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Specialized bike sizing


Slowbee

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So Mr Ciocc is gone. It was an incredibly comfy bike to ride. Possibly a tad small (by a mm or two) as my knees used to hit the head tube when in an all out sprint (cant believe I am admitting to that).

 

So it needs replacing. I have always like the curved lines on the Specialised bikes, especially the roubiax.

 

(https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-bicycles-cycling/noordhoek/specialized-s+works-roubaix-sl2/1002209524310910003394109) but i think it is a tad expensive and worried about the size.

 

So I went to sit on this bike in the shop.

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/289949-2016-specialized-tarmac-pro-disc-52/

 

It is a size 52, and it "felt" kinda ok in terms on seat height, but my worry is it is kinda aggressive in terms of leaning forward and feels way more "racy" than I would like. Is this a function of a difference between a tarmac and a roubaix? Or will all of them have that leaning forward as opposed to a more upright position.

 

Would any of the "curved" Specialised bikes have a more relaxed ride style? Should I just look at  diverge and be done with both a gravel and road bike at the same time?

 

oh, and last but not least ..... campy ........

 

 

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Roubaix will be taller and more relaxed as most endurance style bikes are.

A larger Tarmac (54) may also compensate some and be more suitable.?

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I'm struggling with this myself. According to this sizing calc , I should be on a 52cm road bike. I've been on a 52 and it felt very cramped. On my friends 56cm Roubaix Sl4 I feel very much at home and comfy, so I have no idea what to actually get should I go bike shopping.

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I'm struggling with this myself. According to this sizing calc , I should be on a 52cm road bike. I've been on a 52 and it felt very cramped. On my friends 56cm Roubaix Sl4 I feel very much at home and comfy, so I have no idea what to actually get should I go bike shopping.

Are you on a 52 Roubaix.?

Geometries impact the size of the bike you should be riding.

That said, if sizing guides suggest 52, it's hard to see a 56 being right.

But, one must also consider possible abnormal limb ratios.

Edited by Thomo
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So Mr Ciocc is gone. It was an incredibly comfy bike to ride. Possibly a tad small (by a mm or two) as my knees used to hit the head tube when in an all out sprint (cant believe I am admitting to that).

 

So it needs replacing. I have always like the curved lines on the Specialised bikes, especially the roubiax.

 

(https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-bicycles-cycling/noordhoek/specialized-s+works-roubaix-sl2/1002209524310910003394109) but i think it is a tad expensive and worried about the size.

 

So I went to sit on this bike in the shop.

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/289949-2016-specialized-tarmac-pro-disc-52/

 

It is a size 52, and it "felt" kinda ok in terms on seat height, but my worry is it is kinda aggressive in terms of leaning forward and feels way more "racy" than I would like. Is this a function of a difference between a tarmac and a roubaix? Or will all of them have that leaning forward as opposed to a more upright position.

 

Would any of the "curved" Specialised bikes have a more relaxed ride style? Should I just look at  diverge and be done with both a gravel and road bike at the same time?

 

oh, and last but not least ..... campy ........

 

Hi Slowbee, How tall are you? What does your inseam measure? If you have that you can accurately determine what size would be best for you. It would also be great to go for  bike fit after you have bought it.

 

As for the differences between the Diverge, Tarmac and Roubaix. The Tarmac is an all out race bike, with aggressive geometry. If you want a light fast bike this is the one. On the 2016 models you can't go much wider than 26c tires as you will run into clearance issues.

 

The Roubaix has a much higher stack hight so you'll sit more upright and with the future shock and wider tyres you will have a much more comfortable ride.

 

The Diverge is an awesome bike, just got one for myself. It is super comfortable and versatile. It has the shortest reach and most upright position. It is the heaviest and most comfortable bike between the three. You can fit up to 40c tyres and pretty much go anywhere with the bike.

 

Feel free to contact us if you need any more advice.

Edited by Bellscycling
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just came from the shop, and the 54 also feels cramped in terms of reach - a longer stem would be 110mm and that is odd.

 

so maybe a 56 is in order, but again, that flies against what all the sizing says .... so also a bit confused.

 

#secondhandbuying size problems

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The 56cm Roubaix is very stable and comfortable bike....I had one...I'm 1.72....but a 54cm ...was just right...the balance between response and stability spot on..????

Edited by urbanroyal
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Get what feels right.!

Sizing guides are exactly that, guides.

But ja, being between sizes myself, I understand the frustration.

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So as a follow up.

 

I went and sat on a stock standard 56. Felt kinda ok.

 

But the shop man was adamant that I am a 54.

 

So, is it better to get a bike with a long top tube, and shorted stem, or a shorter top tube and a longer stem ?

 

Seat height is adjustable, so that kinda makes things mute.

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