EnsitMike

So I've put about 40 miles on my Fuji Roubaix with 105s that I got a great deal on, unfortunately, the sale bikes had limited sizes and I ended up having to get a 52. I have come to think that the frame is just too small.

I wanted some opinions on my other options. During the time I have spent riding the Fuji, I have decided to go full carbon. My options are the Cannondale SuperSix 6($1399) and the Fuji SST($1699). I just have a couple questions about these frames-- feel free to answer any or all of them.

1. What is your bias between the two and why?
2. Are entry level carbon frames far inferior or unreasonably susceptible to fatigue and failure? (these frames will be ridden in the city, lots of potholes and rocky pavement)
3. Are the Tiagras on the Cannondale going to be detrimental to my riding experience as a green rider, ultimately ending up in quick upgrades, or are they quality components?
4. Is the lack of outspoken frame warranty from Fuji something to be weary about? (Cannondale has lifetime and a customer base that seems very accommodated when failure happens)
5. Any other insight from you experience that I should consider when buying.


Thanks guys!

milkbaby

Are you sure the Fuji Roubaix is too small? It is common now to ride the smallest size frame that can be fit to your body.

Don't get caught up in believing more expensive bikes, carbon fiber, or drivetrain/shifting components will make a huge difference in your riding experience. These are quite overrated, IMHO. Good wheels with quality tires inflated to optimal pressure (depending on your weight and the terrain) will influence your ride the most.

kleng

what makes you think the bike is too small ?

EnsitMike

I don't mind the size, it feels tight and responsive on the hoods. The thing that gets me is the stem has at least 2inches of spacers below it (off the top of my head) and the drops are still VERY uncomfortably low. I rode my buddies bike which is larger but that doesn't have a size, and it felt better in the drops. I felt a little stretched out, but tolerably.

What you say about components is reassuring, and it makes me more confident that tiagras wont let me down. The reason I am going carbon though is because in the $1000 range, I feel I mind as well when compared to aluminum models. For $400 more (1400) I can get that weight advantage, and if the frames are reliable, that sets me up for a bike that will curb my future lust for carbon. I know it won't make a world of difference, but for $400 I'm willing to gain the small advantage if I hear on here that the bikes would be a smart buy.

The wheels and tires comment has been echoed to me though, and I will definitely take that advice in the future when upgrade time comes.

EDIT: for the record I'm 5'10" -- 31" inseam

jimc101

Not sure how you can say you got a great deal if it doesn't fit, this should be the #1 priority for any bike. That said, you can always make a small bike bigger, with stem & seatpost adjustment, just look at the stem length at the Giro this year, they are getting real long again. Would help if you gave some basic details about yourself, like your height, and what the bike shop suggested
For your questions,

1 - What bikes, the SST comes in 4 versions, so hard to compare when you don't know the specific one
2 - All frames have to undergo CEN (EU) / CPSC (US) testing, none are going to brake easily, if it did fail in a crash, it would be long after a steel or Alu frame would have.
3 - Nothing wrong with Tiagra, it's good entry level 10 speed, with the design / cosmeitcs of the previous generation of 105 (5600), if you are planning on upgrading, just buy the bike with it already on, it will be cheaper in the long run.
4 - Warranty, have you asked the bike shop? it's on their (Fuji) website https://www.fujibikes.com/support
5 - Fit, Fit, Fit, think you may have got this by now.

Edit, just seen you have added your height, would go for the bike being too small, but still got to ask, why they didn't question this at the shop when you bought it?

EnsitMike

Well I ordered the bike online without a fit. I got it through performance bike, so they said go ahead and take it home and ride it, if it is not comfortable I can bring it back for a full refund. The bike shop guys were VERY withdrawn. They had no service for fit and offered no opinions, very nice, but terrible service.

1. It would be the SST 3.0 which would go for 1700
2. Very good to know, thanks for that
3. If I upgrade it wont be anytime soon. i want to invest in wheels, tires, and a new saddle to start out.
4. Another example of terrible employees-- I was told Fuji only has a one year warranty on the frames
5. I wish I knew what fit felt like, I'm going to have to go to another shop to get some outside opinions or setup my bike somewhere in front of a mirror.

Big Lebowski

I bought a 2013 Kona in a 53, because the guy selling it to me said that the 49 (the next size down in the Kona line for that model) was too small. Guess what? The 53 was still too big! Unfortunately for me, I was not able to return or exchange it and I learned a very expensive and literally painful lesson about bike sizing.

My advice is to find another LBS in LA that can properly fit you. It matters.

5'10" on a 52 does seem a bit small.

Finally, a SuperSix at $1,399? Is this a new bike? A 2013 or a 2012? Regardless of year, I'd get fitted for it and walk away with a huge smile.

EnsitMike

Yes, I am more than unenthusiastic about the service I received. Time to clean up the white handlebar tape and take it back. The SuperSix is a 2013 and part of a sale at an LBS near me. An LBS that also happens to have great service which I'll probably be much happier at.

SuperSix 6 in a 54 is looking like my first stop after I return my Fuji.

rpenmanparker 

Knowing Performance well, I can bet they will take the bike back and refund it fully. Just a guess, but it believe it is quite likely.

ricohman

52 is small for a 5' 10" rider.
Buying a bike online is much like buying a suit online.
In either case you have no idea how it will fit.

EnsitMike

I'd agree, but they offered me return with full refund within the first month, so I went ahead. The only thing I really lost was time, but I gained the knowledge of what a small frame feels like haha.

Cfiber

Yeah, even a 54cm is kinda small for a 5' 10'' cyclist, too.

Johnny Rad

IMHO, the bike shop that rec'd (and built up or did the final assembly out of the box) your bike from Performance chose to be short sighted in terms of customer service. I think it's clear the reason they're not fitting you or offering solutions is that you chose to buy online and now want their support. They've chosen to let you lie in the bed you made and that's ok by me. You put them in that unenviable position of having to make that decision over a few dollars or maybe even a few hundred dollars... While it's not a shop that I'd choose to be with long-term, I can respect their position on "no free rides." Glad I'm not a LBS having to make those decisions.

I personally prefer a LBS that can handle me not buying everything from them but still being my main and only LBS for service and other parts. I also understand that my LBS won't / can't be around forever if I / we don't support them financially. I happily pay for all service. I patiently wait my turn for service. For big price differences on big ticket items, I ask the shop what they can do. And in the end I'm generally ok paying a bit more from my LBS because I want them around long-term. [Probably need to move this to "why support your local LBS thread...]

With respect to your bike, I'm not surprised it doesn't fit. That's a BIG risk when buying online, but you already know that from using the search function on this board and others. Return it if its not right, but stop asking other shops for freebies. Buy a new one from a brick and mortar store that you're comfortable with and is conveniently located.

Do your bike shoes fit like crap, too? Or, did you "test drive" a pair at a brick and mortar shop with no intent to buy from them in the first place so you'd be good to go online?

rpenmanparker 

I may be wrong, but I thought OP bought his bike from Performance online and had the local Performance shop set i up for him. That would be a very different situation, no? OP what is the true story?

oldbobcat

The cut to the chase.

That's what we needed to hear. Yes, a 52 is too small, unless you're the Belgian national champion and you have a 14 cm stem on that thing. Or you're Super Fred and would like to install a stem with a 45-degree rise to sit bolt upright.

My guess is you're looking for something in the middle that will give you a moderate, nimble, balanced, athletic posture. My estimate is something in the 54-56 cm range, depending on you and depending on the bike.

Shop and fit carefully. In my experience a reasonably fit and healthy guy can enjoy cycling on any bike that fits and isn't too extreme.

EnsitMike

You're right. I first went to performance and test rode their bikes in-store, but they had no frames whatsoever in a 54 that had the geometry I'm looking for. So I talked to them, they set me up on a 52 frame I didn't want, then told me to order online. I ordered online, then had it shipped to the store. Went to the store for a hopeful rough fitting and test ride, however they just told me bring it back if it doesn't work for you.

All in all, terrible service. I went to another shop today, and the second I walked in they were very helpful. The employees walk outside with their customers and watch them ride in the parking lot, after seeing that it is a good fit they tell you to take the bike around the block and bring it back when you're done. GREAT service.

That said, I test rode a 54 SuperSix 6 and it was perfect! I no longer question the ideas of fitting because now I understand the whole "you'll just know it's right" advice. So now I am in the process of making sure the SuperSix 6 is a smart buy in terms of quality and reliability. (although it is sounding like carbon frames are held to a very high standard)


and I have ruled out the SST because I don't want to support or deal with that Performance shop. I have full intention to give my support to the shop I went to today that served me respectably.

NathanC

I'm 6' and ride a 54...

Smokinbbl

I am 5'11" and I ride a cannondale superSix in 56. go with the SuperSix, it is a bad ass bike, and you will have a frame that you can upgrade later on if you want.

EnsitMike

Good to know. I know I am in the 54 / 56 range now, and also know that I like the feeling of having a very responsive agile bike under me. 54 has the green light

Great to hear that you love yours. After reading for several hours on tons of different sites, I pulled the trigger.

54 SuperSix 6 is ordered and will be at the LBS on monday.

Thanks for all the opinions and advice, I cant wait to ride a bike that fits!!

shyonelung

I'm 5-9 and I ride a 56m - due to a 35" inseam. I had to get a zero setback post to improve the reach but it's the most comfortable bike I've ever owned.
You should check out the LBS in my town - we're about an hour north of SF in wine country which isn't all that far from LA (I myself make the trip to LA and back every six weeks). They're having a great sale on Ridleys and Specialized. It's called Spoke Folk. It's in Healdsburg. Ask for Richard or Liz or Kim. Great people who love cycling.

Edited to add: see you bought your bike. Congrats. May it bring you miles of joy.

EnsitMike

Yea, once I realized the importance of supporting and being a customer of a good LBS, I completely ruled out the SST. That along with my great test ride today on the SuperSix. The only reason I had to order a SuperSix 6 is that they only had a SuperSix 3 in store -- same frame. Thanks though! Can't wait to put some miles on!

rpenmanparker 

Just wondering whether you tried the 56 cm and ruled it out.

ricohman

I would try the 56 if I were you.
I'm not quite 5'9" and I ride a 54cm Specialized Roubiax and a 54cm CAAD10-3. With the 54 CAAD10 I actually get a higher bar (which I want) in relation to the seat. With my freakishly long legs and a 10mm shorter stem it fit like a glove.
Try both frames and see what fits, and what will fit the best with small alterations. I would have went with that 52cm CAAD but now I'm on a 54.

oldbobcat

A 54 SuperSix sounds right. When recommending a size to someone I don't know for bikes that I don't know, I like to use a window. I never know how you're going to sit on the thing until I'm the guy watching you do laps around the parking lot or we're going down the road.

Finding a shop that gives you the kind of service you need (and pay for) is more than half the battle for a beginner or even an experienced rider who just wants to get on the thing and ride (and there's nothing wrong with that).

Really, dealing with Performance is best when you have some experience and you know exactly what you want, and you're looking for bargains. Or if you're just plain cheap and think you'll get lucky with whatever they might throw at you.

Cannondale is a highly regarded brand that stands behind its products right up there next to the big ones, Trek and Specialized. Because it's a smaller company its bikes are a little more unique. I ride a Trek because I work for a Trek dealer (and I like them), but I'd ride a SuperSix or a CAAD10 in a heartbeat.

EnsitMike

I did try a 56, and i felt ok though it's on the long end. Being in the middle, I decided that Id rather have a bit longer stem than to shorten it. I like the handling stability that comes along with that.


I do have to say, running into this made me feel a little uneasy though. Other videos talk about delamination and other maintenance-- doing some more research on carbon wear and tear this evening.