Originally Posted by
mLuMaN83
I currently have a 2016 Tarmac Comp and I am wanting to get a new bike to get me through the next 10 years+. My bike is fantastic, but the new tech is calling my name. Florida rider so most rides are on the flats with some occasional hills in the Gainesville area. I have my eye on the SL8 Pro.
I currently ride a 54 frame and shops have told me that this is the correct size. However, I have had to move my seat pretty much as far as it will go forward to feel comfortable. I am thinking a 52 may be a better option. I use the stock stem with the 16 Tarmac Comp and a slightly narrower bar and it feels good with the seat all the way forward.
I am about 5'7 with a shin length of around 16-16.5 inches. My current seat height feels good at 28 inches. There is a 54 and a 52 to look at, but they are 3.5hr+ drive from me.
What are your thoughts on this? I am leaning toward 52. What are the main differences in frame sizes? Length? Height? Ever since I bought my tarmac in a 54, it just felt a tad large to me. I am not a serious racer. I just love to get out by myself and push it for 20 miles or an occasional group ride.
Here's a photo of my current setup where things feel comfortable.
I have 54cm SL8, I am 5’8” with 30.5” inseam.
saddle height is 26.5” so your legs must be longer. I have short legs and long torso.
i also have my saddle all the way forward with a set back seat post and stock 100mm stem.
they do have a zero set back post but it only comes on the 52cm and smaller frames.
In most bikes I ride a 52 because of the standover, but the SL8 has a sloping top tube so I am able to ride a 54 and the taller stack is better for me. You could certainly ride a 52 cm but it will be lower stack.
