Bhamrider

Hey everbody. So I just got this 56cm Allez Elite, and I know the LBS know what they're doing, but I've been riding the bike for a few days now and I'm incredibly uncomfortable. I'm 5'11'' 153lbs. and I feel like I'm straining just to get my hands to reach the top of the brakes, which normally should be a comfy position. I end up having to put my hands on the flat part of the bars because it's the closest position and I'm not lunging forward. My arms also feel like they should be bent more, but what do I know. Is it rude for me to go get a bike fit from another LBS, or should I go to the same place and get another fit?

kevinmcdade

You should probably take it back to the same LBS and tell them the types of issues you are having.

soni_guin

or measure it to make sure it's a 56.. they might have accidentally given you a larger bike

SDRider

Could you get a shorter stem?

I started riding an older road bike I've had for years recently and I found that changing out the stem to a shorter one made a huge difference. Unfortunately, the LBS that did the change put the brake levers a bit too low and I feel like I'm reaching to get my hands on the hoods. But I'm much more comfortable on the drops and top of the bar.

kevinmcdade

Also, remember when you are being fit for your bicycle, give the fitter some input. My first couple of fittings ended up being the same as yours...bike not feeling right and uncomfortable. I went in for a full Serotta fitting today and asked ALOT of questions and gave ALOT of feedback. I let him know if something did not feel right and when one setting felt better than a previous setting. I brought every ache, pain, tingle and odd feeling to his attention. It took two hours for the fitting but my bike is PERFECT.

KevinF

I'd go back to the people you bought it from -- they should be willing to work with you until the fit is physiologically correct. The physical measurements and charts might say that the bike is currently setup correctly, but getting it physiologically correct is another matter entirely.

SteveAZ

Hmmm, stretched out on a 56 and you're 5' 11"? Do you have long legs and a shorter torso or arms? I test rode a 58cm Allez Elite, I'm 6' with a 6' arm span and wear a 33" length jeans. I actually had them "flip" the stem as well and didn't feel stretched out?? By no means am I questioning what's comfortable for you, but I'm wondering if the bike is stock if you just haven't given it enough time? I had someone get on my bike (TCR...large)that was 6'2" and complained they were "stretched out" when clearly the bike if anything was too small for them but they just weren't used to the positioning.

Just a thought, how many miles do you have on it?

biker7

Yup as Kevin said...a no brainer. Show up at the shop with a good attitude and ask the owner if you can put your new bike on their trainer and work with their most knowledgeable fitting tech. Most good shops want a satisfied customer for repeat business and referrals....and if its only been a few days you are still in your grace period.
They maybe able to tweak it without a frame change...BTW Lance is 5'11" and rides a 58cm Trek. Likely its more about your comfort with a road bike position than if the bike is too big...unless they have a monster stem on it.
One thing I have discovered about fit is...most cyclists have a preconceived idea about what size bike they should be riding irrespective of the what a fitter recommends. I know many who prefer a small bike for their body size independent of what a reputable fitter suggests...and it doesn't go away easy. I am the opposite...I can't stand a little bike...lol.
George

puddin' legs

I'll bet your fit is good, but the position is very different than your previous bike. If you've ridden your old short bike, the new one can be quite a shock and even cause some serious riding problems. Positions should be changed incrementally over time.

Golf XRay Tango

I bought a 56cm Allez a few months ago. It's the first time I've been on a road bike since I was a teenager in the 80's. I am also 5'11" and I have a 32" inseam.

At first, I felt stretched out on it. The LBS flipped up the stem on my first fitting. I've put about 800km on it since then, and now I feel very comfortable on it. I'll be flipping the stem back down in the next week or so.

In my case, it just took a little while to get used to the road bike position.

Dchiefransom

Not only can you flip the stem up, but if you get a shorter stem, buy it, and save the stock stem. If you get used to a more stretched out position, you'll still have the old stem.