Specialized Allez frame size

[Phixion]

I've managed to find a great price on a Spec Allez, it's a 2005 model in great condition for £150. Problem is it's got a 32" standover (my inside leg is 29-30") and it's a 58cm frame.

The guy riding it is 6' and I'm 5'9" - am I right in thinking the bike is going to be too big for me? :/

 

[jimboalee]

Yup.

I'm 5'8" and my SWorks is 54cm frame ( Spesh's centre to theoretical top ).

I measure leg length by the Seated Height Ratio method, not the 'inside leg' book up the wall method.

 

[Phixion]

BAHHHH! I knew this bike was too big I was just hoping someone would come along and say "yeah it should be fine!".

I don't think it's worth me taking the hour+ journey out to try it as I have a feeling it's going to be way too big.

Oh well, if anyone wants the details let me know, it's located near Birmingham and at £150 seems like a steal. It would go for alot more on ebay!

PS: What is the Seathed Height Ratio Method?

 

[montage]

Hmmm Birmigham is a tad too far from me....but this does sound like an absolute steal
Shame it doesnt fit you

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

Always best to try before you buy, often it's the case you can ride more than one size

Paul_Smith
www.corridori.co.uk

 

[dmoan]

The guy riding it is 6' and I'm 5'9" - am I right in thinking the bike is going to be too big for me? :/

I'm 6'4" and I ride a 58cm 2007 Allez Elite - the frame must be too big for you!

 

[lordjenks]

im about 5 9" and i ride a 56, it all depends on how u like to ride your bike and all that

 

[andyfromotley]

i amk 6' with a 32 inside leg, i have a 56 on that model for me. too big i reckons.

 

[accountantpete]

I have always ridden 56's and am 5' 9" - it just means that the seat is not extended out of the down tube as much as is fashionable and I never stand with both legs either side of the top tube anyway.

58 is pushing it a little bit as regards the probable length of the top tube but for £150 I'd risk it as an entry level bike but not if I wanted something long term.

 

[ianrauk]

+1, exactly the same

im about 5 9" and i ride a 56, it all depends on how u like to ride your bike and all that

 

[HLaB]

Like others have said unfortunately I think 58cm will be too big. I'm 5ft 9 and my road bikes are 54cm Spesh Sirrus, a 54cm Kinesis and a 55cm Bianchi; according to a bike fit 56cm is ideal for me. Another lbs gave me this fitting link recently.

 

[Phixion]

Cheers guys, I've come to the conclusion that it's going to be too big, which is a shame.

Although I'd much rather have a bike that fit than one that didn't!

 

[HLaB]

I think you are better with a bike thats too small for you than too big, cut even better with a bike that's the right size for you; you've made the right decision. With a small bike you can always put the saddle up (so far atleast) but with a bike thats too big you end up stretching too much to pedal which isn't good for the knees.

 

[montage]

I think you are better with a bike thats too small for you than too big, cut even better with a bike that's the right size for you; you've made the right decision. With a small bike you can always put the saddle up (so far atleast) but with a bike thats too big you end up stretching too much to pedal which isn't good for the knees.

saddle being too low is far more dangerous than saddle being too high for the knees.

Personally, I would have said aim slightly big rather than slightly small, as you can always lower the seatpost right down and get a shorter stem, whereas having lodes of seatpost showing or a long stem on a small bike can increase the chances of stuff snapping - especially a carbon fibre seatpost.

However, a smaller bike would be more comfortable than a larger bike I reckon...faster up the hill aswell

 

[HLaB]

saddle being too low is far more dangerous than saddle being too high for the knees.

Personally, I would have said aim slightly big rather than slightly small, as you can always lower the seatpost right down and get a shorter stem, whereas having lodes of seatpost showing or a long stem on a small bike can increase the chances of stuff snapping - especially a carbon fibre seatpost.

However, a smaller bike would be more comfortable than a larger bike I reckon...faster up the hill aswell

Yip, being too low does more damage to the knees but IME (limited ) you can always put the saddle up as far as the post allows but when the frame is way too large as I believe the 58 would be for the OP you can only put the saddle down so far.