The saddle height looks right, but it does look like you need more reach. How long is that stem? Looks like it's probably 90mm or 100mm. With a little searching you could probably find a 130mm stem for under $20 (I know you can find a 120mm stem for under $20 on JensonUSA.com). It's worth a shot before getting rid of the bike.

As the others are saying, you do get used to the drop-bar position with a little time. When I first got my road bike after not having been on a bike in 30 years, it felt weird to me, even though it's a very non-aggressive relaxed geo bike. Now, a year later, I just bought an aggressive race-type bike, and it feels fine, because I've become more flexible over the last year.

The thing about fit, too, is: [And this is my personal observation] I think becomes accustomed with/comfortable with whatever they get used to- within reason, of course. If you started out with a "pro fitting" and every little thing just right to millimeter...that is what you get used to, and what you would always want- and anything else would seem uncomfortable. And likewise, if you get used to riding a frame that is a little too small- after some time with it, you may just come to prefer it as your norm, and think that a normal-fitting bike is uncomfortable.

Personally, I believe that as long as nothing is so bio-mechanically wrong that it will cause injury, that I can get used to just about anything on a bike. I prefer a smallish bike myself- but I'll bet ya that if I had to ride a too-biggish bike, I might hate it the first few times, but I'd bet that before long, I'd get used to it, and end up finding it comfortable. Our bodies are very adaptable. And losing bellies and getting in-shape makes them even more so.

Question for the others:[Since I'm a noob]Could he get a seat post with more of a set-back?

Hence my closing statement..."Like others have mentioned, the top tube length may play a more important role here..."

I forgive you, you got the wrong bike size man. Good luck.

More than important, the poor man looks like a bear riding a morotcycle. Said it before... this guy needs at least 55ish top tube and as max maybe 56.5.. 57 will be way too long because of age, belly and sure he lacks flexibility too so you cant push too much with a longer bike.

Forget about the size sticker and focus in the virtual top tube. oh, and forget stand over that thing doesnt work with this brand specially with their ridiculously super massive front tubes.

Going by the pictures...IMO...the bike is too small (short). The first picture of you in the drops...the reach is way to short. You cannot stretch out when you need to. At 5'11"...I would not put you on a 52.

If you're stuck with the bike...you may be able to adjust by going with a longer stem.

After seeing those pictures, I concur wholeheartedly with all of your statements. He does look like the bear from that last Madagascar film. Too small. Just flip it for more than you bought it for..

Thanks for all of your help. Here is what I learned:

Bike too small
New Stem and set seat back may help.
Bike too small
I'm fat and look like a bear
Bike too small
Thanks again. I'll post an update when I resolve the issue. I'll try and sell the bike and start over because:
Bike too small

How do I remove the pictures from the post?

After seeing you on the bike, In my (newb'sh) opinion it really does't seem all that small. Ride the **** out of that bike. After you ride for a while you will have a better idea of what you want. I rode a 60cm (too big) '91 Diamondback Master TG almost a year before i bought my new bike (correct size).

Looks like you were able to delete the post, but to remove the pictures you go back to the post, click edit and then remove the image text from your post and click save.

Kudos for getting the pics up - it helped a lot.

I swear I'm not that bike in real life! I only look that big because:
Bike too small.

The best thing is: It sounds like you are not discouraged, and have the tenacity to ride that bike until you sell it, or it gets comfortable....and are willing to start over with a better understanding!

You're going to be a "bear": of a cyclist...even when ya lose the belly!

Don't give up! I'm 5'10 too. I was 165 in 2005 before I started cycling...



I'm 190 now and still dropping..

damn, i missed the pictures!

eric
fresno, ca.

Jerry: you mean 265...Right?
Eric: they were awful.

I posted the bike on CL today, rode it twice can't get comfortable, gut in the way, and I keep hearing you guys say...Bike too small!

Maybe get a flatbar road bike?

No...don't do that [flat bar]!

You'll get frustrated by it's limited performance and likely be uncomfortable because of it's lack of multiple hand positions.

Even with the gut, you should be able to be comfortable- at least riding on the tops and the hoods- if not in the drops at first, on a drop bar bike of the right size. And the prospect of being comfortable in the drops will help give you more incentive to lose the gut. (You may even be comfortable in the drops before you lose it...you likely just need to get used to it/become more flexible, which you will after riding a little)

Yes! It was hard work getting to that weight. 4 squares a day and plenty of snacks....I love BBQ.

wow, and here I thought I was the only one having problems with fit. I am 5'7'' with 32.5 inseam; top tubes were always too damn long for me. I envied people with long torsos until I read this thread.

Oh yeah, and your last bike was too small.

I listed the bike at $700, but will let it go for $600. Good price?

Bike sold today for $600. The search begins! Endurance road bike, shoes, pedal, budget 1500. Minimum size 54", Cannondale, Giant, are at the top of my list. Afraid of flats, want 28 tires. Am I forgetting anything? Thanks for the help.

Awesome. Test out the difference in the bikes. I have a Cannondale Synapse 5 105 alum myself. I love it and it has eyelets for fenders, not for a rack. Are you planning on commuting to work? Are you planning on riding in bad weather? Some bikes struggle with 28mm tires due to brake clearance. If you do decide to go with 28 have the shop you are buying them from make any brake adjustments for you.

Try the "endurance" bikes and try the ones used for racing. You will feel the difference immediately, but it'll help you decide what you like and what you don't. The geometry of different models make every brand feel different, along with the type of tubing and wheels.

You can probably wait on shoes and pedals. Keep money allocated for them, but get used to riding a road bike for a bit (a couple of months).

That's great. Don't be too scared of flats. They happen, but are not that big a deal when you get used to how to change out a tube. I'd consider 25's, you'll find your selection of bikes will increase with 25's vs 28's due to brake clearance.

^^^This is GREAT advice!

Definitely try out as many different bikes as you can. I'm not just talking about at one shop or in one day.

You might be surprised.....

Like with myself- I never had any interest in racing, and never will. You'd think that I'd fall more towards the side of comfort/endurance....but in actuality, I prefer a full-out race bike. It was my first ride [many years ago, on a rental in NYC] on a race-type bike which really got me interested in cycling, because I loved the way that bike just so effortlessly glided along; it's nimbleness; and speed and lightness. Those things just jumped out at me and slapped me in the face and woke me up the first time I rode such a bike. And that bike was not uncomfortable.

So try 'em all out- you may find that can indeed be comfortable on certain race bikes in the proper size...and you may love what they offer...or you may hate them, and indeed like the comfort/endurance/heavier commuters- but there's only one way to find out. One ride on a race-type bike, and the others may seem lethargic and cumbersome...or you may even prefer the position of a race bike, depending on the particular bike's geometry and fit.....

Ride as many as you can, and don't jump at anything right away- sleep on it- because the one that felt really good today, may seem like junk compared to the one you try tomorrow. But chances are, one day you jump on one bike, and it will just "click" with you, and you'll say "Oh yeah! This is it!".

And "you da man", selling that bike so fast, and for what ya paid for it!

PS: You can get a set of toe clips and straps for about $15- which will accomplish the same thing as clipless pedals/shoes. Quite frankly, I prefer the clips/straps, and have never gone clipless [Really, why should I spend the money, when the clips/straps work perfectly fine; and are lighter?]

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/3663699749.html

Is this a nice bike? looks pretty new. thought I might check it out!

Looks like there's conti tires and STIs. Not sure the year and make or the level of components.

Sounds a tad suspicious.