Is my bike too small for me?

[Iwan Kemp]

No, not quite. Crank must be in line with Seat tube. It's at 7 at the moment, should be at 5 to tell.

 

 

 

But in this pic you do look cramped. And considering you or in the drops your elbows are too bend. Time to up a size.

 

 

 

Are you using these posts to convince your wife you need a new bike? Do we qualify for some sort of assistance fee?

[Bike Mob]

Lol...no... I will be getting an SL3 and since I wont be changing that for a while I really need to get the correct size.

 

The wife has already green flagged the new one...!

 

Although if I change frames will I need a new bars and stem. I have a barmac at 110mm...the 56 is 17mm longer than the 54 on top tube and 20mm longer in the seat tube.

 

My saddle height is set to 76cm from BB center.

 

[stringbean]

From 75cm you should be looking at a 56cm

[stringbean]

Can help you out with a 56cm SL3 if you like

[Bike Mob]

I'd like to test drive a 56...  Thanks for your help... but I'm already sorted frame wise.

 

Just got to wait for it to come in.

 

[stringbean]

Before everyone goes mad just to let everyone know Specialized only brought in 20 SL3 for the whole country(I know).Only 7 are for Cape Town and NO 54cm in the first drop.Who knows when the next shipment will be.

[Bike Mob]

I know...that's why I have to wait so long... next shipment will only be here Feb I reckon.

[gummibear]

I am 1.76 and ride a 54cm frame ,have been for many years now.

 

Center of BB to top of saddle is 76 and i ride a 120mm stem.

So your frame looks like it is fine.try doing some core strengthening for your back.

[Bionic man]

I am 1.76 and ride a 54cm frame ' date='have been for many years now.

 

Center of BB to top of saddle is 76 and i ride a 120mm stem.

So your frame looks like it is fine.try doing some core strengthening for your back.

[/quote']

 

DITTO

 

Went from a 56cm to 54cm and not looking back, much more comfortable (even though I look too big for frame).

[Woofie]

I am also 1.78

 

I moved down from a 56 to a 53

 

On my 56 my stem was super short. Like a 40 or 60.

 

My seat was all the way forward as well.

 

The frame just felt way too big for me.

 

Now on the 53 I have a 100 stem, the top tube is maybe 2cm shorter as well.

 

 

 

I now feel responsive, and I feel just right on that fit.

 

 

 

Watch out on the bigger frame, if you end up having to put a super short stem on your handling suffers big time.

 

Every one that jumped onto my 56 with the short stem I had said there

is something wrong with the steering and I felt the difference as soon

as I changed bikes.

 

 

 

So if you can stick to a 90+ stem then your bike wont feel too

different from what you are used to. On the 56 that could be a big

stretch though and may be harder on your back.

 

 

 

If your back is getting sore, I agree with the above comment. Do some back exercises.

 

 

 

& also just because your frame looks small in a photo, that doesnt mean much.

 

Your eye position over your front hub is important as well as your knee

bone position over your pedal. (well this one helped me out)

 

 

 

Well I hope you make the right choice.

 

[Bike Mob]

I have had a ergofit setup and my bike in 54 guise has the measurements set up like it's said. I lowered my saddle 3mm from the ergofit numbers.

 

I feel fine on it really, I prefer the shorter wheelbase and the very quick steering of the 110 stem.

 

Unless I can ride the 56 and feel a lot better I don think I will change.

 

[The O]

Stringbean, it sounds like you either whole sale or retail Specialized?

 

what is your link?

 

I was lucky to get one of those 7 bikes in Cape Town. yeah and a size 54

 

whats up with the pricing that went up?

What is the standard RRP???

 

Stringbean does your first name start with a S and end with a t  ???

 

S????t

 

 

 

 

[The O]

Before everyone goes mad just to let everyone know Specialized only brought in 20 SL3 for the whole country(I know).Only 7 are for Cape Town and NO 54cm in the first drop.Who knows when the next shipment will be.

 

Stringbean, it sounds like you either whole sale or retail Specialized?   what is your link?   I was lucky to get one of those 7 bikes in Cape Town. yeah and a size 54   whats up with the pricing that went up? What is the standard RRP???   Stringbean does your first name start with a S and end with a t  ???   S????t

[Speed Devil]

Tarmac, what is the height difference between your saddle and stem? Maybe your handlebars are to low.

 

If you feel comfortable on the bike then stay with it. Looks are not an accurate indication if your bike is the right size.

 

I am 1,88m and used to ride a 58cm frame. I felt ok on it, but when I was a bit on the unfit side my back would also get sore on longer rides.

I now have a 56cm frame and can feel a huge difference. My bike now seems to fit me like a glove. The smaller frame is also stiffer and it also handles much better when standing on the hills. It doesn't feel all bulky under me.

 

As said before, also try and strengthen your core. It will help your back a lot. I am doing core strengthening exercises now and can feel a huge difference.

 

At the end of the day you have to feel comfortable.....not too cramped but also not all stretched out. See if you can maybe test drive another bike first before before making the final decision.

[cycleq]

Tarmac, worry less about the formulaic fit advice and the look - fit is personal.

 

Apart from the lower back, how do you feel on the bike? Are you comfortable? Can you get the power down?

 

From the pics it apears you ride at a fairly elite level so the efforts will tend to be hot and heavy. Does the bike hurt you or drain you so you battle to put out effort at the end of a session? If not and you enjoy the bike, stay with the size. Frankly you look fine to me but I'm only a qualified fitter .....

 

I'd make sure the steerer is cut to the max recommended height of 40mm to the bottom of the stem, get a proper fit done (BG fitters are really good) and make sure you fit for comfort.