manhattanproj
10-09-2007, 08:23 PM
I went to my LBS today and the guy said I need a 52. I thought I ride a 54.
I'm 5' 7.5" and have a 30" inseam. So what do you guys think? 52 or 54?
I rode a 52 allez expert and a 54 caad 9, both felt pretty similar. I don't feel like I was anymore stretched out in the caad 9. I'm getting a caad 9 so LBS is going to built me a 52.
Argentius
10-09-2007, 09:23 PM
We cannot tell you. It's complicated. There are lots of fit calculators online, and also places that will do a proper fitting.
Furthermore, what different manufacturers call a "52" and a "54" varies.
Sorry, but the advice we'd provide would be worse than the LBS. But, I can say this: did some sales dude just say "yo, you need a 52?", or, did they do a fitting where they measured reach, cycling inseam (not the same as pants size!), etc?
uzziefly
10-09-2007, 10:04 PM
The best way to go about this is to get a proper fit and then know what the ideal size would be for you because like what Arge said, different manufactures have bikes in dlightly different geometries. So....
dr hoo
10-10-2007, 06:25 PM
You might not have felt stretched out on the 54 because it had a longer stem, or a steeper stem.
It seems the effective top tube is about 0.8 cm longer on the caad 9. That ain't much, about 1/3". The seat tube is 1/2 a degree steeper on the allez, and that ain't much either. You really are talking tiny differences here, and adjustments can be made to make either fit you about the same, most likely. A bit longer/shorter/steeper stem, slide the saddle a bit forward or back.
manhattanproj
10-11-2007, 01:18 AM
i was actually talking about the caad 9...whether i should be in 52 or 54.
but i think i'm a tweener. so either a 52 or 54 will fit.
rogerstg
10-11-2007, 04:18 AM
If you're a tweener either will fit, but I generally like to go to the smaller size frame in that case. There seem to be more fitting options for the seat and bars (stems and posts).
dr hoo
10-11-2007, 04:18 PM
i was actually talking about the caad 9...whether i should be in 52 or 54.
1cm TT difference, with the smaller one having 1/2 degree steeper seat tube. Still not a lot of difference.
If in between sizes I would generally recommend the LARGER size. As you ride more, you will likely want a bit more stretched out position and the larger frame will be easier to do this with. What felt good as a beginner might feel cramped 6 months later.