Peter2290

So I'm looking to get my first road bike and have decided on a Bikes Direct Windsor Fens based on value and my brother's previous dealings with BD. I went to a sort-of-LBS (who carry Specialized) and got to ride a 56cm Secteur which seemed to fit fine. The guy there said a 58 would probably be a tiny bit too big.

Now the top tube of the 56cm Secteur is 56.5 cm, however with the Fens I can either get a 56cm top tube, or a 57cm top tube. I'm not sure which way to go on this because I tried to fit my brothers 60cm Motobecane (59.2cm top tube) and it way too big.

Based on this, I'm still not sure because I used the Competitive Cyclist measurement tool and was told a 55.9-56.3cm top tube for the Eddy Fit, and a 57.1-57.5cm for the French fit.


I think it pretty much comes down to sizing up or down just slightly. What would you guys recommend (besides not getting a Bikes Direct bike)?

Thanks a lot.

-Peter


EDIT: Fens Geometry - https://windsorbicycles.com/aluminum.htm
Secteur Geometry - https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...mpact#geometry

Campag4life

Why don't you post the geometry chart of the bike you are interested in and the geo chart of the bike you feel fits well?
The Secteur has a tall head tube which I personally like but the Fens may not and you maybe comparing apples with oranges and end up with a very different fit.

Peter2290

Sorry about that, just added 2 links.

Campag4life

Peter,
Its pretty reprehensible that BD does not post head tube lengths, nor stack/reach nos. for their frames.
Only thing you can do is write to them and ask what the head tube length for the Fens size 56cm.
BD to my knowledge do not make an endurance geometry like the Secteur which is the same geometry as the Roubaix.
My guess is the head tube length with be in the 160-170mm range and hence the handlebar height will be quite a bit lower.
For the average road biker...and especially those starting out, the geometry of the Secteur you rode is hard to beat and the
fit of the Fens will not be the same. I ride a Roubaix btw and it is a wonderful bike...rode 70 miles today in fact.

Peter2290

Yeah, I had a feeling that was going to be the case. I would love a Secteur but I want at least Tiagra components and I just can't afford the $1400 it is for a Secteur Elite.

I'm trying to save money for school and really can't justify spending over $800 for a bike especially since I need to buy everything else as well (helmet, clothes, tools, etc.). I'll write to BD about the head tube and see what they say.

Thanks for the help though.

unionmade

At $799, I'd look at the bd Schwinn. Looks to have a more relaxed geo, plus it's Reynolds 520 with 105 compact.