I’ve got a chance to pick up a 2014 Felt B12 at a very decent price. However, I’m wondering if it’s going to be the correct size. So I’m looking for some real world input. I’m between 5’7" and 5’8" with a 31 inch inseam (measured using the book in crotch method). The guy selling the bike is 6’1". A bit of a drive is required to look at the bike, so I’ve been researching ahead of time.
In looking at Felt’s website, they recommend a 54cm or 56cm frame. So I’m within the recommend range. My concern, of course, being that the frame may be too late.
So - does anyone have experience here? Could this size frame work with the proper fit?
At 5’8 and 31" inseam I’d say a 56 is too big. I have a 2103 B12 (same frame) and am 5’10 with a 30.25 inseam (longer torso) and have the seat(ISM Prologue) all the way forward with a 100mm -17* stem. I didn’t like the twitchiness with a shorter 80mm stem. If I were to do it again I’d go with a 54cm and I have a longish torso. I previously rode a Felt S22 (2006 model) and was fitted for either or went with the 56cm of that model and wasn’t twitchy for me with a shorter stem.
I’m 6’1" and ride a 56cm P3. I’ve ridden a 70.3 on a borrowed 54cm P3 that was a bit small in the set up it was in, but was certainly rideable and would have been fine with some better adjustments.
So, what I’m saying is, at 5’7" I would think a 56cm would be way too big for you. I know I’m comparing Felts to Cervelos but they can’t be that different.
here’s a link to Felt’s 2013 B-Series lineup. You can see that the B12 and B14 are the new frame (launched in 2013) but the B16 is still the previous gen. You can see a visual of the difference and the specs are there on the website
I’m not an expert, but my understanding is the older frame was more long and low, and the new frame is a bit taller. It’s seems you’d size up a bit with the new frame vs. the old. Felt’s 2013 size chart says at 5’7" you’d be a between 54/56 on the new frame (the one you’re looking at) but you’d be between 52/54 on the old frame (B16)
I concur with DDMike when he said that you should be on a 52/54 for the older frame.
I’m 5-7 and am on the same frame model as what you are looking at. When I went in for the fit, my bike fitter said that, based on my coordinates, I could be on a 52 or 54.
As we all know, sizing questions can be very difficult to diagnose without seeing the rider on the bike or having tangible measurements of your body available. Our size suggestion guide is meant to be just that, a suggestion. We understand that every body is different.
At 5’7" I wouldn’t rule out the 56cm, but I would highly suggest you find a way to test the fit before committing to the purchase or making a long drive. Have you ever had a fitting done? Are you coming off of a different bike, or will this be your first?
Assuming the bike still has it’s stock aerobar spec, there is a very large range of adjustment to help you achieve an optimal position. That, however, will not make up for a frame that is the incorrect size.
Save yourself the long drive, or worse the long drive and then riding a bike that is too big. There is no way that someone 5’7.5 is going to fit on a size 56 frame. I’m 6’0 with 34 in inseam. I’m looking at the Felt IA10 for the spring and I’m looking at a Large (equivalent to 56). The guy who is selling it is 6’1. There is only so much adjustment in these bikes. Go to a shop near you and ask to see 56cm bikes. See how big they are. Listen to what the sales people tell you.