6ft using 56cm frame and +30 deg stem, should I go for 54cm Trek Domane frame?
 

Hi All,

I find that the leaning forward position of my 56cm frame road bike leaves my lower back in a mess after a long ride. I switched to a +30 degree stem to put me more upright, and now my back problems are gone.

For my next bike, I was thinking of a Trek Domane, but in size 54. To me, this looks like it should work because it will put the handlebars 2cm closer to me. and although the seatube will be 2cm shorter than a size 56, i'll just put the seat tube up more. As far as my toe overlapping and hitting the front tire, this is my great fear.

Can any Domane owners or others chime in to comment on using a slightly smaller frame to create a more upright riding position? is this good or bad?

Id say you may have less back problems on a bigger frame, shorter stem 58, rather than a bent way over smaller frame and a longer stem, 54.
but I wont be riding it. try test riding a few more bikes. at your Trek dealer..

a Coworker at the LBS has an Aluminum Domane.

I ride a Brompton, More.

( Hanging from a hook is my 56cm RB1 [level top tube] .... I'm 5'9" aging down from 5'10 & putting on some Kg. )







...

+1 on a bigger frame. I am 6 inches shorter and ride a 54 and possibly could go bigger. If you go smaller, you won't be able to get the saddle far enough behind the cranks. I also use a 30 degree riser stem, but I only have a fistful of seatpost exposed, so the frame geometry fits. Go bigger, really.

I had a custom frame built to fit me, and recently discovered the dimensions are almost identical to a 54cm Domane. I ride quite upright. I'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam. Based on this (the similarities between my bike and what you are thinking about), I think it would be way too small for you.

I'm 6'2" or so, maybe a little less due to the ravages of gravity. I got a 58cm Domane, with a 110mm (maybe 100?) stem, which stretched me out a bit too much. Got an 80mm replacement stem (the Bontrager Race XXX carbon stem was not cheap, but I found one on eBay) and this works great for me. Didn't think I'd like the shorter frame, but its perfect for me.

Interested in knowing what your Trek dealer recommends. Mine originally thought I'd be better off on a 60cm, but put me on a 58 to test and we both agreed that the 58 fit me well. Initially I was riding more on the tops, but now am getting to ride more on the drops. I did swap out the bontrager handlebar for a Ritchey WCS carbon Pro Logic II. I like the geometry better, and it seems to absorb vibrations better.

But I love the Domane. A terrific steed.

I am 5'10" when I stand really straight while thinking happy thoughts. My actual inseam using the Comp Cycle method is 33". I test rode a 2017 Domane S5 in size 56 and felt it a bit cramped. Note that my other two bikes (one I've had since 1990) are bigger frames. In any event, my LBS had a customer's Domane in the shop that was a 58---no test ride, so don't anyone go off. We checked it out noting the taller/longer head tube allows a bit more upright position. I ended up purchasing a 2017 Domane SL6 Disc in 58 that had gone on summer sale that AM at $1000 off (same price as the 2018s btw). I rode it a couple of weeks and then replaced the original stem (100mmx7 degree I think) with a 70mm x 7 degree. I've since changed the seat, and have a new Brooks B17 Imperial I'm going to install (probably tomorrow since the century I'd set out for cancelled for weather)...I'll be messing with the seat for a bit longer since I've also new pedals and shoes in queue. I have about 620 miles on the bike. It is a great bike.

I'd say to look beyond the seat post sizing and get some geometry charts which list reach and stack for the frames/bikes you're considering, compare that to what you're riding. It's not hard to envision rider position from one to another using reach and stack.

Your thoughts on how a bike will fit are screwed up.

Someone 6' should be looking at 58-60 sizes. Having a smaller bike will only make you lean over even more.

You need to go to a fitter.

I agree - on a 56 at 6' - it's either going to be just right or you're going to need a bit longer of a stem - depending on your personal geometry. I would probably not get a 54 if I were 6'. I'm 5'9-5'10 and ride a 54, and have been fine on 56's in the past...the only way I'd get a 54 at 6' is if a bike shop guys fitted me up on a 56 he had in stock and was like "yeah a 54 will fit you better, so let's special order you one in" etc. That's to say that even if he had it in stock, I'd think he was just trying to clear stock to sell me a bike that didn't fit.

Agreed. 56 is too small. I'm 6'1" and ride a 58 with 110mm +10? stem which I plan to turn upsidedown so it's a -10. On a 56 my hands and butt were going numb. Switched up and 90% of those issues are gone.

If you have the cash, a Retul bike fit would be a huge benefit. They'll figure out which brand, size, and model bike has the right fit for your body shape. If not, a fitter at your LBS will do a good job too..but they will just sell you what's in THEIR store.

Curious also-what is your goal? If you want to ride upright maybe a different style bike is for you. When I switched from my mountain bike to road bike I too wanted to ride upright. I switched the stem to 80mm +17. It looked ridiculous but it got me used to riding a roadbike. I put the original longer/lower stem on once I got used to things.

Matt

Im 6'2" and for years I rode smaller frames 58, 56.5 and at 63 years old I was feeling mostly my upper back/neck soreness. Recently switch to an xl frame with a shorter stem and right away I felt the difference even though it was a matter of a couple of cm.