I have driven 3 hours, 3 times in the past week to the nearest cervelo dealer and after stem adjustments, seat adjustments, etc. I am still completely deadlocked between a 56 P2 with a 120 stem or a 58 P2 with a 90 stem. The bike shop has been great but really has no opinion on which is the better option. I am not used to the tri geometry as a long time road bike rider so I have to rely on feedback more than feel because it all feels very new and different.
I have a couple questions. As the season goes on I will likely remove spacers. Does lowering the front end extend the reach at all or would it have more of a “scrunching” effect…or pretty neutral? I ask because I feel like the 56, totally pushed out is still as close as I would ever want it, any closer and I would feel too close (arms are right at 90 degrees with everything at its max length). The 58 is the opposite problem. With a 90 stem I am as far as I would want to reach and basically in the same position as the 56 but I would hate to have it get much longer.
Is there an advantage to going slightly up in frame size and reducing stem versus going slightly down in size and extending the stem? Either way offer more tweaking options?
Some of this is psychological because at 6 foot even with a 34" inseam and average proportions I expected to be a slam dunk 58 but cervelo’s rough guide puts me squarely in a 56. My road bike is too large but it is 60.
If anyone riding cervelo tri geometry in the 5’11" to 6’1" range would be willing to weigh in on what size they ended up going with it would go a long ways toward helping me figure out where I might want to end up. I know fit and comfort are the most important, but that has left me completely on the fence. If you have ever bought a frame and realized 3 months later it was the wrong size…it is a horrible feeling and it has made me really sensitive to getting it right this time.
Thanks in advance for any feedback and sorry for another bike fit question!
I always felt that I was in between a 51 and 54 when I had my P2K. I rode the 54 with a 90 stem. It worked well in the steep postion but the effective top tube was too long if I had wanted to do IUC legal TT’s so there was little room for adjustment. But I was sure the 51 cm was too small. Probably the 52cm 700c that they made for a brief time would have been an ideal fit.
It should probably be determined by head tube length. There is no point in getting the smaller frame if your most comfy riding position means riding with a bunch of spacers.
Also its been said before but if you are riding a p3c and need quite a few spacers you shouldn’t be on a p3c, they made the p2c with a taller headtube for a reason.
For reference i’m on a 54, with a negative rise stem, and am 6’0"
wow! I’m 5’10" and ride a 54cm P2C with a 100mm stem. I am quite surprised you are considering a 56 or 58. I’d consult with another fitter. Listen to what cyclonehockey has to say, I think he originally bought one size too big and later had to regroup. Good luck!
I’m dealing with a similar issue, being 5’11" and have tried a 54 and 56, both feel good. I tried this with a P3 and a DA (each bike in both sizes), and I am still struggling with my decision…Either a streched out 54 or a “scrunched” 56…I’m leaning to the 54 as I can get a bit more aggressive fit on it, however this whole thing has made me second guess my LBS fitting abilities (although the owner has learned the F.I.S.T method)…
Thank you, this is exactly the kind of feedback I was after! I am debating between the p2SL ultegra or the p2C. I have not decided whether the extra grand is worth it at my skill level. My local shops are both geared toward the recreational rider so I do not really have the option to check other fitters. I really like the cervelo bike from a feel and look standpoint. I may try a Felt as well as their 58 appears to be sort of between a Cervelo 56 and 58.
On the 56 my hands are cupping the shifters with my wrists at the end of the bars. The T2 aero’s cant get any longer but maybe this is is ok for now. It was this aero length that really had me feeling like I was on a bike that was too small. The elbow pads seemed about right. I could probably change the aero bars if I feel like i need better grip on the bars themselves. The spacers are there by default and the level seems fine as a starting point as I adjust to aero. I figure start slightly higher and work my way down.
I thought about the fact I might have to start over and drive a few hours in the other direction and check out some other brands. I just really want to make this work if possible.
Thanks again…you have no idea how invaluable the feedback is. So no one around 6’ is on a 58?
Hi I am 6’ have a 34 1/2’ inseam I ride a very comfortable 58 dual. However my effective reach from sternum to palm is 30". Being very flexible I liked the longer top tube. (I am kind of built like a monkey.) I also rode a 60 road bike (old steel) I fitted 57 and preferred the feel of the 58 the 56 seemed too small. If you are not sure try different bikes the dual for me was comfortable in both sizes from the start, I just preferred the 58.
Sounds like you are trying to convince yourself you need the 58 just because it is the larger frame. Tri bike sizing means little fit is everything!
Rick
That’s always a possibility with any make of bike. Bikes have a reasonable degree of adjustment and the human body a certain degree of adaptability, but sometimes the mating of the two is less than perfect.
In theory, the 56 cm size Cervelo should be the closer ideal for a six footer. 58 does “seem” a bit big and IMO, a 54 cm would likely be a bit small.
I just purchased a 2007 Cervelo Dual, 56. I’m a hair under 6’0" with 32 inseam. I got fitted at Colorado Multi-sports in Boulder. We evaluated whether to go with a 54 or a 56. Ultimately Tim suggested the 56 would give us more flexibility on fitting stems, etc.
I love the 56, have had it only a week - but completely comfortable.
On a side note - I bought the bike without wheels (saved $100) because I found a great deal on some trade-up wheels at Rol Wheelworks (www.rolwheels.com). I got the Voliants for under $400 - killer deal - and he threw in some free Conti tires. This was about 1/2 of what I was finding similar weight and quality wheels elsewhere.
I’m 5’10 and change and I ride a 56CM P2C with an 80mm stem. Remember that a good fit might well revela what you have and have not been doing correctly in the past.
I tried a 58 felt with 110 stem over lunch. It felt pretty good, actually. It is probably the different aero bars that gave me a different feel than the 58 cervelo because I dont “think” the sizes are that different in the frames.
I am wondering if the comfort on the larger size comes from the fact that it has me a little more upright which gets me closer to my road position i am used to. The danger in that is I expect to quickly acclimate to the aero position and once that happens I might realize I went a little too large.
Between stems and seat adjustments it may not matter which you go with. Ideally you would want the frame that requires the least radical aerobar adjustment as it will give you more options in the future to go with other bars that might have less adjustment to them.
I’m on a P2SL that is too small for me and its a bit frustrating at times…but at least its a couple grams lighter! ha
I think you highlight the one issue I have with asking for ST’ers fit advice: They’re not with you. Only you and your fitter know what each position feels like and what changes on frames really look and feel like. You need to find what is most comfortable for you and if that is in a position that is more comfortable and a little less aero, so be it. If you’re riding 24 or 124 miles, comfort has to be the key.
