I am buying my first Tri bike. Nytro has a great deal on Cannondale Slice 5. Unfortunately, I can’t test ride this locally so I am guessing on the correct size. I am 5ft 9in tall with an inseam of 32in. I have been reading a lot of the posts here and am leaning towards getting a 54. I wonder if a 56 would be a better option. Any thoughts?
My road bike is a size 54 Scott.
I’m 5’9", probably a bit shorter inseam, closer to 30", and I have a 54 Slice. There’s plenty of room to adjust the seat post still, so I would think a 54 would suit you well.
Dex675 Thanks for the quick reply. I am starting to feel better about getting the 54. Do you have the seat in the forward position or rear position?
No problem. I have my seat in the forward position, and again, have plenty of play to still move it forward and back. I defintely think that with your longer legs, compared to mine anyhow, that the 54 would be right on. The reach is a little shorter on the slice, but I think that would suit you better, since the 2 extra inches you have in your legs, must be in my torso since we’re the same height. So my aero bars are pushed a little further forward than most people’s would be, but it still works well.
Your TT bike must be small enough to allow for you to get into a good aero position. Your TT bike is usually smaller than your road bike. For example, my supersix is 52 cm while my Slice is 50 cm.
I am 5’9". My vote would be to hedge on a smaller frame and start there …
Guess I’ll chime in too… 5’9" 30" inseam, I ride 54 Slice. Feels really good. At least to me, seems like there is a little shorter reach w/ the Slice compared to my previous tri bike. I ride a 56cm road bike, a 55 cm CX bike.
I am suprised no one has said it yet… get a fit first! I work at C dale dealer and the slice is a great bike, but only if it fits you correctly. That said let me take stab at this knowing nothing about you or your riding style. I am 5’10" and would be a 56, I need the longer top tube! I also don’t get real low in the front so the higher stack of the 56 works better for me. Dan the man has said if you are between sizes get the larger! This eliminates spacers, which are round and not aero like the sculped head tube of the slice. That is my Guess, but get fit!
Cannondale slice is a short bike (front to back)
With your size I’m betting you will need a long bike or a long stem with this one.
jaretj