looking for some opinions here…
I found a good deal on an XL s-works transition, and from reading numerous posts here, it seems it might be worth a serious look. I’m 5’11" with a 32" inseam. I’m considering to take it to a shop and spend some money getting their expert opinion on whether it could really fit me. Wheels aren’t included, so I haven’t been on it to even feel what that’s like.
Anyone think it’s not even worth that and can’t possibly fit me?
thanks in advance.
Don’t even try it. At your height the XL would be too big. I am same height and for long tri’s I use a Large and short a Medium but the stack and reach on XL is out of the question. Not saying a good fitter could not fit you somewhat on the bike, but not a very efficient position.
I’m 5’11 and ride the large s-works transition. I would b\think the XL may be a bit too big
First, what year is it. I think prior years had fewer sizes. 2010 has 48/51/54/56/59/62 but i believe prior years only had 51/54/56/59.
so, if you are looking at a XL-59 these are my comments below, if you are looking at a XL-62 then i say ‘don’t do it’.
IMHO, and appologies to the Specialize Fit guy above.
I’m 5’11.5" and ride a large. I bought the Frame only.
I have a 11 or 12 stem (forget which one i ended up using) and T2 bars
I have plenty of seat tube showing
Adamo saddle in the forward postion but all the way back on the rails.
Looking at the stack and reach charts the XL has .1cm more stack and 2cm more reach. HT is same.
I bet i would have no problem at all fitting an XL.
Actually i wanted and XL but the shop talked me out of it. I, unlike most, like a bike that is larger and not a small bike with lots of risers. Talk to a Specialized dealer, they have a fit-range chart that shows the range of size for each.
I think you could do it if you wanted to. It might not be optimal but there might be no noticable difference. It comes down to your decision on the value of a ‘good deal.’
BTW, the bike is GREAT.
thanks for these insightful posts.
Bermuda- it’s an '06 61cm w/Campy Record.
Normally, I’d never think twice about a 61cm bike, but after reading Slowman’s article on frame sizing problems where he wrote,
“Meanwhile, the tri bikes by Specialized differ in height by only 2.2cm throughout its entire 4-bike size range of S to XL. Indeed, the S Works XL is the same height as the Scott Plasma in M, and it’s only 7 millimeters taller than Trek’s size S.”
…I thought maybe it’s worth a second look, more so because of the Record group, excellent condition, and only $750. I didn’t want to just get on it and decide, so a local Specialized dealer is cool with me bringing it in and giving me proper fitting on it to determine if it’s worth buying. I was up front with them and didn’t just want to get on a new XL and say I’m thinking about buying it, so I want to pay for their time.
too big
i’m about the same (slightly longer inseam, but shorter torso evens it out) and i ride Large
jim
.
I think it’d be huge on you. I’m 5’ 9.5", with a 34.5 true inseam, and I ride a 54 (M).
Way too big. I’m 6’0 and I even found the L too big for me. It had me stretched out way too far. I’m riding a 2009 M and could not be happier with the fit and comfort.
Honestly, I don’t think anyone can just say it’s too big based on only your inseam and hight. This is how people wind up buying the wrong size frames!
The best option would be to get your fit coordinates by a certified F.I.S.T. fitter so that you will know exactly how that frame would or would not fit you. If you can’t do that, definitely take it in to the Specialized dealer and get him to take a look at you on the bike.
Good luck!
I completely disagree with most of you 
I was fit by JT Lyons at moment cycle sport (one of the FIST instructors, it goes Jordan Dan and JT). I am 510 1/2 and fit very nicely on the s works transition XL. It was the bike that actually fit me the best. I run a 100 stem very minimal spacers and have 15cm of drop. JT told me it was one of the only good sizes for the Transition. Fits very similar to a 56cm felt.
Look at my profile pics for pics of the fit.
The best option would be to get your fit coordinates by a certified F.I.S.T. fitter so that you will know exactly how that frame would or would not fit you. If you can’t do that, definitely take it in to the Specialized dealer and get him to take a look at you on the bike.
i agree. once you get your fit coordinates, ask the fitter if the xl transition will fit.
JT told me it was one of the only good sizes for the Transition.
What on earth does that mean?
It means it fits like most other bikes i.e the felt. The other sizes of the Transition are whacky.
I’m sorry but i think i was confused about the bike.
I think you are looking at the ‘old’ transition
this one http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2006&Brand=Specialized&Model=S-Works+Transition&Type=bike
i was thinking of the new one. http://www.bikepedia.com/Quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2008&Brand=Specialized&Model=S-Works+Transition&Type=bike
I’m not familiar with the geometry of that one. It may be the same but i don’t know.
As someone else said, it’s worth trying a fit. It may work, especially if you have a forward seat position and don’t mind a shorter stem.
good luck
Did you wind up going for the xl, or still looking?
SUBJECTIVE - I don’t think an xl is the right choice.
I am 5’10" on a good day with a 32" inseam. I ride a medium Transition.
please explain wheel choice.
please explain wheel choice.
Zipp 808 was the deepest clincher wheel with a powertap. Flashpoint was a team purchase for such a price that I couldn’t pass it up.
Sorry for trying to hijack the thread but i have a related question. I’m 6’6 and ride the largets cervelo p2c. It’s a little small for me and I was looking at the XXL transition that’s coming out in 2010. Does anyone know how much bigger this is than the 61 p2c?
Did you wind up going for the xl, or still looking?
I’m still looking. I plan to see a good fitter first and then go shopping.
thanks to everyone for their comments.