Frame Size - different manufacturer geometry

ant41
ant41 Posts: 59
edited July 2008 in Workshop
Grateful for some advice. Just had my old bike stolen :cry: and have to get a replacement through insurance. Am going from a 2006 Trek 1200 Triple to a 2008 Specialized Allez Elite Compact. My Trek was a 56cm and it was always a slight reach to the bars (i had switched to a longer, more angled stem to make for more comfort) so am thinking of going to a 54cm.

My quesion is does the Specialized have different geometry that will make this frame size too small (i.e. the sloping top tube etc). It is difficult to get to a bike shop to check at moment so would be grateful for any advice that would mean i could order with confidence.

TIA
Bonking is fun . . . but not on the bike.

Comments

  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    see if you can find the geometry specs for trek 1200 and specifically it is the "effective top tube length" (or top tube length, horizontal) that you need to find out -as this is what determines the reach

    for reference the size 54 allez has an effective top tube length of 548mm

    so if the 56 trek was bigger than that then the 54 will reduce the reach (if you see what I mean)

    same for most manufacturers - the effective top tube length is the most important. and if you are undecided between sizes then (IMO) go for the smaller as it is easy to put a longer stem on to gain some reach - but not so easy to cut the top tube down!!

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