Nooob

Hi.

Thinking about getting my first road bike, but as my name suggests, I don't know what I'm doing.

I'm currently looking at the btwin triban 500se as it seems to get very good reviews for its price.

At 6ft, inside leg 34", I'm right between the 57 and 60. 34yr old male of that makes any difference.

To get as many opinions as possible, I've been to 2 different decathlons, and left even more confused each time. One said go with the 57, one said the 60.

I felt comfortable in different ways on both. The 60 felt slightly more stretched on the hoods, the 57 felt sightly cramped in the drops. Neither made me think "yup, that's the one", nor were either too uncomfortable. I'm not sure what I'm meant to like most, as it's the first road bike.

On my way home, luck would have it that I bumped into a young lady with the exact bike I'm considering. I'd guess she was about 5ft 9 or 10, and had the 57, but had fitted a shorter stem. She advised to go for 60, but I'm reading all over the place that if in doubt, go smaller.

I've thing that concerned me was the seat post on the 57 was almost at its upper limit, with only about 2cm left, and I thought it possibly looked a little bit ridiculous with the seat so high and my a$$ in the air.. Perhaps I should consider the 60 with a shorter stem?

I'm wondering if the triban comes up smaller than other manufacturers or something, cos it feels like something doesn't add up.

I've done so much googling, measuring and thinking, all the numbers are starting to lose meaning!

Any advice gratefully received!

Thanks

Dan333SP

You should have stolen her bike. If it fits, you keep it. If it doesn't fit, you return it and maybe end up dating her. Win/win.

Seriously, either size would work most likely, and you could adjust to your ideal position by swapping around stems/bars.

I'm 6'3" with the same inseam as you and I have a 60cm Trek, but I've ridden a borrowed 56cm Cannondale and made it work after a bit of tweaking.

AlexCyclistRoch

I'm 6'2" with the same inseam (which is because I'm fairly long in the upper body), and for myself, a 60cm with a fairly long stem (100mm+) works well. You would probably do well on a 60cm with a stem shorter than 80mm.

Nooob

Ha! Genius. Didn't think of that :-D

Thanks for your opinion. That's probably the problem, ideally, I'd just be a specific size, rather than right between 2.

Guess I just need to make a decision!

It doesn't help that I'm the most indecisive person I've ever known. Well, I think I am. I'm not sure. Maybe not. Hmm...

Fiery

I would go with the 57 and a longer stem. In my experience, the smaller size will feel and handle a little better if everything else is equal - by this I mean the smaller size out of two that can work reasonably well, not the absolute smallest size you could possibly squeeze yourself on to. Having 2 cm left from min insertion on the seat post is nothing to worry about, you'll have more than enough leeway to tweak the saddle height if necessary.

Nooob

Thanks!

I still haven't completely made my mind up!

If I go and try again, is there anything I should be trying out to help get a definitive answer?

I tried the whole "Is the hub inline with the handle bars when on the hoods", and it was on the 57, but then I felt like my knees were banging into my elbows when in the drops...

Any final tips before I go back?

Dan333SP

The handlebar/hub alignment thing can be changed with stem length adjustments. It's really just a rough idea, not a golden rule.

Also, wider bars could help avoid the knee into the elbow issue, as would a longer stem. It's ok to have a bit of knee/elbow overlap while in the drops. If you're not flaring your knees out to the side at the top of your stroke it shouldn't be too hard to avoid hitting your elbows.

Nooob

Thanks for the replies.

I still couldn't make my mind up..

The young lad helping me took one look at me and said "definitely a 54". Then after trying and quickly realising that was on the small side, "nope, try a 60". I'm not sure if he dismissed the 57 cos it was on the wall and hard to reach (eventually I got it myself), or because he genuinely thought 60 was a better fit.. I tried to figure that out but he was French so there was a slight language barrier.

The 60 possibly felt slightly cumbersome, and a bit long, but I'm not sure.

Neither had the seat set at my height so I took a ride via the tools section and did it myself.

With the seat set approx the right height the 60 was probably at the same height as the bars; the 57 was pretty high - I guess about 8 or 9 inches exposed.

It's like I have to make a decision between reaching *forward* quite far, or reaching *down* quite far.

I also discovered this morning that I'm not quite 6ft - more like 5ft 11 to 11.5. I've either shrunk or been deceiving myself for years!

Given that, I'm swaying toward the 57 but not sure if I'm pushing my luck with the seat set so high. But I don't know what "normal" is.

Maybe I need to consider a different make altogether...

Maelochs

Remember also that you can possibly add spacers to the 57---depending on how the fork is cut---and add an uptilted stem.

Here is the real answer though: Don't Buy Either.

If you cannot find a bike that fits, buying a bike which doesn't fit is like buying a shoe which doesn't fit---it hurts, it causes blister and pain and annoyance, and eventually will get tossed.

If the store will not work with you to set up a 57 with a stack of spacers and a tilted stem, you don't want to give them your money----they won't be there for you later, either. if they don't care a bout a potential customer, they won't care about you when you come back needing the inevitable adjustments.

Also, if they are willing to sell you a bike they know doesn't fit, who knows what other crap they might sell you? ( I was worried when I heard they wouldn't even adjust the seat to fit---these guys seriously are not trying at all.)

I am not you. I am about the same size and for me the 57 would be an easy choice---Provided I could add spacers and an uptitled stem. Also two cm on seat post in the frame is really not enough ... but you can buy a longer seat post online for very little money. I use a cheap imported carbon-fiber seat post with quit a lot exposed, and compared to alloy, it smooths out the ride noticeably.

As for the stem and spacers--- if you are reaching either way out or way down, you will suffer on longer rides. if your weight is that far forward you will lean on your hands, which will hurt your hands, shoulders, neck ... pretty soon you won't ride because it hurts.

Everyone has a different level of flexibility, but I'd say, in general, that too Long is worst, because you cannot help but carry too much weight forward ... and it is hard to shorten a frame. You can use a really short stem, but it might handle a little funny, might not. If the 60-cm frame cannot be fitted with a stem of about 80mm (minimum 60mm) and fit you, it will never fit

Too far Down is also bad because you will do all of the above plus kink your back ... but as a rule, spacers and a longer stem can stretch a frame. if there is no room for spacers, then the 57 will never fit ... but you could probably get the shop to order one which didn't have the fork cut.

I realize that some people live in places where bikes are hard to get ... but getting a bike which doesn't fit is not much better than not getting a bike--in either case you end up not riding, and in the one case, you are also out a bunch of money and cannot buy a bike.

you have to make your own analysis and reach your own conclusions. Personally i'd keep shopping until the right bike came along ... or if you are going to buy a bike which doesn't fit, buy something really cheap so you can ride, however uncomfortably, while you shop for your real bike.

Bike Fit Calculator | Find Your Bike Size | Competitive Cyclist

Nooob

Thanks, the above makes a lot of sense.

I suppose if I need to be changing / flipping stems / adding spacers, perhaps it's not the model for me.

I won't completely dismiss it just yet, but will have a look in some other shops before rushing into it.

I guess I'll start a new thread soon - "recommmation for first road bike?"

PepeM

That's one of the issues of buying in a place like decathlon. Sure, you'll save a few quid but the people working there won't be as helpful as the ones in a proper shop. You should consider going to another shop, although from what you've said, the 57 will probably work for you. If you do get the bike, you probably will want to go to a fitter afterwards to get it properly set up. The decathlon lads will most likely leave you on your own.

Maelochs

I missed the meaning of Decathlon ... I thought maybe the OP spoke English as a second language and meant something else. Now I see (and it is pretty obvious in hindsight) that Decathlon is a giant sports retailer. had to look it up ... I like the Internet.

Yeah, first mistake is going to a Decathlon. I had assumed you only had two shops in the area and were out of luck, but if there are two major sports outlet stores nearby, there must be some real bike shops (I hope.) Get some advice from people who have a clue and a little interest. Even if you end up getting a bike at a decathlon, at least you will know it is the right bike and what your options are.

For a new cyclist, there are only two smart ways to shop: One is to buy one or three crap bikes and ride around until you see if you really like cycling. This will help you to learn basic maintenance and fit, and to learn exactly how you might want to use a bike.

The other way is to buy a reasonably sound road bike at a bike store and go riding. You have to get it at a Good bike store, because you will need to bring it back for tune-ups and adjustments----if nothing else the cables will stretch and everything will stop working right after a week or three, so you will need to bring it back. A good shop will offer lifetime tuneups and minor adjustments, or at least all that for the first year (by which time you will either be fully into it or over it and no longer riding anyway.)

Decathlon ... they will look at you like "Wait, you already bought the bike, what are you here for?"

Yes, the local bike shops will probably charge more---but for a beginner, you will probably get that back in support and service. Also, you could probably ask for a package deal---"If I buy bike X, for X pounds .. i will need a helmet , pump, two spare tubes, patch kit .. how about X+2Z pounds for the lot?"

Quite possibly your local bike shop (LBS) will have some nice, entry-level bikes on display, and when you see what you can get, saving up for another few weeks might make sense.

Nooob

Thanks again.

My bad - I typed a lot of this on mobile - Capitalisation at least might have helped!


I'm not particularly close to many shops - I drove nearly an hour for one Decathlon, and happened to be working away last week near a completely different branch so stuck my head in for a 2nd opinion.

I popped into 2 LBSs before I started this thread...

One sat me on a 54cm Merida with no pedals (don't know which one, worth about £1k) and said that was bang on, but wanted to sell me a Ride 88 (I think judging by the colours and price - White and green, for £425). No measurements were taken or other bikes tried. He was a friendly chap, but I made the mistake of mentioning the Triban 500 se, so I guess he immediately lost interest and began slating Decathlon (he's probably right, but obviously biased).

The only other LBS was completely empty, other than a few tyres lying around. It looked like the end of a closing down sale. The guy was on the phone as I went in, spent about 15 mins winding down his conversation. He said it's a quiet patch for him 'cos of the Olympics (?!), and showed me to the only bike he had, which I think he said was 61 and felt absolutely massive. The seat was right down and he said "This is way too small for you! Look, you're flat footed!". He probably had a BMI of 40+...perhaps he was filling in for someone, and hadn't yet learnt that seats can be adjusted.

As I'm planning to use the CycleScheme, I can probably up the budget a bit - but didn't want to go OTT for the first bike in case I make the wrong choice

The search continues...

BilbroSwaggins

Go to your LBS and get fitted by a professional instead of taking the advice of the internet. just cause you know your inseam and height does not mean anyone here can give you an accurate size, as there are other factors that play a role as well.

AlexCyclistRoch

Wow, he goes straight from a 54 to a 60********** That's quite a difference, and one that makes no sense at all, either. Sounds like he's just trying to get rid of old stock. This is one place that I would NOT patronize again!

FWIW, nobody in their right mind would suggest a 54cm frame for somebody 6' tall. Nobody.

Maelochs

Use the bike fitting calculator i linked in my first post and then look online at the geometries of various bikes. You should be able to make rough estimates of the distances you can comfortably span, and can go to the LBS with a tape measure .... bottom bracket to seat top, stack, reach, seat to bars, seat to stem, etc. (NM, here it is again: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/St...latorBike.jsp?)

Don't trust a salesman to help you---he will be all about helping himself, all too often. The more you know, the less he can lie to you.

Nooob

Even not knowing much, with the research I have done so far, I thought that too. He possibly skipped over the 57 as it was on display on the wall, and would have meant a bit more effort to take it down.

If I do go for the Triban, it will probably be the 57 over the 60, as I've read in countless places to go for the smaller size if in doubt. I guess the seatpost just looks quite long as it is a compact frame....

Yup, thanks, will do - I didn't get much joy from the 2 local shops, so will have to try some slightly further afield...

Cheers

Nooob

Thanks, I've done this - it does in fact point at a 58 frame, which doesn't surprise me that much... Possibly why I felt I was somewhere between the 57 and 60.

BilbroSwaggins

Maybe at the ****ty shops you go to. Don't generalize. yeah there are some asshats that just want sell you something you dont need or want but there are tons of people who will help with any questions and work to find what works for you (the Buyer) the best.

Shuffleman

OP, I have to say that this thread is really interesting. I too was confused on Decathalon and Triban. I must confess that I had no clue what you were referring to. After reading the posts through it became more clear to me. I agree with other posters, if they tried to show you a 54, I would simply leave. I know that you had some trouble finding a lbs but there are really good ones out there. If possible, fine another one and try it. I am guessing that a 57 or 58 would be just fine based on what information that you already gave us. Call a few lbs that are reasonable close to you and ask them if they have anything in that range in stock. Then go visit them if they have it.

Nooob

I think I need to brush up on my communication skills... Sorry for any confusion!

I'll try some lbs a little further away, there's only 2 within 15 miles or so, but can go further.

If I do get anything from Decathlon, I'm tempted to up the budget to the 520 over the 500se, as it has Sora, more clearance for larger tyres, something else I can't remember now, and the sizes made more sense.

Bit concerned about their service now though!

Maelochs

Sorry to offend you ... apparently you work in a bike shop?

Anyway, I am guilty of generalizing ... but then, the OP ran into nothing but losers who tried to sell him what was easiest ... the one guy showed him the wrong frame because the one that might have fit was on a shelf ... and he made the OP get it himself.

Anyway ... I am sure that when the OP finds the right shop with the right staff, he will recognize it---and will go home withthe right bike.

Nooob

In their defence they were really busy and understaffed, and I probably didn't look like I was gonna buy anything... Well, I haven't, so I guess they were right.

When I get more time I'll have a look round some other places.. In the mean time I also need to figure out if the cyclescheme is worth it - I've read in a few places it's not all it's cracked up to be. At this time of year I'm wondering if I'll be better looking for an end of season sale or something instead.

Cheers

Shuffleman

I doubt that it was your communication. It was more of the store and the brand that you mentioned. I live in the States and have never heard of either, thus the post was not easy to follow.

Nooob

Hi.

Felt the urge to update this post. Thanks for the advice.

I took it as much as possible and upped the budget a bit...

Ultimately came home with a cannondale caad8 sora.

Size 56.

As soon as I sat on it I knew it was the one. Had 30% discount too as it was the end of this year's season.

Loving it so far. Had it about 3 weeks.

I've done about 250km so far, and about 80 of them were yesterday.

I need some spd pedals and shoes now, as I'm still using the training pedals of have with.

Thanks again, especially for telling me not to rush into it and try more shops, I think it paid off in the end.