mkwdrs

Overweight rider considering Spec Sequoia or one of the Roubaix's. On a 56cm frame, the reach to the hoods are at my max with the stock stem. If I put on a shorter stem, I probably could get it comfortable for me. The 56cm is definitely the biggest frame that I could handle.

So, should I get the 54cm or 56cm? I would think that the 54cm might give me a little more flexibility.

The confusion comes in when one bike shop says absolutely 56cm and 54 will be too small. Other bike shop says absolutely 54cm as 56cm would be too big. Both sizes probably could be made to work.

What is your sizing advice?

jaxgtr

Have an official sizing at a bike shop and\or visit bittingfitting.com Most will do a free sizing if you buying a bike otherwise based on the version, from $40 to $100. This should help make the decision.

kensuf

I ride a 55cm bike, problem solved.



While I am serious about my frame size, what fits me wouldn't fit the majority of my friends who are taller or shorter; each person is different. How tall are you? What is your actual inseam? How about your reach? How flexible are you?

FWIW, I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam (I wear "30s" for the inseam length of my pants). I can fit in either a "standard" 54 or a 56 with a shorter stem.

If you can find a place locally that'll do a real "bike fit" then you should go see them. The whole process will take about an hour or two (multiple measurements), but it's worth it.

mkwdrs

Without shoes, I am 5' 10" and inseam is 30.5. I usually wear pants with an inseam of 30. I stood over a 56cm Roubaix, it does not touch, but it is close meaning not much room for error. I think the only way a 56cm would work is with a shorter stem.

To me, it would seem the 54cm would allow a little more room for adjustability.

jaxgtr

I'm the same in height and inseam. I did a full fitting as Ken mentioned and I was sized to a 56cm with a shorter stem. The 54cm was just a little cramped in the reach area, which is why I decided to go with the Pilot. I might have a slightly larger frame, but the reach is good. The fitting took me an hour and 15 minutes, but was well worth it. Just make sure you take your riding shorts, as it will make the measuring, reaching, ect a little easier.

kensuf

Yeah, it does sound that the 54cm is a better deal for you; your legs are about 1" shorter than mine, but I can flat foot my 55cm with no problems. You should be able to touch the floor barefoot without the family jewels smacking the top tube.

Do you have a "longer" than normal torso?

Do check into getting a real "fitting" done. If their idea of fitting you is eyeballing it and then having you ride a trainer for 30 seconds while they raise/lower the seat, then they're not doing you justice. In all seriousness, the shop I bought the lightspeed from spent two hours with me taking various measurements before they said it was good enough for me to ride, and while I have adjusted a few things since then (new saddle = new seatpost height & aft/fore), the difference between the proper fit on my litespeed and the "eyeball" fit that was done on my giant (used purchase from a private seller, just sort of tried to wing it myself) made for a night and day difference.

At the very least you should have inseam, torso length, sternal notch, and arm length measured.

BTW, since I'm assuming you're new to cycling, I'd like to use this moment to also suggest getting a nice pair of shorts with a padded chamois. Welcome back to the fold, you'll find that cycling is easy to do as it's just like riding a bike. (hahaha, sometimes I just kill myself).