Frame Sizing for Road Bikes

rufusdufus

Hi, as a newbie to the forum I would appreciate some advice on choosing the correct frame size for my new road bike. I am 44 years old male and never race but enjoy riding up to 100 mile events in a day. I want a comfortable bike that is easy on the body and back. I currently ride a 52cm Specialized Allez with a 90mm stem and 170 length cranks. I'm fairly short at 5"6.5 inches and have an inside leg of around 29.5"

I have been thinking about a new Specialized Roubaix or a Tarmac as I'm happy with the handling of the Specialized. My local bike shop also have a budget Eddy Merckx carbon frame which is vert nice but I think it's a bit OTT for my riding style.

I would appreciate any comments and or advice?

Cheers

pedalrog

First of all, welcome to the forum, Rufusdufus.
The 52cm is probably about right for your dimensions but it may be wise to checkout 51cm as well. Also, nowadays the other really important measurement is that of the top tube. It is difficult to advise without seeing but I would recommend you go to a few bike shops who have a varied range of makes and sizes and try them out.
No idea where you live so just as a wild possibility, AW cycles in Reading have a huge range, so does Red Kite in Solihull. Any shop worth their salt should be willing to alter a display bike to your size and let you ride it. In fact, when I went to Brian Rourkes place, he pulled out my bars, stem, seatpost and swopped them all on my original bike to try different choices. Talk about thorough!

rufusdufus

Pedalrog, thanks for the prompt response. I live in South London and am spoilt for choice with good bike shops. I just wanted to get some impartial opinions before committing to buy. I'm also killing time whilst my broken ankle heals. Still at least I get to watch the Giro live everyday!

Monty Dog

I'm about an inch shorter and would doubt that a 52cm is a good size - it's probably too big. What will be important to you will be the toptube length and for your height, i'd expect you'd be looking at something between 52 and 53cm - depending whether you want a relaxed upright position or a more stretched-out racing position - the 52cm Allez has a 54cm toptube, but the headtube will be quite long too and depends how much drop you want to the bars. Best solution would be to go somewhere that offers a 'bike fit' service where you are measured up on a jig and sizing recommendations based on your needs and preferred riding position. Many shops will sell you what they have in stock rather than what you need - I see smaller riders forced to accept too big bikes all the time and it's only when I point out what a 'good' position looks like they realise their bike is too big. Too much stretch usually means a stiff neck and shoulders and the weight too far back.

rufusdufus

Thanks Monty Dog, Sound advice from someone in the know! I will take your advice and go and get measured up as soon as my broken ankle mends!!