Hi,
I am looking to purchase a second hand 54cm time trial frame that I found for a good price. However I am 5" 11 tall. According to the bike manufacture’s size guide, I should be getting the large model (56cm). My current tri bike is a 57cm sized frame.
Should I be worried about buying this 54cm frame, if I just raise the saddle and run a longer stem? Will I be as comfortable?
Thank you
It just depends on your fit. You can probably make it work though.
I am 5’11†and ride a 54 Cannondale Slice with a slammed (-25° stem), dropping the basebar below the top tube. Inseam is 32â€.
You’re right on the cusp, so depends on the fit. I would suggest getting the bike with the closest stack (up and down) to what you need, and changing the reach (back and forth) via stem, pad adustment, etc.
You’re right on the cusp, so depends on the fit. I would suggest getting the bike with the closest stack (up and down) to what you need, and changing the reach (back and forth) via stem, pad adustment, etc.
this is good advice and probably means the larger frame. For me it would definitely mean the larger frame.
I understand the large frame (56cm) is the correct one for my height, but my question is: given that this second hand frame is cheaper than if I bought it brand new, would I be able to adjust the 54cm frame to make it fit* as well* as the 56cm frame?
Here is the sizing/geometry data for this frame (see attached photo).
Without getting a fit first your just purely guessing. I am 5’11 can ride a 51 or a 54 and have ridden a size L trek, but there are so compromises you need to be aware of depending on which frame you choose.
Without getting a fit first your just purely guessing. I am 5’11 can ride a 51 or a 54 and have ridden a size L trek, but there are so compromises you need to be aware of depending on which frame you choose.
Would you be able to asses the fit based on the geometry data given?
I am 5" 11 with an inseam of 31"
I get the impression you don’t have a TT bike, so you don’t have current stack and reach X/Y numbers. Basically a 56 is like a 54 where top tube is an inch taller and the stem and saddle setback are each 1/2 inch “longer”. If you dont ride a totally slammed setup, the height shouldn’t be a deal-breaker as long as there steer tube hasn’t been cut super short or there are no spacers for the bar/pads. If the bike is built up I would hop on and see if there is any room for adjustment with the seat post. You mostly need to worry about setback.
I understand the large frame (56cm) is the correct one for my height.
I’m 6’ and the stack on the 54/M is way too high for me. I’d need the 50/S size.
I think the M will be fine unless you like very low bars (like me). You can make the effective reach longer with a longer stem.
Without getting a fit first your just purely guessing. I am 5’11 can ride a 51 or a 54 and have ridden a size L trek, but there are so compromises you need to be aware of depending on which frame you choose.
Would you be able to asses the fit based on the geometry data given?
I am 5" 11 with an inseam of 31"
You have a short inseam for your height, which improves the chance that the 54 will fit (for ref. I’m 5’8" with a 30.5" inseam and nominally ride a 51cm road frame [my current BMC is a 51 and my 52 'dale fit “ok” but was a bit too tall).
Without getting a fit first your just purely guessing. I am 5’11 can ride a 51 or a 54 and have ridden a size L trek, but there are so compromises you need to be aware of depending on which frame you choose.
Would you be able to asses the fit based on the geometry data given?
I am 5" 11 with an inseam of 31"
Thats not enough info to get a accurate fit. Do you like you current position on TT bike? Do you have a TT bike now? Have you ever been fit to a TT bike? If your answering these questions as a “no” then you need to get a fit first before looking at new bikes. Once you have fit numbers then you can start your search for a new bike. With out the fit your simply just guessing.
Also not all 54 frames are equal.
I’m 5’11 and ride a 54. Shorter legs, longer torso I guess. I like it on the road bike, but needed a 120mm stem, and the one I got measures a bit long.
+1
I’m 5"11 going to a 58.
Without getting a fit first your just purely guessing. I am 5’11 can ride a 51 or a 54 and have ridden a size L trek, but there are so compromises you need to be aware of depending on which frame you choose.
Would you be able to asses the fit based on the geometry data given?
I am 5" 11 with an inseam of 31"
You have a short inseam for your height, which improves the chance that the 54 will fit (for ref. I’m 5’8" with a 30.5" inseam and nominally ride a 51cm road frame
What he said. I’m 5’11-6’0, but have stubby legs and ride a 54 Cervelo P4.
Also 5’11" and all my road bikes are medium/54. TT bikes too, except for the 56 P5 I’m on now (I’d prefer a 54 as I struggle with too much stack, but that’s a long story). With a smaller frame getting the right fit is far easier and more comfortable than with one too large.