RittleLedHiding

Hi everyone, I'm kind of new to biking and am looking for some opinions on bike sizing.

Background:
About 5 years ago, I purchased a new 2010 Cannondale Caad9 5 from my LBS. I did not have any knowledge about bikes and they did what I assume was a basic bike fitting for me. The bike was a size 52cm. This was the size on the sticker that was on the frame of the bike. I rode it regularly for a few months and it seemed to fit fine. After the few months, I tore my ACL and was going to have knee surgery, rehab, etc. so I decided to sell it. Cut to 5 years later, earlier this spring, I decided to give biking another shot. I picked up a Sirrus hybrid and within weeks wanted a road bike. After some searching, I found the same bike, same color, same size, same everything in practically brand new condition. The price seemed right, so I bought it. I figured that this was the same size and bike the LBS had me fitted for so it would fit.

I've been riding it 3-4 times a week about 20 miles each time and just can't seem to get really comfortable. I was 26 when I got the first one, and 31 now. I doubt I did any growing since. I also have not put on any extra pounds or anything. I have continued to workout religiously and consider myself to be in good shape. I have been researching online, adjusting the seat, the bars, etc almost a few times a week. Sometimes its my knees, sometimes its my lower back, sometimes, shoulders, and now after some adjustment mainly my butt, and sometimes shoulders. I have also started using bike shorts, and gone clipless.

After the adjustments through research online, it seems like I should have at least gotten a size 54cm bike. I am 5'9.5 and 160 pounds. I included the measurements that I just did for the competitive cyclist online bike fit and the frame geometry I found for the bike. The graph is for a caad9 1 but it should be the same as the 5. Can anyone tell by this information if the bike is too small? Can it be made to fit? The bike came with a 90mm stem. I tried a 110mm and it felt like i was reaching too far. I am currently using a 100mm stem with about 1 inch of spacer on the steerer tube.

A bike fitting by me runs about $375 from what I've found so I'd like that to be a last resort. Sorry for the long post, any help is appreciated. Thanks!

cale

Is it possible that you are just sore because you started riding again?

The bike size does not sound unreasonable but as you point out, there's more to fit than frame size.

For the knee soreness, focus on spinning to minimize strain. Try to maintain 80-100 rpm on the flats.

Back and neck soreness can be caused by lack of particular muscle group development and work itself out over time.

Try riding on flat pedals with cages if you have been using cleats to narrow the possibility of pedal issues.

Just some thoughts.

johnyguy

I'm 5'9" and I ride a 54cm my first bike but I think I could be riding a 52 as well if the synapse comes in that size my inseam is 32" the 54 fits me good so far but I do work out so I'm kind of mascular so I guess that's helps to avoid neck pain or back pain so far knock on wood .

What's your inseam? Maybe it's just a matter of getting use to it

dalava

The Cannondale geometry is pretty much middle of the road, meaning if you don't have disproportionally extra long legs or torso, you should be able to dial in the fit with a reasonable sized frame. Assuming that's the case, a 52cm frame may be a tad small for you, but certainly could work.

Here is how I would go about it:
- Get a setback seatpost if it doesn't come with one. Preferable with a lot of setback to work with
- Set the saddle height and fore-aft position where when you sit on the saddle, you will have about 30 degree knee bend at the bottom of the stroke, and the knee slight behind or just above the pedal spindle (KOPS)
- Once you have the above set, now search for your hand placement on the bar where you feel the most comfortable. That should determine if your current stem is too long or short. And make adjustment accordingly.

I would do all this after some warm up.

69chevy

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...e-you-buy.html

rms13

Im around 5'10.5" and road a 54 caad9 quite comfortably with a 120mm stem.

topflightpro

Without seeing you on the bike, it's hard to give a definitive answer on whether your bike is the right size, but given what I know Cannondales and you being 5'9", my guess is that yes, a 52 is too small.

The big issue is the short headtube, which will have you bending over a lot more than a 54 or maybe even a 56. For a 52, you're looking at 12 cm vs. 14 on a 54. There are a few cheap options to make the head tube taller, including going with a higher degree stem (17 percent) flipped up, or a steertube extender. You may want to try one of those options first. eBay is a great place to find cheap stems to try out new fits.

But if you do want a larger frame, particularly a 56, PM me. I know a guy selling a brand new 56 Caad 10 frame. He'll give you a smoking deal.

cale

Here we go again, the Deal...

bassjones

Most of what you're describing sounds like new rider aches and pains. If the steerer tube hasn't been cut, you may want to try some spacers and/or a stem with a bit of a rise. The stock Cannondale stem is 7degrees on the CAAD9. If you were comfortable on your old bike, you may just need to find the stock Cannondale stem for the 52.

Shuffleman

I have to admit that the 52 seems a little small for your size but without more specific dimensions it is hard to know. Some people have longer arms and or legs than others. Others have given you solid advise about adjustments but the one thing that really strikes me is that you stated that a fitting costs $375 in your market. That is really expensive and I am assuming that it is a specialized fitting and not a basic fitting. Basic fittings typically run between $50-$100. I would call a lbs and inquire about the cost of a basic fitting. When you go in, take your extra stems with you. They should tell you if your bike is the right size and if they can actually size you for it. Also, keep in mind that you last rode a bike 5 years ago. You are not as flexible as you were then. It happens. As we age, we have to do more to maintain that flexibility and little by little it disapates. At 31, you are still young but you are no longer in your "prime" athletic stage. Flexibility takes a hit. I would not worry, I would just go see a shop.
The worst case scenario is that the bike is too small. You just bought it used so you will take very little if any of a financial hit in selling it. Getting the right fit is essential though whether it is this bike or another one.

bigdo13

JESUS, you tore your ACL at the age of 26?

RittleLedHiding

Thanks everyone for all the tips and suggestions. I adjusted the seat height and the fore/aft positioning using KOPS. I also used the non spd side of the pedals with regular shoes as Cale suggested. Today was the first time I tried the 100mm stem (6 degree) and it felt the best compared to the 90 and 110. Overall, not much pain or discomfort after 30 miles.

I do feel like I have to get way too low when trying to ride in the drops though. I will try a 100mm with 17 degrees next as suggested by Topflightpro to raise it some. I think this would get me pretty close. If it doesn't, I'll look into getting a basic bike fit.

Shuffleman, I was told the $375 bike fit uses computers, etc so it probably isn't a basic fitting. I will look into next if the higher stem doesn't work.

Bigdo13, I did tear it at 26 from basketball...why do you ask? Is it common for cyclists to tear their ACLs at an older age?

69chevy

If you got your seat height and setback sorted, measure your seat to bar distance and I believe you will find the 110mm stem is perfect.

I'd also put in a lot of miles riding on the hoods before you decide to raise the bars with an upside down 17 degree stem. You will spend most of your time on the hoods, and as you gain some flexibility, you will find it gets easier to go lower to hit the drops.

RittleLedHiding

69Chevy, thanks! I'll measure it when I get home today. And I think I will try the 110 again with +6 (I may have used -6 the first time). After using some of the stem calculators online it seems like 17 might be too much rise.

rms13

I don't understand your level of shock. ACL tear from sports related injury can happen to anyone. Plenty of high school atheletes with ACL tears

bigdo13

Yeah, it happens to guys that play football and run track and generally play the sports where there's a significant amount of pressure applied to your joints and ligaments...

Cycling isn't a sport that typically does that...it's remarkably easy on the joints as long as you aren't mashing down on gears that are too difficult for you. Many