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Need a more relaxed fit Is 56 too big for me??

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Need a more relaxed fit Is 56 too big for me??

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Old 10-23-15, 12:06 PM
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Need a more relaxed fit Is 56 too big for me??

I’m about 5’8 and currently ride a 54” tarmac. I got such a good deal I just went with hit. When I got fitted on it the fitter said it’s and aggressive bike made to be raced and as a result has an aggressive fit.

About a year later I’ve gotten stronger and better and ride longer, but I still get an occasional sore back after around 20 miles although I have worked on my core and it’s gotten better I just can’t help, but think a 56 would be better for my more laid back type of riding. I’m 45 don’t plan on racing and do a lot of hills. Right now the bike is fast snappy and I love riding it, but it just seems like it’s made for crits and not long centuries.

I did get some basic measurements from a local guy who said 55 cm would be best since I have short legs and a long torso.

I put the geometry of both side by side and included a pic in hopes of determining if I should stick with a 54 or move up to 56.

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Old 10-26-15, 11:52 AM
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I'm 5'7" on a light gravity day and ride a 54mm Specialized Secteur which also has a 54mm top tube. I adjust the fit slightly from early season to mid season as cycling fitness improves with increasing miles. Early on, the bar is even with the seat and I use a very short stem. Later on I find I like to be stretched out a bit and use a longer stem and lower the bar a bit. So the best fit can be adjustable. If you can adjust your present bike with a higher bar and shorter stem, that might be enough.
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Old 10-26-15, 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by berner
I'm 5'7" on a light gravity day and ride a 54mm Specialized Secteur which also has a 54mm top tube. I adjust the fit slightly from early season to mid season as cycling fitness improves with increasing miles. Early on, the bar is even with the seat and I use a very short stem. Later on I find I like to be stretched out a bit and use a longer stem and lower the bar a bit. So the best fit can be adjustable. If you can adjust your present bike with a higher bar and shorter stem, that might be enough.
thanks for the tips.. I think I could probably make it work, but don't want to pull the trigger if a 54 would be a better fit initially over a 56.
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Old 10-26-15, 12:45 PM
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Higher bars and closer to you . is what I'd call a relaxed Fit..

you will unweight the front wheel a bit in the process..

A tall steerer tube would probably be a Special request , as Built up bikes get a formula cut in the factory in Asia.
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Old 10-27-15, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
Higher bars and closer to you . is what I'd call a relaxed Fit..

you will unweight the front wheel a bit in the process..

A tall steerer tube would probably be a Special request , as Built up bikes get a formula cut in the factory in Asia.
Ok if that's the case then a 54 which is more compact would probably be more relaxed than a 56 in my case right?
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