P2C Sizing (Again, Sorry)

Triathlon Forum
1

I have read many threads about P2C fit and I think I probably belong on a 54. BUT I have a line on a 56 and was wondering if there was anyone out there my size riding on a 56. I am 5’11" with a 33in inseam, ride 77/78 degrees and not exceptionally low.

Any help?

Thanks, Tim

2

Yes, I ride a 56 Cervelo and I’m 5’10". I think it all depends on your fit and flexibility on the bike.

Cervelo gets asked this question a lot, so they’ve posted some general recommendations on fit based on size.
Below is a copy and past of the answer from Cervelo’s site.

http://www.cervelo.com/viewkb.aspx#3

Question Frame size for TT/Tri bikes
Can you give a rough idea of what size Cervélo TT/Tri frame would work with what rider height?

Answer - Frame size for TT/Tri bikes
Rider height is only one variable used when determining frame size and bike fit.

It is virtually impossible to size by phone or e-mail, you are much better served by a fit session at your local bike dealer where the fitter can measure you, examine your position on the bike and make changes based on your specific needs and capabilities. That is one of the real values of buying at your local store.

But to give you some guidance, we will give you a range of heights per frame size. However, please note the following caveats:

  1. Many people could ride two frame sizes and because riders of a certain height could ride one size or another based on other body dimensions and things like flexibility.
  2. This assumes a forward position (as most triathlete and good time trialers use), a shallow position tends to lead to a smaller frame.
  3. For people with a relatively long torso, they will usually ride a relatively big frame. They will need to pay extra attention to getting a stem with not too much rise and an aerobar with not to much stack height. The reverse is true for people with a relatively short torso.

Keeping that in mind, the ranges are:

48cm - 5’ to 5’6"
51cm - 5"5 to 5’9
54cm - 5’8 to 5’11
56cm - 5’10 to 6’1
58cm - 6’0 to 6’4
61cm - 6’3 and up

These ranges are the same for every Cervélo TT/Tri model, as they all follow the same philosophy. The only difference between the various models is the height of the headtube, the higher up in the model range we go the shorter the headtube, for a more advanced position. But this change is rather small, and variances like the angle of the stem, the type of aerobar and the number of spacers used have a larger effect on the front end height than the differences in headtube length between models.

3

I’m 5’ 10" with a 33 inch inseam. I was a tweener between the 54 & 56 given my torso, etc. Bought the 56 and if I had it to over again I would buy the 54. (All that said, it’s a great bike and you will love it).

4

Since this is probably a pretty big decision, I’d get on both bikes and see how they workout. If you have to use an 80mm stem on the 56, definitely go with the 54. But if all things seem rather normal on both bikes, i’d probably go with the 56 since you mention that you don’t ride exceptionally low and that bike has a higher stack height.

FWIW, I’m 6’0" with a 33" inseam (true inseam not pants measurement) and used to ride a Cervelo 56cm at 79-80 degrees.

5

I am 5’11 34 inseam and ride a 54cm and ride it at around 80 degrees.

If you are not sure get fitted at a bike shop !!! I would think you will likely fit on both sizes and in that case I would bet on the smaller size.

Francois in Montreal

6

You have to try both of them. I am a hair under 6’ and thought for sure I would go with the 56. After trying out both at the store and getting properly fitted, it was clear that the 54 was a better choice for my build. Like me, you can probably fit both, but when you are dropping this kind of coin you want to get the optimal size.