First proper road bike - length

tonyjester
tonyjester Posts: 10
edited September 2009 in Road buying advice
I'm 5' 11" and trying to buy a road bike, this weekend I tried a Fuji Team and was very impressed. It seemed really responsive and very fast. Previously, I have only ridden MTB and tourers....however, the Fuji seems very 'long' and I was stretched more than on all the other bikes.

Is this normal and correct for a road bike?

It was a 56 (M) which is right for my height. Should I try a 54, or even a different make at 56? I want the bike for 3-4 hour rides and some all day'ers so I want it to be comfortable.

Tony

Comments

  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Get yourself measured and you won't go wrong. Last thing you want is a bike that doesn't fit you properly. Look upon it as an investment.

    Every geometry on every bike is different.
  • tonyjester
    tonyjester Posts: 10
    Every shop seems to have a different view on measurements - ultimately, they all want to sell a bike (cannot blame them!).

    Who does good measurements or should I get myself to a BG fit shop?

    Thanks
    Tony
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    Try a 54, Fujis are large compared to most others.
  • Mister W
    Mister W Posts: 791
    As a rough guide... get the saddle into the right position (height and forwards/backwards adjustment). Then put your elbow against the front of the saddle and rest your fingers on the stem. The bars should be about 4 fingers width in front of the tips of your fingers.

    This is just a guide as it depends on the length of your saddle and your preferred riding position but it will give you an idea of the length.

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