Frame size

noodleman

Hi guys. Just in the process of buying a new orbea orca TRC.
The guy in the shop is suggesting i try a 51 frame size instead of my usual 54. I plan on doing some triathlon on it plus the usual road riding. I am 5 foot 9 with a 30 inside leg. I was surprised to find that the 51 actually felt better as in it put me in a racier position and felt like i was over the bike rather than in it, if that makes sense.
The thing is, i still worry that before i spend over 5 grand on the bike i could be making a mistake getting the 51 as i have always been 54 and once its done its to late. Anyone else got any thoughts on the frame size issue?

Barrie_G

I'm the same height and leg length as you, like you I've always rode a 53/54 this year I've gone to a 50cm CAAD 8 which also has a slightly shorter stem than I'm used to, been using it for a couple of months now and can honestly say I've never felt more comfortable on a bike.

Due to time constraints the longest ride I've managed on it is around 30 miles but when I've gotten off I've felt fresher and more relaxed than I have done after I've been riding the larger frame.

I know that you're unlikely to be able to take the bike you're buying for a test ride but see if you can test ride a cheaper bike of the same size to get a better idea of how it's going to fit.

noodleman

Cheers for the response Barrie. The shop has a roller in store, so i am going for a ride on that next week. I feel a bit more reassured now that i know someone else with similar dimensions as me has done the same with going for a smaller frame size.