A dilema

littleking02
littleking02 Posts: 132
edited September 2010 in Road beginners
I have decided to buy Trek Madone 5.20 2nd hand from the internet. But the problem is its size, its 52CM and according to some 'professionals' I should be looking at a size 56cm (i wasn't measured when they made that statement). I am 5'8.

My question, would buying this bike at 52 cm make a lot of difference? if its small isn't it a matter of just increasing the seat hight?
ITS BY DOING WHAT EVER, THAT YOU BECOME WHOEVER!

Comments

  • Dmak
    Dmak Posts: 445
    littleking02 wrote:
    I have decided to buy Trek Madone 5.20 2nd hand from the internet. But the problem is its size, its 52CM and according to some 'professionals' I should be looking at a size 56cm (i wasn't measured when they made that statement). I am 5'8.

    My question, would buying this bike at 52 cm make a lot of difference? if its small isn't it a matter of just increasing the seat hight?

    I think you may be onto a good purchase fella, check this link Trek Size Guide

    A 52cm frame is good for people 5'6" to 5'9" so in essence your buy was spot on! Lovely looking bike, enjoy it! :D
  • littleking02
    littleking02 Posts: 132
    Thank you but I haven't bought it yet. But cheers mate that good to know! :D
    ITS BY DOING WHAT EVER, THAT YOU BECOME WHOEVER!
  • Dmak
    Dmak Posts: 445
    littleking02 wrote:
    Thank you but I haven't bought it yet. But cheers mate that good to know! :D

    No worries, it's clearly a big buy! It'll last you years if you treat it right. I wish I could spend that kind of money on a bike :)
  • woodywmb
    woodywmb Posts: 669
    I'm 5ft 8 and was sized up by Evans for a road bike. The size they arrived at was 52cm. I bought a bike on that basis - and it's perfect, despite me thinking I needed a 56 or 54 on my way to the shop.
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1296598/
  • tigerben
    tigerben Posts: 233
    I'm 6ft and I was fitted for a 56cm 5.2 madone.
  • lyn1
    lyn1 Posts: 261
    Its always difficult to be precise because people of the same height can have different proportions. In general, I agree with other contributors that this sounds about right for you. In any case, its better IMHO to be slightly smaller rather than bigger if its not spot on.

    On your other point about just raising the saddle height....no thats not correct, other than for small adjustments, as if that was the case manufacturers would only ever make one frame size. There are length/reach issues as well as height ones.

    Occasionally, it can also be confusing when people use different measures..eg centre -centre or centre top or bikes have sloping top tubes.
  • rubbercolin
    rubbercolin Posts: 67
    I'm 5' 11" . I bought a 58cm madone 2 years ago. I have bought other bikes since and find that a 56 cm is the right size for me . :oops:

    I still have the madone with an 80cm stem and the saddle moved forward , but it still isn't right . I would advise on a 54cm if you are under 5' 9" and a 58 for those over 6 ft. Unless you have a very long reach . Although this thread mentions seat tube dims , the top tube length is more important IMHO. Also agree with lyn1 that it is better to go for the smaller one if you find that you are between sizes.

    Nice bike and it really deserves a full pro bike fit session.

    good luck

    D
  • acidstrato
    acidstrato Posts: 945
    the professionals telling you to buy a 56cm either think you have really long arms and legs orthey are infact not professionals and actually a bunch of monkeys
    Crafted in Italy apparantly
  • porker33
    porker33 Posts: 636
    5' 11" here riding a 56cm 5.2.......I would have thought a 54 would be worth trying first?

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