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Round up to a 58 or down to a 56?

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Round up to a 58 or down to a 56?

Old 11-10-07, 07:19 PM
  #1  
hero419
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Round up to a 58 or down to a 56?

I was sized on a 07 Allez elite today and I sat on both the 58mm and 56mm.
It was snowing out so I couldn’t go for a test ride.

I plan on going back on a nicer day for a ride.

When it comes down to it and you were in-between sizes, would you go up or down?

Another question,
It's an '07 bike, with '08 right around the corner, should I wait for the reduced price? Can they order an 07 in 08 if I ask? I saw a sign in the bathroom reminding the staff to sell what’s in stock....

Do any of you haggle on price?

is 1100 to much for and 07 Allez triple elite?
Am I better of going with the plane Jane Allez for 770?

Sorry about the 11ity billion questions.
Once I get going, I can’t stop.
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Old 11-10-07, 07:33 PM
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How flexible are you? Can you reach your toes regularly?

If you see yourself as a particularly flexible individual, you may consider going a little bigger. If not, then maybe the smaller bike would be more appropriate. If you are less flexible then it may be a mistake to go with a larger, longer frame.

When you ride them see how you feel and remember they can both be adjusted within reason.

Yeah the staff is going to try and push the 07 stuff a little harder, but the Allez moves pretty well so I'm sure they would be willing to do whatever you'd like. You most probably won't be able to order an 07 Allez from Specialized as they are probably running low on stock themselves. However, you should ask; the dealer can check right from their computers for you.

You can most probably haggle down the $1100, especially it being 2007 (even if the bike did or didn't change all that much for 2008). I would at least try. Specialized.com generally (it varies by model) has mid to high range MSRPs, so the bike shop still may be able to sell the bike comfortably for less. It is dependent on them though.

For the price difference, you may consider saving a little money and going for the regular Allez. You get 9 speed as opposed to 8 and maybe some 105 stuff instead of Tiagra on the elite. Its frame has the carbon seat stays and the Zertz inserts all around for comfort. Some people swear by this while others shrug it off as unnoticeable. It's hard to quantify the difference so that's really up to you. By and large though, they are really similar. If you have enough time that day, try both of them. You might not notice anything different.

Last edited by JBS103; 11-10-07 at 07:39 PM.
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Old 11-10-07, 07:34 PM
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Go smaller
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Old 11-10-07, 07:34 PM
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down
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Old 11-10-07, 07:37 PM
  #5  
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The frame height simply indicates if the top tube and head tube will be longer or shorter. Due to long seat posts and sloping top tubes, the frame size no longer indicates anything of significance.

For endless drivel on this, I wrote the following just recently:
https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...y-and-age.html

Size really depends on top tube and stem length required by the rider as well as the head tube height (how far the bars drop below the seat).

Base your decision on how long you need the bike to be and factor in if you need a lower or higher bar position (relative to the two frames).

If you have a long torso, you probably need a longer bike, i.e. the 58. If you are all legs, the 56 probably works. Make sure your bar position will be reasonable with the choice you make - the 56 will have a lower bar position due to the shorter head tube. If you need a much higher bar position, you'll need to look at frames aimed at a more upright position. Conversely, if you need a lower one, you'll want to look at frames/bikes aimed at racers.

hope this helps,
cdr
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Old 11-10-07, 07:39 PM
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down. you can adjust with stem n seatpost easily
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Old 11-10-07, 07:39 PM
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Old 11-10-07, 08:23 PM
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Always ride the smallest bike you feel comfy on...

Height? Inseam? Arm Length?
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Old 11-10-07, 08:28 PM
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i would go down, but thats my preference, see what you like
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Old 11-10-07, 08:30 PM
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down. im on a 58 now and wish i was on a 56.
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Old 11-10-07, 08:35 PM
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down, I went from a 58 to a 55, 6'2 and flexable
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Old 11-10-07, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by jsigone
down, I went from a 58 to a 55, 6'2 and flexable

heh.. you must look silly on that bike.
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Old 11-10-07, 09:16 PM
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Up.
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Old 11-10-07, 09:29 PM
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Old 11-10-07, 09:39 PM
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Old 11-10-07, 09:57 PM
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ok
So I will go with the 56mm
Now, Elite or plane jane?
White or black?
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Old 11-10-07, 10:12 PM
  #17  
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elite, but talk them down
do you want to clean your bike all the time?
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Old 11-10-07, 10:25 PM
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How tall are you?
What is your cycling inseam?

Do you like more of a heads up site seeing position or do you like to be more heads down and applying the power?
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Old 11-11-07, 12:06 AM
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Haggle. They want to sell at least as much as you want to buy.
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Old 11-11-07, 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by divineAndbright
heh.. you must look silly on that bike.
and all racers must look silly riding smaller bikes to huh

shorter top tube, longer stem, bigger bar drop, back is flat & aero. I'm aero as possible and comfy, not trying to be a 6'2" parachute out there Gain almost 2mph average speed JUST in the aggressive fit.
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Old 11-11-07, 12:44 AM
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Did the shop staff take any body measurements? They should ask you a bunch of questions about your riding style and goals, then make recomendations for you.
You can't decide because the shop didn't help you. Try a different shop, and don't get stuck on one brand. Try other bikes, be brave and try something you haven't considered. There's no commitment to test ride a bike. Just be honest with the shop staff and they should give you good advice.
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Old 11-11-07, 01:05 AM
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Go back and test ride them when it's not snowing. DUH!
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Old 11-11-07, 01:15 AM
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How about you just test ride the bikes before deciding.
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Old 11-11-07, 01:24 AM
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Originally Posted by operator
How about you just test ride the bikes before deciding.
Beat ya to it
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Old 11-11-07, 01:30 AM
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Originally Posted by urbanknight
Beat ya to it
WHAT!!!!

hax!

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