OCRider2000

I hate to sound cynical here but, I'm guessing your LBS's number one priority here is making sure you buy a bike from them. The other stuff like " is this the right frame?" I'm afraid is going to be secondary. Remember that.
I wouldn't make my frame selection based soley on the Competitve Cyclist calculator numbers. The competive fit will make for a fairly aggressive setup. Compare their numbers with everything else you learn. How much saddle to handle bar drop can you tolerate? What reach (saddle to handle bars) feels best to you? What is the reach of your present bike? Do you feel long, bunched up or just right? Try this calculator too https://www.wrenchscience.com/Login....=R&stylecode=R

wrench science gives you optimal reach numbers. Compare this number with your present bike. Where are you fore\aft wise with your saddle? Remember this variable effects reach. What about your saddle height on your present bike? Is is set perfectly or do you anticepate changing this? This will impact reach as well.

Figuring out what the best size\geometry frame for your dimensions and riding style is not a simple process. You're gonna want to educate yourself a little here. It seems like the most common mistake I see folks making with their frame selection is going with a bike that is too long. Another mistake is assuming your old bike is the correct size\geometry and buying a new bike that is the same (I've done this one). There's lots of good info on the web and also tons of good info on this site. Do a search on "fit" in this forum. The "second thoughts" you are having now will be nothing compared the "second thoughts" you will feel if you end up with a bike that requires all kinds of compromises in order for you to ride it.

BlastRadius

Why are you all so against 90mm stem? I've ridden a 90mm for years and it certainly isn't skittish (to me at least). I'm only now checking out 100mm (and maybe 110) to get a little more stretch in the drops.

*edit: usually with smaller bikes that require a shorter (90mm) stem have a slightly more relaxed head angle too (.5 degree usually). Maybe that's why it doesn't feel skittish to me.

rivalV

The 49cm Specialized Roubaix has a 51.8cm effective top tube and 125mm of head tube. Everything else in their product line is going to have too much saddle to bar drop. Maybe you could try that bike with appropriate stem, and if it doesn't fly get your money back or use the deposit for some accessories.

Flywolf

ok, just came back from an almost one hour fitting session, don't know why I was worried about sizing when the fitter knew exactly what he was doing.

You guys were 100% right, the frame is not the right size for me, its too large.

He also didn't recommend buying the bike, he said its simply too big and have a long reach. He also tried a 75mm stem to make it feel like a size 50, and he said it won't, its too large of a top tube too.

So, I can't get the 928 C2C, and I am back to square one

As I mentioned before, they also carry Specialized bikes, he will have a smaller Tarmac for me to pick up tomorrow and keep for the weekend and see if works.

Final notes; Great LBS, great guys who didn't care about making the sale as much as being on the right size, I was worried about what will happen if they try to sell me size 53.

Again, thanks to the guys who recommended to check the sizing again.

I am off to do some research on sizing.

rivalV

That's awesome that they took the pressure off and want to see you on the right bike! When you test that Tarmac, keep in mind that its head tube is 100mm tall and the Roubaix's head tube is 125mm (in the smallest frame size 49cm). You can only safely stack ~40mm of spacers under the stem, so if the drop is too much on the Tarmac but everything else works, consider the Roubaix.

A link to whet your appetite on the Tarmac:
https://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2007...ialized_boonen

Flywolf

rivalV, many thanks again for all your help and expertise in the subject, will keep that in mind tomorrow when I test ride the Tarmac.

MattMuney

If you are buying a bike as a grown adult that needs a stem that short, you need a smaller frame size. I have a 90 mm stem on my bike, but I am still growing. The frame is too large for me right now, but in a year or so after I grow some more I can stretch out the fit with a longer stem. Right now it is a little bit of a compromise, but eventually I will be able to have a good fit. It's much better than buying a bike in a 52 cm size, outgrowing it, and being out 2k. Since you are not growing, it makes no sense to ride a bike with that short of a stem-it is too much of a compromise.

Flywolf

I agree Matt, thanks for the advise