Hello,
I am about to purchase a tri bike and I’m leaning toward a 2013 Slice Hi-Mod Red; an alternative would be the Argon 18 E-116 with RED derailleurs and cranks and Zipp Vuka Alumina bars.
I would be using the bike for (usually rather hilly) 70.3 and Olymipic distance races and would like to receive some feedback from Slice owners. I know the model is becoming a little dated, but I’m not sure I would be able to take advantage of the more aero design of more recent models and I guess I’m more interested into stability, quality of the ride, and a tri bike that can also climb decently. At least on paper, the Slice seems to be a good option.
I’m also looking for input regarding sizing. My measures are:
height 181cm tall (5’11.25);inseam 87.8cm (34.5 inch); torso 61.5cm (24.2 inch);arms 60cm (23.6 inch);shoulders 41.4cm (16.3 inch).
Unfortunately, here in Italy, purchasing a tri bike is a bit of a nightmare: it’s impossible to demo bikes, retailers are not able to provide significant guidance regarding tri bike sizing, and I can’t find a fitter that I can trust for tri bike fitting/positioning.
Based on my speculations I should fit a Slice size 56, which is the same size as my road bike, a 56 Focus Izalco with 110mm stem, which is very close to a 56 SupersixEvo in terms of geometry (just .5cm shorter and .5cm narrower).
A few years ago, while I was living in the US, I bought a size 54 Cervelo P2C which I used for one season. I’m pretty sure it was too small for me; I was never able to find myself comfortable and could ride it only in the shallower seatpost position.
My height is 183 and I have been recommended a size 58 Cannondale Slide 2013 (not hi-mod though). What info would you like to have to help you out?
If you want, I can attach my Retul fitting measurements.
Hi Marjin,
It would be helpful if you could attach your fitting information and measures.
What road bike and which size do you ride?
Thanks,
Gian Marco
I ride a Slice, and all I can say is that the reach is on the shorter side of tri bikes. I talked to a guy before getting it, and he said he felt constantly cramped and couldn’t get his fit right. I, on the other hand, have a short torso and find it extremely comfortable. It’s the only tri bike i’ve owned, but it fits me really well. I’m between 5’11"-6’, and I ride a 56. Hope this helps!
It’s really hard to know much from what you’ve said. It would be great if you had a picture of yourself from the side on the cervelo.
What kind of stem and how many spacers were on the cervelo?
Do you know if there’s a bike shop around with a fit bike? You might be able to play with this and figure it out; especially if you took some video and posted it.
I’ll leave it to the fit gurus about trying to fit you with just your measurements.
I ride a Slice, and all I can say is that the reach is on the shorter side of tri bikes. I talked to a guy before getting it, and he said he felt constantly cramped and couldn’t get his fit right. I, on the other hand, have a short torso and find it extremely comfortable. It’s the only tri bike i’ve owned, but it fits me really well. I’m between 5’11"-6’, and I ride a 56. Hope this helps!
Do you happen to know what are your inseam and torso measures?
Thanks,
GM
The same is true for me: longer legs, shorter torso. The Slice is relatively high and short. If the contrary is true for you, the Slice will probably not fit well (and the Felt will).
Below is a link to an old picture of me on the size 54 Cervelo P2C. In this picture I was trying the fore seatpost position and I had 3cm worth spacers under the stem; I think that later I removed one spacer and so was down to 2cm. I believe the stem was 9cm long (anyway, the standard length that was being provided in 2008 with a size 54 Cervelo P2C). Any help/suggestion about how I could fit on the Slice is greatly appreciated.
I think my riding skills, flexibility and pelvis rotation have improved in these last few years (lost some weight also) compared to my situation at the time the picture was taken. Finally, at that time my saddle height was 76.5cm, while now is 77.8cm and I feel like I might benefit by raising it 2-3 millimiters more.
Thanks,
GM
The same is true for me: longer legs, shorter torso. The Slice is relatively high and short. If the contrary is true for you, the Slice will probably not fit well (and the Felt will).
There is also a table on Slowtwitch comparing well-known brands on how “long/short” “tall/low” they are, but I cannot find it right now.
You are right and I’ve been reading the post you mention and others that say the Slice is “tall and narrow”.
I believe that at 181cm with 87.8cm (5’11 - 34.5 inch) I have legs relatively long compared to the torso, but I’m not sure.
Marjin, do you know what are your inseam and torso measures?
I ride a Hi Mod Slice, it’s a great bike. Especially for people Like us with long Legs. Yes there are more expensive super bikes out there, but at the price point of a Slice you’ll be hard pushed to better it.
As for sizing, I know the general trend with Tri Bikes is to “Size down”, however, I would recommend with the Slice that you ride the same size as you do for your road bike. In my case I ride a 58cm road bike so ride a 58cm Slice. My recommendation for you would be to do the same. Looking at you hight I’d say a 56cm would be about right. Obviously you should try one out before you buy, or at least get to sit on it in the shop.
And save some money for a good bike fit… that’s where the smart money is.
