5'11"... 52cm... uh oh.
06-25-09, 02:39 PM
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06-25-09, 02:51 PM
#27
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Thanks for all the feedback guys!
I'm going to bring the bike into the LBS tomorrow as the owner said he'd make sure everything fits right for my personal peace of mind. The guy claims he wouldn't have sold me the bike if when I got on it in the shop it didn't look like a good fit but this feels like a classic sales man move. The good news is I already have a potential buyer willing to take the bike off my hands at a very small loss ($50 pedals and bottle holder) so I'm thinking I'll probably just sell the thing at that little bit of loss. The shop has been in business for 32 years so I figured they'd be a good one with plenty of knowledge (especially since I was dealing directly with the owner) but looks like I got taken to the bank. The owner said tomorrow I can take a CAAD9-7 56cm out for a ride to see if I can feel a difference in the ride.
I'm not sure of my inseam I know when buying pants I usually go 32'ish length if that helps at all. Regarding the generic sizing where you lift the bike. If I straddle the top tube I'm seeing about 2 inches from my ... "t'aint" (for lack of a better word) to the top tube. When riding the bike I have the seat raised a good bit and can fully extend my legs without problem and the reach also feels pretty good... but I don't know what "good" is supposed to feel like. As for my proportions I'm pretty vanilla as far as leg to torso ratios go.
I hadn't thought of calling C'dale I figured they'd give me a "well do your research next time" response. I'll hit up another LBS and get proper measurements and a second opinion from them to see. I'll post back with more info when I get it.
Thanks a lot everyone!
I'm going to bring the bike into the LBS tomorrow as the owner said he'd make sure everything fits right for my personal peace of mind. The guy claims he wouldn't have sold me the bike if when I got on it in the shop it didn't look like a good fit but this feels like a classic sales man move. The good news is I already have a potential buyer willing to take the bike off my hands at a very small loss ($50 pedals and bottle holder) so I'm thinking I'll probably just sell the thing at that little bit of loss. The shop has been in business for 32 years so I figured they'd be a good one with plenty of knowledge (especially since I was dealing directly with the owner) but looks like I got taken to the bank. The owner said tomorrow I can take a CAAD9-7 56cm out for a ride to see if I can feel a difference in the ride.
I'm not sure of my inseam I know when buying pants I usually go 32'ish length if that helps at all. Regarding the generic sizing where you lift the bike. If I straddle the top tube I'm seeing about 2 inches from my ... "t'aint" (for lack of a better word) to the top tube. When riding the bike I have the seat raised a good bit and can fully extend my legs without problem and the reach also feels pretty good... but I don't know what "good" is supposed to feel like. As for my proportions I'm pretty vanilla as far as leg to torso ratios go.
I hadn't thought of calling C'dale I figured they'd give me a "well do your research next time" response. I'll hit up another LBS and get proper measurements and a second opinion from them to see. I'll post back with more info when I get it.
Thanks a lot everyone!
06-25-09, 03:00 PM
#29
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So I've been riding with a group of friends and getting my bike advice second hand. I recently wrecked my existing bike (a crappy retail Schwinn varsity... needed a new crank) and decided since I've gotten more into biking (50 miles a week) it was finally time to make the plunge.
I did a little bit of research before hand but already had my heart set on a White and Red CAAD9 at the LBS. I went into the shop talked to the owner and walked away the proud owner of a C'dale CAAD9 6. I love the bike so far but as I become more well versed in more expensive and serious bikes I realized I'd picked out the wrong frame size. From what I've gathered being 5'11" basically 6' in shoes I should be riding between a 56-58cm frame for a proper fit. Problem is I picked up a 52cm frame.
So what should I do?... The ride feels pretty good but I've never ridden a "properly fitted" bike persay and don't really know what a "good ride" feels like. This thing feels leaps and bounds better/faster/stiffer than my old junker but that is to be expected. I went in and spoke with the LBS and the owner stands by his decision to let me walk with 52cm frame. He says it fits me and if it didn't he would have mentioned it when he was sizing the seat and such in the shop.
I feel like a complete schmuck and since the shop I purchased from doesn't buy or sell used I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place. The owner said I could bring the bike in and he'll readjust everything to ensure it's a good fit but trading up to a larger frame isn't an option at his shop. I could probably trade it up at another shop however... should I if the ride feels good?
I've put about 70 miles on the bike so far in the past week and a half averaging 18-20 mph without aches or pains I would associate with a frame being to large or small but as mentioned I'm speaking out of pretty much complete ignorance as to what "good" feels like.
So what would bikeforums do?
Sorry for such a long winded post.
I did a little bit of research before hand but already had my heart set on a White and Red CAAD9 at the LBS. I went into the shop talked to the owner and walked away the proud owner of a C'dale CAAD9 6. I love the bike so far but as I become more well versed in more expensive and serious bikes I realized I'd picked out the wrong frame size. From what I've gathered being 5'11" basically 6' in shoes I should be riding between a 56-58cm frame for a proper fit. Problem is I picked up a 52cm frame.
So what should I do?... The ride feels pretty good but I've never ridden a "properly fitted" bike persay and don't really know what a "good ride" feels like. This thing feels leaps and bounds better/faster/stiffer than my old junker but that is to be expected. I went in and spoke with the LBS and the owner stands by his decision to let me walk with 52cm frame. He says it fits me and if it didn't he would have mentioned it when he was sizing the seat and such in the shop.
I feel like a complete schmuck and since the shop I purchased from doesn't buy or sell used I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place. The owner said I could bring the bike in and he'll readjust everything to ensure it's a good fit but trading up to a larger frame isn't an option at his shop. I could probably trade it up at another shop however... should I if the ride feels good?
I've put about 70 miles on the bike so far in the past week and a half averaging 18-20 mph without aches or pains I would associate with a frame being to large or small but as mentioned I'm speaking out of pretty much complete ignorance as to what "good" feels like.
So what would bikeforums do?
Sorry for such a long winded post.
Plus if you understand this stuff, you are fore-armed if you go back to that bike shop or any other.
Road Fan
Last edited by Road Fan; 06-25-09 at 03:08 PM.
06-25-09, 03:07 PM
#30
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the op needs to read up on fitting and at least post his cycling inseam or an accurate saddle height. Without those dimensions, no one can make an intelligent comment about the fit.
It would be rare for the 52cm caad9 to fit properly, unless, like another recent poster, he has very short legs for his height. In that case, the 52cm may be ok, but would most often require a 130-140mm stem to get enough reach.
It would be rare for the 52cm caad9 to fit properly, unless, like another recent poster, he has very short legs for his height. In that case, the 52cm may be ok, but would most often require a 130-140mm stem to get enough reach.
06-25-09, 03:10 PM
#31
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6'1.5'', 36(ish)inch cycling inseam, 58cm CAAD9(110 stem, 0 setback post). I get pain in my quadriceps femoris above my kneecap and pain in the shoulders, plus occasional numbness in my arms. I have been told I am on a frame too small for me. go to a different bike shop, get fitted there, plead your case(asking for some kind of trade in), and hope for the best. if all goes well, ride to the other shop, roundhouse kick that owner, and ride off into the sunset.
06-25-09, 03:37 PM
#32
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Thanks for all the feedback guys!
I'm going to bring the bike into the LBS tomorrow as the owner said he'd make sure everything fits right for my personal peace of mind. The guy claims he wouldn't have sold me the bike if when I got on it in the shop it didn't look like a good fit but this feels like a classic sales man move. The good news is I already have a potential buyer willing to take the bike off my hands at a very small loss ($50 pedals and bottle holder) so I'm thinking I'll probably just sell the thing at that little bit of loss. The shop has been in business for 32 years so I figured they'd be a good one with plenty of knowledge (especially since I was dealing directly with the owner) but looks like I got taken to the bank. The owner said tomorrow I can take a CAAD9-7 56cm out for a ride to see if I can feel a difference in the ride.
I'm not sure of my inseam I know when buying pants I usually go 32'ish length if that helps at all. Regarding the generic sizing where you lift the bike. If I straddle the top tube I'm seeing about 2 inches from my ... "t'aint" (for lack of a better word) to the top tube. When riding the bike I have the seat raised a good bit and can fully extend my legs without problem and the reach also feels pretty good... but I don't know what "good" is supposed to feel like. As for my proportions I'm pretty vanilla as far as leg to torso ratios go.
I hadn't thought of calling C'dale I figured they'd give me a "well do your research next time" response. I'll hit up another LBS and get proper measurements and a second opinion from them to see. I'll post back with more info when I get it.
Thanks a lot everyone!
I'm going to bring the bike into the LBS tomorrow as the owner said he'd make sure everything fits right for my personal peace of mind. The guy claims he wouldn't have sold me the bike if when I got on it in the shop it didn't look like a good fit but this feels like a classic sales man move. The good news is I already have a potential buyer willing to take the bike off my hands at a very small loss ($50 pedals and bottle holder) so I'm thinking I'll probably just sell the thing at that little bit of loss. The shop has been in business for 32 years so I figured they'd be a good one with plenty of knowledge (especially since I was dealing directly with the owner) but looks like I got taken to the bank. The owner said tomorrow I can take a CAAD9-7 56cm out for a ride to see if I can feel a difference in the ride.
I'm not sure of my inseam I know when buying pants I usually go 32'ish length if that helps at all. Regarding the generic sizing where you lift the bike. If I straddle the top tube I'm seeing about 2 inches from my ... "t'aint" (for lack of a better word) to the top tube. When riding the bike I have the seat raised a good bit and can fully extend my legs without problem and the reach also feels pretty good... but I don't know what "good" is supposed to feel like. As for my proportions I'm pretty vanilla as far as leg to torso ratios go.
I hadn't thought of calling C'dale I figured they'd give me a "well do your research next time" response. I'll hit up another LBS and get proper measurements and a second opinion from them to see. I'll post back with more info when I get it.
Thanks a lot everyone!
How long is the stem?
06-25-09, 03:38 PM
#34
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+1
I'm 5'9 to 5'10. Every "calculator" and "fitting guides" including on the web says I should be on a 54cm bike. But my 52cm CAAD9 6 feels good, and I still needed to move my saddle forward from the "neutral" position by ~2cm.
I'm 5'9 to 5'10. Every "calculator" and "fitting guides" including on the web says I should be on a 54cm bike. But my 52cm CAAD9 6 feels good, and I still needed to move my saddle forward from the "neutral" position by ~2cm.
06-25-09, 03:51 PM
#35
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I'm 6' tall and ride a 58cm bike with a 58cm top tube and a 73 degree seat tube, as well as a 120mm stem and a setback seatpost. It fits great. But I have a longish body and long arms, so it works. Everyone's different.
06-25-09, 03:53 PM
#36
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6'1.5'', 36(ish)inch cycling inseam, 58cm CAAD9(110 stem, 0 setback post). I get pain in my quadriceps femoris above my kneecap and pain in the shoulders, plus occasional numbness in my arms. I have been told I am on a frame too small for me. go to a different bike shop, get fitted there, plead your case(asking for some kind of trade in), and hope for the best. if all goes well, ride to the other shop, roundhouse kick that owner, and ride off into the sunset.
I'd say you have a clueless fitter who doesn't know what he's doing.
In most cases, the smaller size frame can be made to fit the same as the next larger size, just by changing the stem length and angle. Your proportioning is the same as mine, although I'm much smaller. The next size larger CAAD9 would have 10mm more reach (requiring a shorter stem) and 15mm more head tube length. If you wanted a frame that produces a recreational fit for comfort, you bought the wrong model.
06-25-09, 03:53 PM
#37
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As for my Stem length I'm not sure don't have the bike with me at the moment I'll check it when I get home.
06-25-09, 05:26 PM
#38
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You guys must have really long necks.
I am 5'7" and tried riding a bike with a 52cm TT and 90mm stem. It was great for climbing but was too cramped otherwise. But it definitely took a longer ride to make that realisation, you should do the same and use that knowledge to learn what geometry would suit you best. I have my doubts that a fitting machine will tell you any better.
I am 5'7" and tried riding a bike with a 52cm TT and 90mm stem. It was great for climbing but was too cramped otherwise. But it definitely took a longer ride to make that realisation, you should do the same and use that knowledge to learn what geometry would suit you best. I have my doubts that a fitting machine will tell you any better.
06-25-09, 05:33 PM
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I'm 5' 10" with 32" inseam (based on my pants) and I ride a 56 Cannondale, so I guess there's a pretty wide variety of "correct fit". I tried a 54 years ago but preferred the 56.
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06-25-09, 06:34 PM
#40
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About 5 years ago when I was brand new I was sold a Trek that was to big for me. I did not know this for at least the first year until someone asked why my seat was all the way down.....
Its true that some shops will try and sell you what they have in stock to just get a sale. I cant believe a shop with 32 years business would do this though. Good luck!
Its true that some shops will try and sell you what they have in stock to just get a sale. I cant believe a shop with 32 years business would do this though. Good luck!
06-25-09, 08:24 PM
#43
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70 miles ... I'd make them swap it. start nicely then become more forceful.. I bet you have massive saddle to bar drop.
06-25-09, 09:43 PM
#44
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Try standing over the bike and picking it up with one hand on the bar, and one on the saddle. Pick it up as high as you can, all the way up to your pelvic bone. Then have someone else look at the distance between the tires and the floor. It should only be a few centimeters. This will give you a rough idea of sizing, though there are plenty of more precise ways if you need them.
06-25-09, 09:55 PM
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Unless you're freakishly disproportional I'm guessing it's way too small. Some people prefer the upright feel of a comfort bike and if so then you'll like a smaller frame that with normal equipment will have short reach.
To fit that bike you'll have a foot of seat post and 140cm stem. Then it will be squirlly handling.
A 56cm would probably land you somewhere in the middle of your fit. Although a 58cm might be better suited if you want the traditional road bike it.
For reference I'm 5'10" with about a 34" inseam and ride a 55-58 depending on the manufacture.
To fit that bike you'll have a foot of seat post and 140cm stem. Then it will be squirlly handling.
A 56cm would probably land you somewhere in the middle of your fit. Although a 58cm might be better suited if you want the traditional road bike it.
For reference I'm 5'10" with about a 34" inseam and ride a 55-58 depending on the manufacture.
06-25-09, 10:43 PM
#46
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yea I've already found a buyer thank god so turning it around shouldn't be a problem it just sucks that I have to find a new bike shop because I won't be giving these guys another dime and they're literally 50 yards from my office.
06-25-09, 11:18 PM
#47
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5'10.5" on a 53cm Giant TCR. Fits just fine. Different sized bikes for different sized people. But, if you aren't used to an aggressive position that a small bike demands, then you've got the wrong frame.
06-26-09, 03:10 PM
#49
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The reason it's sometimes thought to be needed is when the fitter uses KOP rather than rider weight balance to adjust the fore/aft position, with a rider who has short femurs. In cases like this, the proper setback will more likely have the knee 1-3cm behind the pedal spindle, for a good weight balance, ignoring KOP.
06-26-09, 05:20 PM
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I dunno, A 52 cm for a guy 5' 11" sounds small to me. I am willing to bet that the seat is not at the proper height. If the seat needs to go up an inch or so you may not be so comfortable. I think of the average 5' 11" person riding a frame in the range of a 56-57 cm c to c. but almost anything can be "made" to work.