Going from a 176mm headtube to a 145mm?

[Cyclenon]

Hi there,

I'm currently using a 56cm (horizontal) 2013 Scott Cr1 Comp, but as it always felt stretched I swapped the 100mm stem for a 90mm one. Using a 6 degree stem the drop from the saddle to the bars feel just right.

Now, I'm considering buying a 56cm Cube Agree GTC.
This has a shorter horizontal head tube at 54.5cm (so it ticks that box), but a much shorter headtube at 145mm (vs. 176mmo on the Scott).

For what it's worth, the stack on the Cube is 541mm vs 584mm on the Scott.

I really like the bike and top-tube wise it's fine, but I wanted your view as to whether that would be too slammed on the stem given the difference in headtube length? I'm buying the bike unseen (yes, I know...)

I could go for a 10degree strem I guess and turn the bars ever so slightly as well.
Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[bonsaibilly]

Don't buy it, and get something with a 54 cm tt length but a longer headtube. There's plenty out there. bb

 

[huwsparky]

That is a massive difference in head tube length. You may never make it comfortable to ride without making it look silly. I agree with the above.

 

[S-Express]

A lot will depend on how many spacers (in mm) you are currently using. If your stem on the Scott is currently slammed, then you could get away with 30mm of spacers on the Cube (although that is quite a lot). If you already have 20mm + of spacers on the Scott, then you'll struggle to replicate the position on the Cube.

That's not to say that you couldn't potentially adapt to a new, lower, position though.

 

[Cyclenon]

Thanks for your replies; reluctantly, I agree.

I took off a couple of spacers (-20cm) from my existing bike and went for a ride and it was terrible.
Lots of back pain and even numb hands. I can't imagine doing that for four hours.

Could you please suggest some 54cm bikes (no discs please) with sensible headtube lengths?

Thanks

 

[User6179]

Thanks for your replies; reluctantly, I agree.

I took off a couple of spacers (-20cm) from my existing bike and went for a ride and it was terrible.
Lots of back pain and even numb hands. I can't imagine doing that for four hours.

Could you please suggest some 54cm bikes (no discs please) with sensible headtube lengths?

Thanks

Specialized Roubaix has a more relaxed geometry .

 

[huwsparky]

Giant Defy, Cannondale Synapse, that type of bike. My defy is a 54cm and has a 165mm head tube but also came with 30mm ish of spacers so pretty relaxed.

The bike I have now is a 55cm but has a 147mm head tube so considerably more aggressive on the front. You need to be careful, no point buying a bike your not comfortable riding.

 

[bonsaibilly]

What's wrong with the Scott that makes you think you need another bike? It looks to be a fabulous bike and as you said in your OP it feels just right now you've swapped the stem...

Of course, you could always swap it again from 90 to 80 mm to shorten the reach again.

You're always going to end up with a short head tube on a 54 in comparison.

 

[samsbike]

Just to add to the list trek domane

 

[Cyclenon]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

In the end it was a case of "stick with what you know" so I ended up buying a used 54cm Scott Team Carbon CR1.
The 2cm lower stack is exactly offset by flipping the stem and in fact I could even live with it as it is.
Any more though would have been too much.

@bonsaibilly, this would be a second bike, so I absolutely would not be replacing my existing CR1; the frame is too good frankly...