Sizing dilema...

[amnesia]

Hi all...

I am going to buy a Specialized Allez Sport with my Cycle2Work voucher, however I have to order it through Halfords, which means I need to know the size I want before they order it. I have tried two different frame sizes at my local LBS and I appear to fit between them.

I am 5'11 with a 33" inside leg (crotch to floor, feet shoulder width apart). The Specialized brochure suggests the 54cm frame for 5'6 to 5'9 tall and the 56cm for 5'10 to 6'0. The top tube clearance is fine on both, but I realise it's the reach that will affect comfort. My arms are 'just' bent when on the hoods for with the 56cm, but quite bent on the 54cm. Both feel OK to me, but the smaller frame has slightly lower bars due to the headtube length, which feels slightly better to me.

It doesn't feel right to keep hassling my LBS when I can't buy the bike from him so I need to make a decision. I guess I could get a longer stem for the 54cm to give me the same reach as the 56, or should I go by the brochure and get the one that fits my height ?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Daniel.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

You are getting a Specialized through Halfrauds - WOW. Didn't think that was possible.

If you feel more comfortable on the 54" then go for that frame as the sizing is only a guide. Will your LBS allow you to ride the bikes? If so that should allow you to make a clear decision.

 

[amnesia]

Halfords can order pretty much any bike - except the Bianchi I really wanted

 

[jimboalee]

For your inside leg, the 54 is bang on. You might need a 120mm reach stem if it is a 100mm original equipment.

When you've got the seat at the correct (+/- 5mm ) height, with arms straight and holding the hoods, you shouldn't see the front spindle.

 

[ChrisKH]

I'm surprised actually that you fit a 54cm. I'm probably 5' 11.5" with the same inside leg measurement and I'm on a 58cm Spesh Allez Sport. Actually the frame is marginally too big and I have changed the stem, and I probably would suit a 56 cm better. Didn't even try the 54cm, but I daresay it will work but there will likely be a larger height differential between the seat post and the handlebars than the set-up I have.

Make sure you try a 56cm before you buy. Avoid the mistake I made of not trying a different size to confirm your requirements.

 

[ChrisKH]

For your inside leg, the 54 is bang on. You might need a 120mm reach stem if it is a 100mm original equipment.

When you've got the seat at the correct (+/- 5mm ) height, with arms straight and holding the hoods, you shouldn't see the front spindle.

If you do need a 120 mm stem, talk to me first as this is what I have replaced from my Allez Sport.

 

[balzer69]

you need a 56 (I am same height as you and 54 is too small)

 

[scook94]

I'm about 5'10" with 31" inside leg and a 54 (although not the same bike as yours) is spot on for me, so I would have thought +1 for 56 for yourself.

 

[jimboalee]

Seat tube length is based on Inside leg, Torso length, Bottom bracket height and the Seat tube angle.

It is a bit more compicated than just Standing Height.

OP says he is 5'11" with an Inside leg of 33".
I am 5'9" with an Inside leg of 33".

This indicates OP's Torso is longer than mine and suggests a longer Reach. OP's Arm length might be longer than mine which reinforces my deduction of 20mm longer reach on a frame for a 33" Inside leg individual.

If the OP is in any doubt, talk to a REALLY good LBS or a framebuilder

 

[amnesia]

Seat tube length is based on Inside leg, Torso length, Bottom bracket height and the Seat tube angle.

It is a bit more compicated than just Standing Height.

OP says he is 5'11" with an Inside leg of 33".
I am 5'9" with an Inside leg of 33".

This indicates OP's Torso is longer than mine and suggests a longer Reach. OP's Arm length might be longer than mine which reinforces my deduction of 20mm longer reach on a frame for a 33" Inside leg individual.

If the OP is in any doubt, talk to a REALLY good LBS or a framebuilder

Thank you... I consider myself to have a relatively long body (and average legs). I have tried a couple of other 56cm frames and they were fine - the Spesh allegedly has a fairly compact geometry so I think I will go for the 56cm.

Thanks for all the help guys !

Daniel.

 

[ACS]

Strangely I have just been through this dilemma. 5' 11', 33" inside leg and have just purchased a Specialized Tri-Cross on the C2W scheme. In addition I have a 56 cm Sirrus Sport 06 which fits I have not had to adjust at all. Went out on both 54 cm and 56 and I preferred the 56.

 

[jimboalee]

I don't have a dilemma.

I am 69" tall, a 36" seated height = 33" Inside leg.

My torso is 56" and my Arm length is 27".

B/B height is 11", Seat tube is 73.5 Degrees.

Gives :-

54cm Centre to top with a 66cm reach.

56cm C/Top is too big for me because I would need an 8cm stem.

 

[balzer69]

"My arms are 'just' bent when on the hoods for with the 56cm, but quite bent on the 54cm"

This alone would suggest a 54 is too small (without any other info).

 

[amnesia]

Cool - I have ordered the 56cm

Just need to wait for delivery now, and the Halfords guys to set it up for me (sic).

 

[jimboalee]

Amnesia, do us a favour.

Measure the distance from the floor to the little dip in the top of your thoracic cage just below your Adam's apple.
Measure the distance from your shoulder ball centre to the tips of your fingers, with straight arm.

I will tell you what size frame to buy.