I’m 5’11’’ with an 85 cm inseam and was curious if anybody knew whether or not I would fit into a 56cm dual. Obviously, I would have to work with the dealer to make any bike fit, but I just think it would be on the big side given the discussion in similar threads. Is it better to err on the larger or smaller frame size for tri bikes? for road bikes I had always heard small
At 5’10", my 54 Dual fit like a glove (no spacers, 90mm stem, forward saddle position, roughly 79*).
That being the case, if you’re of average proportions, the 54 would give you more fudge room. I wouldn’t want to be stuck on a larger, heavier & bike, riding a 70-80mm stem, when a smaller, lighter & less twitchy 54 was available.
With zero fitting experience, I can’t or won’t give advice. But for comparison, I’m 6’1", with an 89cm inseam…and I ride a 56 Cervelo Dual very comfortably.
Threads like these mainly serve to prove the point that you really need a professional fit because several people in a similar range of heights and inseams will all suggest different sizes. I’m barely touching 5’ 9" and I ride a 54 Dual. I have a long torso/reach for my inseam (or a short inseam depending how you want to look at it). If I went by online recommendations based on height and inseam I’d probably be on a 51 (and it’s possible that would be fine, I’m no expert on tri setups) but I was assured by the fitter that I should be on the 54 (they had a 51 in stock and had to order in the 54 so it wasn’t a matter of sales convenience). All I know is I’m super comfy on it even for long rides despite it not getting near as much ride time as my road bike except when fairly close to races.
I’m exactly the same. I love my Dual. It’s as comfortable to ride as my 56 Specialized Roubaix, which is regarded as one of the more comfortable road bike frames. Given that you’re only an inch taller, I’d feel safe recommending the 54 Dual to you.
You know, it’s funny. I just got a Ultegra Dual (at Nytro in San Diego) and the fitter said I was dead in between the 56 and 54. I was told the same thing by a different shop, in another state when I purchased my road bike (Specialized Tarmac). I went with the 56 because it seemed to give me more options adjustability wise and I am unsure as to what my ideal position will be over the next few years as I get better at this triathlon thing. I felt very powerful on the 54 but a little scrunched. A bit stretched on the 56 but more options. Its pretty individual I guess. I ordered a different set of aero bars (r bend) so I can play with the lengths a little to get more dialed in.
FWIW I am 5’11’’ and 167 lbs or so.
I ordered my dual over the net. I’m 5’ 10.5" . They thought I should be riding a 54 so that’s what they sent. Well I had no desire to ride as steeply as that size would require me too. So I sent it back, and got a 56. I ride it in the so-called ‘big slam’ position now. I like it.
There’s no easy answer to your question. For me, being about the same size as you, the 56 is good. key words,for me.
I’m 5’ 10.5" . They thought I should be riding a 54 so that’s what they sent. Well I had no desire to ride as steeply as that size would require me too. So I sent it back, and got a 56.
I haven’t had my coffee yet, so I could have this backward, but wouldn’t riding a larger frame necessitate you riding steeper in order to reach the bars, and the smaller frame force you to slide the saddle backward to achieve a better fit, giving you a slacker seat tube angle? At 5’10" (on a 54 Dual), there’s no way I could both move up a frame size *and *ride slacker at the same time, even with a slightly taller head tube.
You’re not alone. This makes no sense.
Steve
" wouldn’t riding a larger frame necessitate you riding steeper in order to reach the bars, and the smaller frame force you to slide the saddle backward to achieve a better fit,"
Exactly. My 54 cm P2K fit like a glove in the steep position, but when slack the effective top tube became too long.
I am 5’10" with a 81.28 cm inseam and I am riding a 54cm Cervelo Dual with a STA of around 76 degrees (So not steep) and this bike fits like a glove. I was fitted twice (once steep when I first bought the bike then I changed to slack 2 years later and shortened the stem). I would think with a 54cm Dual that you would have the seat higher than me but the reach would roughly be about the same so I am sure a 100mm stem would have been perfect on a 54. I would bet that you are outstretched on that 56cm bike unless you are running a 70mm stem.
I’m 5’ 10.5" . They thought I should be riding a 54 so that’s what they sent. Well I had no desire to ride as steeply as that size would require me too. So I sent it back, and got a 56.
I haven’t had my coffee yet, so I could have this backward, but wouldn’t riding a larger frame necessitate you riding steeper in order to reach the bars, and the smaller frame force you to slide the saddle backward to achieve a better fit, giving you a slacker seat tube angle? At 5’10" (on a 54 Dual), there’s no way I could both move up a frame size *and *ride slacker at the same time, even with a slightly taller head tube.
the smaller frame forced me to have a huge drop between my saddle height and the handlebars. I had two cm more of exposed seat post. I 'm already with 4cm of spacers with the 56, with the 54 I 'd need 6. So maybe by steeper I mean low in the front. I just am not comfortable with that much weight on the front of the bike.
I 'm really digging it now. Really . I know it makes no sense to you guys but…I 'm liking it.
and yes in retrospect, I bought the wrong bike. Let that be a lesson to anyone buying a tri bike over the net. Unless of course you go a local shop and try them, then buy on the net. In which case you suck.