The importance of getting a proper fit

Triathlon Forum
1

From Preownedbikes.com (a division of American Bicycle Group, makers of the QR):

"2005 55cm Quintana Roo Ti-Phoon triathlon bicycle Dura ace refurbished to very good condition. The top tube length is 54.0cm and the standover height is 76.5cm. This bike should fit riders between 5’7" to 5’10"

How many 5’7" riders do you know who could fit on a 54cm top tube? I’m of average proportions, 5’10"ish, and fit perfectly on my Dual with a 53cm top tube (at 78 degrees, forward position), stem length 90mm.

I asked Cervelo directly about sizing prior to buying my size 54, and they recommended the size 56 (as did all3sports.com) based on my height alone. It was only after getting properly fit that I realized a size 56 would be WAY too large.

Glad I didn’t take the manufacturers advice.

2

After seeing how small the bikes looked on the pros in Kona this year, I’m thinking I could go smaller. I’m on a 54" and I’m 5’8".

3

I ride a 57.5cm Road bike, and have a 55cm Tri bike…dont forget, most shops have no idea how to size a Tri bike and do so as if they are a road bike. And, a Tri bike does not fit like a road bike.

4

That is crazy. I don’t understand why shops want to put people on bikes that are too big for them. I’m 5’9" with normal proportions and ride a 52cm top tube, 110mm stem, and seat pretty far forward (making the effective top tube even shorter). My upper arms are almost exactly 90 degrees to the ground.

5

What size road bike you on? Just curious - I think that Cervelo and the shop are trying to close a deal rather than offering good advice.

6

A 54cm, but a 56cm can work too for a road setup.

7

I am 5’7’’ and I ride a 50cm top tube.

Most manufacturers would recommend I ride a 53-54 cm. I find that the more you ride, the smaller the bike you will need. But that’s just my opinion.