Specialized Allez Sport 2010 size 56 or 58 cm?

[rockyraccoon]

I went to my LBS but they don't have any of those sizes in stock any more. I felt very uncomfortable to ask to get my fitting when I wouldn't buy it. They offered an orbea and scott (over my budget) but because I went for the specialized (and still want it) I didn't want to try those bikes (which I wasn't interested) and waste their time.

I am thinking about getting the Allez Sport model on-line but I am not sure about the bike size.

According to specialized website (and all the on-line retailers) the size 58 is spot on based on my height. However I have read so much about sizes and the need for fitting that I am getting less confident. I know nothing replaces the proper fit in the shop.

I have used the "competitivecyclist" website as intital step to get my measures. They are:

Inseam: 34
Trunk: 26
Forearm: 15
Arm: 26
Thigh: 25
Lower Leg: 23
Sternal Notch: 60
Total Body Height: 73

Do you think that the 56 cm size would be quite a stretch for me? Or should I definitely go for the 58 cm.

What do you think guys? Any advice from you lots would be very helpful.

 

[ColinJ]

I'm 6'1" with 33" leg and I am comfortable on my 58 cm bikes with 11 cm stems (flipped over) and quite a lot of seat post showing.

I once had a 60 cm bike and needed to use a 9 cm stem with that and had less seat post showing.

I have ridden 56 cm bikes and can just get away with them with 13 cm stems and an awful lot of seat post showing, but then the bars feel a bit low.

I reckon the 58 cm will be just right for you with careful adjustment of saddle position and maybe a change of stem or flipping it if you can't quite get the ideal position with the standard stem, the 'right' way up.

 

[oldgreyandslow]

+1 go for the 58

 

[Hacienda71]

+1 I,m 6'3 34" inside leg and ride a 58cm with quite a bit of seatpost showing. you can always fiddle with stem length seapost length etc to get a spot on fit as said by ColinJ.

 

[HLaB]

I'd guess 58 too. I'm a fair bit smaller 5foot9 and a 1/4, bike fit's reccomend a 56cm for me but because of manufacturer sizing my bikes are actually 54 and 55cm; the 55cm is the best fit for me and you are quite a few inches taller rocky.

btw The last fit I had done was online here

 

[ACS]

5' 11" with a 33" inside leg I have a 56cm but my next bike will be 58cm. With a longer stem and a layback seat post I can just about get a comfortable fit.

 

[redjedi]

+1 to the 58.

I'm 6ft and ride a Ridgeback in 58 with a 100mm stem and a Bianchi in 59 with a 90mm stem.

 

[ianrauk]

i'm 5'9" and ride 56" Spesh..

 

[e-rider]

58cm defo.

these days it is more common to see people riding bikes that are too small for them than too big.

A few decades ago it was the other way round.

I've seen reasonably sized adults riding 'child-like' sized bikes. I have also been given poor advice by bike shops on suitable frame sizes; and they always suggest bikes that are too small.

I find the size guides produced by manufacturers to be pretty accurate and a good place to start.

 

[Alien8]

Just to be repetitive, I'm 6'1" and ride a 58cm Allez with the off-the-peg components. Not sure if my reach is unusually long or short but I don't get too many odd looks and it's the most comfy long-distance bike I have.

 

[rockyraccoon]

Based on your comments, the online fitting (thanks HLaB) and also the attempt I had today on my friends road bike (he is as taller as me, same inside leg, and his bike is 57 cm) I am getting the 58cm. Thank you for your advices.

 

[jimboalee]

I went to my LBS but they don't have any of those sizes in stock any more. I felt very uncomfortable to ask to get my fitting when I wouldn't buy it. They offered an orbea and scott (over my budget) but because I went for the specialized (and still want it) I didn't want to try those bikes (which I wasn't interested) and waste their time.

I am thinking about getting the Allez Sport model on-line but I am not sure about the bike size.

According to specialized website (and all the on-line retailers) the size 58 is spot on based on my height. However I have read so much about sizes and the need for fitting that I am getting less confident. I know nothing replaces the proper fit in the shop.

I have used the "competitivecyclist" website as intital step to get my measures. They are:

Inseam: 34
Trunk: 26
Forearm: 15
Arm: 26
Thigh: 25
Lower Leg: 23
Sternal Notch: 60
Total Body Height: 73

Do you think that the 56 cm size would be quite a stretch for me? Or should I definitely go for the 58 cm.

What do you think guys? Any advice from you lots would be very helpful.

The diagram above shows how to measure your 'Sitting height'.
Subtract this from your standing height and you've got your Leg Length.

Go on the Spesh website to their 'geometry' page for the bike you want and look for 'Stand over height'.

The bike's 'Stand over height' should be 40 mm less than your Leg Length.