I’m not interested in the opinions of people who only know how to do things one way. I’m interested in people who know how to gather data, piece it together and solve problems.

Thank you for your ideas, Anthony :)

You are all set. Have fun :thumb:

You're not going to find many good replies here in Road, even though you want a road bike. It's just that 99.99% of us don't set them up the way you want to. Nobody's wrong, just different.

I'm thinking you might want to try the hybrid forum. What do you think? Let me know and I could move the thread there for you. :)

First post in the 41. You'll fit right in.

There’s always an inflexible person in every crowd. I’m not interested in the opinions of people who only know how to do things one way. I’m interested in people who know how to gather data, piece it together and solve problems.

Thank you for your ideas, Anthony :)

Too small. Great first post BTW.

too small.

:popcorn

and if you're serious it's too small.

I’m interested in people who know how to gather data, piece it together and solve problems.


Sorry - he passed away yesterday (http://onion.com/r8MB0a).

I ride a 56cm frame, am 6'2" and 32" inseam and and I'm really pushing it. My next bike will probably be a 58.

Bon Jour,

I’m looking at buying a Specialized Allez. The frame size is 56 centimeters. I’m 6 feet and 4 inches tall and I weigh 190 pounds. My inseam is 34 inches and my shirt size is an 18 collar and 36 inch sleeves.

I prefer road bicycles and the Allez would be lighter and faster than my Giant mountain bicycle with an aluminum frame. And the price is reasonable. From the size charts I looked at, 56 centimeters is a bit short for me, both in terms of height and the length of the top tube.

I’m thinking I would hike the seat up as far as it would go, lose those awful dropdown handlebars and install a nice pair of upright handlebars. (Dropdown handlebars are horribly designed from an ergonomic perspective. At the very least, the bottom parts should spread outward so the top parts don’t get in the way. But the crappy design doesn’t even manage to get that obvious thing right. Putting your hands on the top bar is a strain on the wrists. Riding for hours all bent over is a strain on your lower back and a strain on your neck because you’re holding your neck at an unnatural position just to see where you’re going.)

I looked at handlebar stems. I see there are a few that are adjustable. I could get one that is adjustable and goes up diagonally. That would give me more reach, both up and across. A bicycle in my size range is 60 centimeters. Only 4 centimeters more, which is 1.57 inches. I could certainly find a handlebar stem that goes up and over 1.57 inches.

There’s always an inflexible person in every crowd. I’m not interested in the opinions of people who only know how to do things one way. I’m interested in people who know how to gather data, piece it together and solve problems.

Thank you for your ideas, Anthony :)
Drop handlebars are a wonderfully designed from an ergonomic perspective. There is a reason why over 90% of cyclists who regularly cycle for more than a couple of hours at a time use drop handlebars - do check out the long distance cycling subforum if you don't believe me. You just need to try them out on a properly fit bicycle, not on one several sizes too small.

Since you like gathering data, why don't you actually gather some data on a subject before giving a horribly misinformed opinion?

Recumbent

I am 6 2 with 34 inseam I ride a 61 and a 59. Both work great my guess is this way small.

Didn't read it but a 56 is way too small for someone that's 6'4". You should be looking at at least 60cm IMO and even that might be small depending on the geometry and your proportions. You will never make a 56 work.

Why not just get a hybrid bike?

Drop bars give at least 5 hand positions if you care to use them. Flat bars have one unless bar ends, and then 2 or 3 at most.

This helps reduce hand and wrist fatigue.


If you do want flatbars anyway, the hybrid forum is definitely the place for you. Really fast and light flatbar bikes do exist-- Cannondale Quick 1, Trek FX 7.9, Specialized Sirrus Limited, and many others.

RecumbentYou want him to convert an Allez into a recumbent?

I'm 6'3" with a 36.5 inseam, and ride a 60cm Orbea Onix ("compact" frame), a 62cm Gunnar Roadie ("semi-compact"), and a 65cm Trek 610 ("traditional" geometry, vintage 1984). I'd say the 56 is WAY too small for you. You'd probably have serious trouble getting sufficent height and reach in your handlebar position. DON'T DO IT!!

SP
Bend, OR

Hybrid.

You want him to convert an Allez into a recumbent?

THAT would be something wouldn't it?

lose those awful dropdown handlebars and install a nice pair of upright handlebars.

I'm sorry, but this just screams troll to me. If you're serious, however, the bike is too small for you. Also, a properly set up top bar will be in a very similar position to flat bars and behave the same for the wrists.

You can always replace the bars with Mountain Drop bars. The drop ends flare out to the sides, just like you say they should.

You seem to indicate you have back flexibility issues. The correct solution is not to "baby" your back, but to actually become more flexible through consistent and safe stretching practices.

Sounds like you are trying to turn a road bike into a wheelchair. Is that how you want to grow old? Coddling yourself so that you become a fragile, inflexible old guy? Better to get flexible and strengthen your core. Then a road bike won't seem as ridiculously uncomfortable as you are making them out them out to be. Do it while you still can.

I'm sorry, but this just screams troll to me.

Agreed

Yep...yep...yep...

http://intensities.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/king_of_the_hill_alley.jpg

it's like...

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/1962/tribike001copy.jpg

BillyD, yes, that's a good idea about moving the conversation.

The reason I'm looking at this Specialized Allez is it's cost effective, which means cheap!

There is no way I'm going to spend $600 or more on a bicycle. I'm used to tinkering with cars, changing alternators, starters, replacing brake parts. Changing a bicycle stem is a breeze.

I thought this was a troll post for sure.

Now he posted again and I'm not sure.

There’s always an inflexible person in every crowd. I’m not interested in the opinions of people who only know how to do things one way. I’m interested in people who know how to gather data, piece it together and solve problems.

Thank you for your ideas, Anthony :)

I think a 56 will be too big for you at 6'4". Try a 48.

BillyD, yes, that's a good idea about moving the conversation.

The reason I'm looking at this Specialized Allez is it's cost effective, which means cheap!

There is no way I'm going to spend $600 or more on a bicycle. I'm used to tinkering with cars, changing alternators, starters, replacing brake parts. Changing a bicycle stem is a breeze.
While you are at it try to put another chainring on the left side, put a rear single speed wheel with a cog on the front fork and add a chain. That way you get twice as much power and can go faster.

you should get a tri bike, you'll be much happier with the lighter weight and the ergonomic design :rolleyes: just keep gathering that data ;)

Now THAT'S funny!

- Slim :)

:):thumb:

Bon Jour,

I’m looking at buying a Specialized Allez. The frame size is 56 centimeters. I’m 6 feet and 4 inches tall and I weigh 190 pounds. My inseam is 34 inches and my shirt size is an 18 collar and 36 inch sleeves.

I prefer road bicycles and the Allez would be lighter and faster than my Giant mountain bicycle with an aluminum frame. And the price is reasonable. From the size charts I looked at, 56 centimeters is a bit short for me, both in terms of height and the length of the top tube.

I’m thinking I would hike the seat up as far as it would go, lose those awful dropdown handlebars and install a nice pair of upright handlebars. (Dropdown handlebars are horribly designed from an ergonomic perspective. At the very least, the bottom parts should spread outward so the top parts don’t get in the way. But the crappy design doesn’t even manage to get that obvious thing right. Putting your hands on the top bar is a strain on the wrists. Riding for hours all bent over is a strain on your lower back and a strain on your neck because you’re holding your neck at an unnatural position just to see where you’re going.)

I looked at handlebar stems. I see there are a few that are adjustable. I could get one that is adjustable and goes up diagonally. That would give me more reach, both up and across. A bicycle in my size range is 60 centimeters. Only 4 centimeters more, which is 1.57 inches. I could certainly find a handlebar stem that goes up and over 1.57 inches.

There’s always an inflexible person in every crowd. I’m not interested in the opinions of people who only know how to do things one way. I’m interested in people who know how to gather data, piece it together and solve problems.

Thank you for your ideas, Anthony :)

If you're serious then: -
a) The 56cm bike is probably too small.
b) Since you're fine with tinkering with mechanical parts, just get a bike on bikesdirect.com You'll be able to get one that doesn't have drops, has a similar frame and same wheels as a road bike, and is faster and lighter than your Giant MTB. And the price will be reasonable.
c) Try the hybrid forum, as suggested. My hybrid is a road bike with straight bars. Since I've gotten a drop bar road bike, it's been stripped for parts. :D

Switching from drops to straight bars isn't trivial ($-wise) because of different shifter/brake systems.

Sounds too small..Go for the 54

I match your dimensions very closely. Inseam, height, etc.. I tried like hell to make a 56cm frame work. Long stem (130 or 140mm), 44 cm bars and a 30mm offset seatpost. The verdict - I could not ride comfortably over 20 - 25 miles without discomfort. I tried many saddles, I double-wrapped my bars, used gloves, etc.. At best I was "O.K." for a little bit. I finally gave up, sold the bike & got a fitted & bought a 61cm frame. The result? no issues. That was 2 years ago.

It sounds to me like your mind is already made up (which makes no sense that you would post a question regarding the issue, and then defend going to the 56cm frame). If that's the case, go buy it. Ride it. You have to deal with the consequences of your actions. No body else.

I have a 56 cm Allez and I'm 5'11". I have a 2" shorter cycling inseam and I could maybe get comfortable on a size down (54) but I really think the one you're looking at will be way too small.

the flair drop bars I have found are made by salsa called the woodchippers, but I don't like the hood angle for riding on the hoods... so it's tops or bends or drops only... my compact bars don't bump my wrists when in the drops... perhaps he is referring to improperly installed drop bars.

The 56 will be fine. And you seem like the perfect candidate for this bit of cycling genius.

http://www.backupbarz.com/images/left-photo.gif.

i'm not sure, anthony, why you're even asking for an opinion when your mind is clearly made up. buy what you like, but don't say we didn't warn you.

Why don't you get over yourself?

I thought this was a troll post for sure.

Now he posted again and I'm not sure.

Just shows to go ya, it's not always easy to tell.

Why don't you get over yourself?

Pot. Kettle.

"[H]orribly designed"?!?! Wow.

Enjoy yourself with your one-hand-position-and-they're-ALL-uncomfortable-straight-bar way-too-small clown bike. I'd really like to know your opinion about bicycle ergonomics and what is and isn't "well designed" after you ride THAT for five or six hours. Non-stop.

Thank you for the input Clydeosaur. I used to work with a guy named Clyde. He was wonderful! He had a superb sense of humor.

Well, the thing is, this one is going for $250. I think it's my only chance to buy a light weight road bicycle. Do you remember Pygmalion? The Professor said (paraphrasing from memory) - Don't miss a chance! The difficulty is in finding them. They don't come every day.

And I figure, if it really is too small, I can sell it for at least as much as I paid for it.

I am often in situations that don't apply to anyone else. That is the nature of being Anthony. Bruce Lee wrote about not sticking to any one style. When he did stick to one style, it took longer for him to win a fight.

Happy Trails :)

BTW, I don't appreciate the jerks who showed up in this thread just to make fun of the OP. Everybody that thinks differently or sees things differently than you is not a troll. This is not junior high school, people different than you do not deserve your abuse.

You're not funny! You need to grow up, and soon. Some of you are way too old to be acting this immature. You know who you are.

Well, the thing is, this one is going for $250. I think it's my only chance to buy a light weight road bicycle. Do you remember Pygmalion? The Professor said (paraphrasing from memory) - Don't miss a chance! The difficulty is in finding them. They don't come every day.

the cost is totally irrelevant. if it doesn't fit you - and 56 cm, which fits me about right at 5'11'', is almost certainly too small for you at 6'4'' - then it isn't a good deal no matter what it costs. however, this



And I figure, if it really is too small, I can sell it for at least as much as I paid for it.


is probably correct. so i suppose if you're just trying to make some money, you can buy it and re-sell it, but please look for a larger bike if you really want to ride it.

ask on hybrid forum, more upright position may accommodate a smaller frame. Rides less than 20 miles or less than an hour of riding time probably won't matter too much comfort wise. But if you are going to ride in an upright position the saddle might not work very well either.

Was this nice enough BillyD

Thank you for the input Clydeosaur. I used to work with a guy named Clyde. He was wonderful! He had a superb sense of humor.

Well, the thing is, this one is going for $250. I think it's my only chance to buy a light weight road bicycle. Do you remember Pygmalion? The Professor said (paraphrasing from memory) - Don't miss a chance! The difficulty is in finding them. They don't come every day.

And I figure, if it really is too small, I can sell it for at least as much as I paid for it.

I am often in situations that don't apply to anyone else. That is the nature of being Anthony. Bruce Lee wrote about not sticking to any one style. When he did stick to one style, it took longer for him to win a fight.

Happy Trails http://www.bikeforums.../images/smilies/smile.gif

I know how hard it is to wait for a bike to come along - decent ride, decent price & the right size - it's like waiting for the stars to align. However, unless you will purchase this bike, and use it mainly for the components, I'd pass. I run into problems finding riding stuff, as well as clothing in general in general. Size 14 riding shoes, jerseys that are long enough & fit the neck & arms, sturdy wheels, Jeans, sneakers, etc.. Unfortunately, being 6'4 & 215 just isn't the norm...

I looked up an '09 Allez (don't know the year of what you are looking at), and a 56 has a 565mm top tube length. I am 6'3" and ride a flat bar bike with that length top tube, so it could work. The frame will be really low, and like you said you need a long seat post, but hey, they make them. So you know, for that length to work for me, I have a 130mm stem.

You know that the drop bar shift / brake levers are not sized for a flat bar right? They clamp on a larger diameter. Don't know your plans for shifting and braking, but keep it in mind.