Yet Another n00b looking for a bike

[karnuffel]

Hi All,

 

Ive been cycling for a while, mostly off road, but I am now looking for a proper road bike.

 

I have a trek hybrid, 7300 FX, that I got from my brother to try on the road, but my lower back starts to hurt after a while. I did some googling and it seems my setup is incorrect.

 

I am 1.73m and according to a couple of shops I need a 52 or a 53 frame.

 

Now the question, can I get a 54, shorten the stem and lower the seat to basically "make" the frame fit? The guys at Tour de Frans in Boksburg suggested this, but it sounds to me like a bad idea.

 

Should I rather save my cash cycle on the road with my MTB (a Trek x-caliber 7)? I battle to keep up with the roadies ( obviously).

 

What should I look for when getting a 2nd hand road bike? It was suggested that I fork out a bit more for a 105 groupset? Is it worth it? I considered buying a frame from chain reaction cycles but it seems thats going to coast a pretty penny.

 

apologies for all the questions

[gtr1]

You should always err on smaller frame rather than larger frame. Rather get what fits you than compromise and always be unhappy and not have the correct fit. There are plenty 2nd hand bikes out there. Just check theHub ads.

[Madlight]

Agreed, but a 54 should fit 100% with an 80mm stem - that's what I ride and loving it

[Madlight]

Ps I'm 173cm as well

[karnuffel]

Thats what I thought as well. Im not in a hurry. Im going to try and shorten my reach on my hybrid. maybe that will help.

[Ed-Zulu]

I'm as tall as you, ride 54cm road bike, 80mm stem, seat set back is 60mm, very comfortable ride.

 

Follow GRT1's advise

[Pikey]

I have only ever ridden mtb bikes and never thought I would enjoy road bikes but recently got into road cycling as well ( coz I said argus was easy) and took up the challenge.

 

Long story short,I have had 3 bikes since argus coz I never bought the right size frame,albeit that some were bargains. I now have the correct size frame and everything else just falls into place,as in buying right stem,handlebars etc.

 

I tried the same as you are talking about and making it fit. You CANT make a bike fit and I should of know better.

 

Now I am as happy as larry and sooooo much more comfortable therefore enjoying it more.

 

As for 105 etc sure it's nice to have lighter better group sets . But if tiagra is set up properly and changes smooth enough, that's a brilliant starting point to see if you even take to road cycling.

 

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

 

[HOEKVLAG]

Lots of 173cm tall people here! I fall into the same category and also ride a 54cm road boke with a 80mm stem - and there I thought I was special! Just watch out as it does depend on the frame geometry (54cm bikes aren't all equal...).

[Pikey]

I am 182 cm tall and am riding a 55 ...was told it was every so slightly small for me,but am more comfortable that way. So 54 should be spot on.

[fanievb]

so you okes are telling me my set-up is wrong?

 

ride a 54cm with a 100mm stem

[karnuffel]

Ok, sounds like I can get away with getting a 54 if needs be.

 

Where else can I shop for 2nd hand bikes. Ive been checking OLX and the hub but nothing yet...

 

EDIT: Do you know any shops that takes trade-ins?

Edited August 6, 2014 by jouda

[karnuffel]

So eventually I bit the bullet and got a new bike. I when to 4 shops, all saying I need a 52. Apparently I have short legs.

Anyway, got a Scott speedster 30 and did my first 60KMs yesterday.