2cm big deal?
#2
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Davis, CA
Bikes: Surly Steamroller
that's not 2cm off, that's 1cm from your 54.
and i doubt it will be a big deal. your speed will be a little slower but you'll have better control of your bike, which i'd prefer unless you are racing it. and it doesn't sound like you are. but if you just don't feel good getting the 53, then you should wait since it's something you'll have for a while. get it perfect if you can.
and i doubt it will be a big deal. your speed will be a little slower but you'll have better control of your bike, which i'd prefer unless you are racing it. and it doesn't sound like you are. but if you just don't feel good getting the 53, then you should wait since it's something you'll have for a while. get it perfect if you can.
#3
that's not 2cm off, that's 1cm from your 54.
and i doubt it will be a big deal. your speed will be a little slower but you'll have better control of your bike, which i'd prefer unless you are racing it. and it doesn't sound like you are. but if you just don't feel good getting the 53, then you should wait since it's something you'll have for a while. get it perfect if you can.
and i doubt it will be a big deal. your speed will be a little slower but you'll have better control of your bike, which i'd prefer unless you are racing it. and it doesn't sound like you are. but if you just don't feel good getting the 53, then you should wait since it's something you'll have for a while. get it perfect if you can.
With a 1 cm smaller frame you can get a little more drop if desired because of the shorter headtube. And if you're not ready for that you can just run a longer stem or a stem w/ more rise and voila you're essentially back at your old 54. It's harder to make a bigger frame fit than a smaller frame, IMO.
#4
You can make significant changes to fit a smaller frame by changing seatpost and stem length.
Though your's isn't a big size difference, it'll be fine. Be happy in knowing you'll have a nice amount of seatpost showing, which will look "cool"
Though your's isn't a big size difference, it'll be fine. Be happy in knowing you'll have a nice amount of seatpost showing, which will look "cool"
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
A 53cm Kilo TT has a 53cm top tube, but the seat tube is a bit longer(taller) so a 53cm should be doing you right.
Also, I think top tube length has become the determiner now, although the seat tube measurement is important because of the apparent stand over issue.
Also, I think top tube length has become the determiner now, although the seat tube measurement is important because of the apparent stand over issue.
#10
eh
at least do a fit calculator like https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
compare the results with the frame sizes.
at least do a fit calculator like https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
compare the results with the frame sizes.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,849
Likes: 0
From: four 1 OHHH , Maryland
Bikes: nagasawa, fuji track pro
eh
at least do a fit calculator like https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
compare the results with the frame sizes.
at least do a fit calculator like https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
compare the results with the frame sizes.
#14
bike shops usually offer a paid fitting service.
so they'd want you to come in even if you'd buy the frame online.
this might be out of the range of the original poster
but it is still the best option if you have the cash and want a bicycle that is comfortable
if you dont have the cash, do a few calculators like CC or Zinn's
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT Pro, Schwinn Le Tour Conversion, Free Spirit polo beater, Cervelo P2T, aluminum tandem.
My bike is slightly bigger than calcs recommend but I like it that way. Personally I would run the numbers in a calc or get sized, try on a bike with similar geometry, and see what feels right to you. Small bikes make me feel cramped, but for other people, it works. So in short, ride a few friends' bikes and see which size you prefer.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
Every bike shop I have been to in chicago will fit you for free. Is this not a standard practice?
I told them flat out what I was looking for, and that I would probably buy it online. They were very friendly and completely cool about it. Seemed happy at the simple fact that I was going to get rid of my car and hop back on a bike.
Made a customer for life out of me.
I have since spent some serious cash there on labor and parts.
I told them flat out what I was looking for, and that I would probably buy it online. They were very friendly and completely cool about it. Seemed happy at the simple fact that I was going to get rid of my car and hop back on a bike.
Made a customer for life out of me.
I have since spent some serious cash there on labor and parts.
#20
Every bike shop I have been to in chicago will fit you for free. Is this not a standard practice?
I told them flat out what I was looking for, and that I would probably buy it online. They were very friendly and completely cool about it. Seemed happy at the simple fact that I was going to get rid of my car and hop back on a bike.
Made a customer for life out of me.
I have since spent some serious cash there on labor and parts.
I told them flat out what I was looking for, and that I would probably buy it online. They were very friendly and completely cool about it. Seemed happy at the simple fact that I was going to get rid of my car and hop back on a bike.
Made a customer for life out of me.
I have since spent some serious cash there on labor and parts.






