Is Trek road bike sizing accurate?
 

I have a Trek SL5. I'm firmly in the 54cm category for Trek with no overlap of the 52cm (about 2cm out of category). Could barely reach the hoods of the 54cm (pinched nerve trying). The only way to make the 54cm work was to drop down to a 70mm stem. 2 years later and more seasoned I believe I needed a 52cm... I was fitted into a 54cm by the LBS (free fitting) though a year later another gent helping me with a small purchase noted I should probably be on a 52cm and recommended the shorter stem which is what I finally did (he offered a free swap). Trek later told me that if I need a 70mm stem then the bike is too big but it's a cheap and easy alternative.

What have you Trekkies experienced? Am I goofy or is this chart bogus.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b245356f93.png

Trek Road Size Chart

Don't like walking into the shop & test riding the bikes in person?

a lot of it is taste and discussing your planned use .. go-fast , shorter , the longer rides bigger..

of course the age of the employees and their biases in their favorite riding, influence things..

Trek University has an online employee training set of courses, as them if they studied any of those?

..

Yes I went in person but it was my first road bike and I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew is that I really wanted a road bike. Was also told I would stretch out more as I biked more. Got put on the bike by the fitter and told this was good. I was new. The chart agreed and the fitter was seasoned. Felt right I guess.

Anyways I'm not trying to rant about LBS just trying to get perspective on Trek sizing. I agree it was part my fault but I definitely didn't go in requesting a 54cm (or any size).

I'm an old guy I'd have to see you in person, on the bike..
yout chart assumes all peop;e are the same leg to torso and arm lengths
out of an i Robot /android factory, which is unrealistic.



I am not schooled in the latest trends..

as a touring oriented cyclist
I used a bike to go see places.. If I were shopping for a new Trek bike it might be a 520..

Maybe some of the younger guys will opine in the topic
via the bike fitting sub section.

https://www.bikeforums.net/fitting-your-bike/
a selfie from the side of you on the bike may help them.







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