Commodus

I thought this was a troll post for sure.

Now he posted again and I'm not sure.

Seattle Forrest

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

UCIMBZ

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.

panamapete

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

Seattle Forrest

idc

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.

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

Gorden Gekko

Sounds too small..Go for the 54

clydeosaur

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.

bengreen79

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.

MikeyBoyAz

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.

svtmike

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

.

pdedes

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.

AnthonyStrfield

Why don't you get over yourself?

BillyD

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

achoo

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.

AnthonyStrfield

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

BillyD

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.

climber7

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

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.

southern rider

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

clydeosaur

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...

RollCNY

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.