dnuzzomueller

So I know this is "one of those threads" again about if this is a good bike, yadda yadda.

But I was offered an Aerocat R509 at an amazing deal. It is a 54cm frame and I am 5'11" with a 32 inch inseam (roughly). Anyone want to weigh in on if this would fit me? Here are the bike's geometries:



Sorry this is a stupid question but at the price I am not afraid to make a fool of myself.

ScoJo

When you say a 32" inseam, are you talking cycling inseam (to the floor) or pant size inseam? I'm about the same size as you (5'11.5") with a pant inseam of 32 and a cycling inseam closer to 34". There's no way I'd by a 54 cm frame. I often find myself right on the line between a 56 and a 58.

alexvpaq

Dunno for you but I'm 5f11 too and I have about 32'' inseam and I went from a 54 to a 56 for a better fit and as far as I can see it works better for me. but the 54 was good too but It definitely was a lil bit too small for me. Little bit.

dnuzzomueller

My current experience with frame sizing is me on a 48cm Redline Conquest Pro.

The 32 inch inseam is my regular pant in-seam.

Measurements from a fit calculator (can't remember what they are in though...):

nseam: 71
Trunk: 61
Forearm: 33
Arm: 66
Thigh: 60
Lower Leg: 54
Sternal Notch: 148
Total Body Height: 178

audiojan

Yes, no, maybe... and all of those are correct. Body measurements are just a part of a bike fit, you also need to factor in core strength, flexibility, current or previous injuries/problems, what type of rider you are, goals, type of riding/racing you plan to use the bike for, terrain, etc. etc. etc.

StanSeven

I wouldn't do it unless it's an exceptional deal. I did something similar with a track (fixed gear) bike. I'm your dimensions and ride 56cm's but I got a 54 track. I have a much shorter stem on it and a lot of seat post showing. It's okay for my purpose (just the occassional FG ride around the enighborhood) but I wouldn't like doing a century gthe way it fits.

dnuzzomueller

Full Force group, Kysirium Equipe's, specialized toupe saddle, around 1400$. I assumed it was a good deal but maybe someone can give me a good suggestion based on the price.

coasting 

This is me. You decide if this means you can fit the 54.

I am 5'10 with just about 30' inseam. I prefer to ride a 56 rather than a 54 but I could ride a 54. My long torso means on a 56 my seat is pretty low and the effective top tube on my 2 bikes are 55 and 56. Both can be made comfortable. they both have 73.5deg seat tube angle.

wfrogge

One OEMs 54 dosent = anothers. As somebody that is the same size as you I will say that I would get the 56 from the specs you posted though. A 54.5 TT would be too short unless I got a 120+mm stem and a set back seatpost.

dnuzzomueller

Good to know about the length. That is one thing that is driving me nuts on my current bike. I desperately want to stretch out more.

Component wise would it be worth it to get the bike for the parts, re-sell the frame and get a 56?

topflightpro

The two issues you really need to worry about are top tube length and headtube length.

I'm 5'10" tall, but I"m all legs.

While I can fit onto a 54 cm bike - with a 54 cm top tube and 120 mm stem, the shorter head tube - they're usually around 14 to 14.5 cm - gives me an insane amount of saddle to bar drop.

Instead, I prefer a 56 cm bike, with a 56cm top tube, 100 mm stem and longer head tube - generally around 16 cm.

You could make that 54 fit, but it may not be comfortable.

2005trek1200

first of all...that is an awesome bike.

second of all...effective top tube is your best way to judge fit. go to competitive cyclsit .com and use their fit guide.

TnDiamondback

I'm 5'11", 32" pant inseam, riding a 54cm Felt for 5 years, but Felts are known for long top tubes.

Ultraslide

Same size here as well and I ride a 55 cm (effective TT) LeMond. I did change out for a 110 mm stem and all is well. Very comfy with 3+ inches of bar drop. I'd say that bike is at your lower limit. So if you want a lot of bar drop and an aggressive position that should be okay, although you'll likely need a 110 or longer stem.

dnuzzomueller

The bike comes with a 110 stem.

Also after coming from a 48cm frame I am sort of use to some significant...drop.

I think I am going to go for it. Worse case is I decide to strip it and sell the frame. Even in that case I would be getting the parts at a pretty nice price.

pdedes

for me, a neutral length stem is 120mm. at 5-10, and 33" inseam (and shortish arms), i could ride the 56 but i'd need a 110 mm stem. i don't like how short stems impact bike handling. so i'd be picking the 54 with a 130 mm stem. i also prefer a smaller stiffer rear triangle which sizing down seems to give.

bengreen79

If it's a great deal and ends up a bit too small, won't you be able to get your money back out?

iam7head

I started riding a 54(aluminium Canyon Traditional), then brought a 56(aluminium Trek Traditional).

while i am fine with both, i eventually sold the trek and brought my current bike which is a 54 compact.

I guess it's really depends the geometry of the bike vs your body.

<---5' 10" 32-33 inseam

mazdaspeed

I'm gonna say that it will probably be too small. I am an inch taller than you are and ride 57cm frames.

f/64

I have somewhat the same specs and ride on a 54.5 tt Parlee z3 w/ a 110 stem.

Fits fine !
Try it before you buy it !

dnuzzomueller

Well we are gonna find out I guess.... So who here would buy a 54cm Aerocat 509?

coasting 

since you bought it, then you need to show us. take a pic of it when you get it.

chadteck

It looks like you've got a slightly longer trunk than me but slightly shorter arms. I'm riding a 56cm now and it works with a short stem, but I am sizing down for my next frame. If you like an aggressive fit, I would guess the 54cm will work fine.

hammond9705

Well, if you are riding a 48 now, then the 54 will be a big improvement. My guess is that it is a bit too small, but it looks like you could buy it, and then if the fit was too bad you could resell it, or just the frame and come out OK.

centerofBB

Dave here from AeroCat. If you decide you need a 56, then contact me. If needed we can swap you for a demo frame and get you on the right size. My info is on the contacts page of our website.