Fitting Question
 

I had a 2007 Specialized Allez Comp which I just sold because when I was fitted, they said it was a bit too small for me and could not be adjusted any further. I just found a Cervelo on Craigslist that I'm interested in but not sure if this will fit either.

The Specialized was a 56cm (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=21894)

The Cervelo is a 2009 S1 58cm (http://www.cervelo.com/en_us/bikes/2010/S1/geometry/)


The problem with the Specialized is that they raised the seat as high as it would go and my legs would still not fully extend. Close, but not quite enough. I'm 6'1" and I'm hoping this Cervelo would be able to be adjusted to me.

Can someone please take a look and provide feedback?

Thanks

If that was the only problem, it could have been easily sorted with a longer post. The variable you can't do anything about is top tube length.

I'm not sure you're going to get much useful advice with the scant info you've provided; all I can tell you is that 58 sounds like roughly the right size for a 6'1" bloke. However, it depends on the ratio of your torso length to your arm and leg length.

It's not about getting any old bike you can 'adjust' to you by hanging odd-sized bits off it; for example if you fall in the middle of the bell curve for proportions, you should be using a stem close to 120mm. If you have normal proportions and you need to use a 80 or 150mm stem to get comfortable, something's wrong and the bike won't handle right.

I'd suggest researching the question a bit; you should be able to find a spreadsheet you can plug your measurements into in order to give you somewhere to start. Then I'd test ride some bikes to get a feel for what difference small changes make.

Coughing up for a nice bike when you're not totally sure if it'll fit is a bad move. We can't make you totally sure; you have to experience a good fit for yourself.

Just to complicate the picture even further, you may find the perfect position doesn't feel like it at first, and takes some getting used to... on the other hand, there's prolly no such thing, given the number of compromises involved and our ability to get used to almost anything. But just beware of 'different' feeling 'odd' - it usually takes a few minutes at least to adjust to a change in position, so reserve your judgement.

Based on the info you provided also look at this: Is the 56mm Specialized measured from center of BB to Top of Seat tube or center of top tube? Same with the Cervelo. Find out exactly how many milimeters you would be gaining from the change of frames. For instance your Specialized might be measured from BB center to center of top tube, and the cerevelo might be measured from BB to top of seat tube. This means that both frames might be more similar than you think! Plus 2mm isn't exactly very much unless thats all you need, but remember your seat tube is already up as high as it will go on a 56! Maybe 60 will be more your size. I went through 3 frames before I found my somewhat perfect fit.

I am 6' 1" as well. When I recently purchased my Specialized Allez from an LBS, I tried out a 61 cm and a 58 cm. I have average proportions, and found the 61 cm bike to be slightly too big. The 58 cm bike fit perfectly and came home with me. If I was the one considering the Cervelo, I'd compare the overall dimensions of the bike to what Specialized shows on their site for a 58 cm bike. This should get you a size to start with. Unfortunately, 6' 1" is a borderline height for many bike makers. This means the 58 may fit great on one bike, but may be a bit small on the next bike.