Just ordered my first road bike

Saldawop

I am a 45 year old, unfit 15,5 stone fat git.I have decided to buy a Road Bike to help me get fit and just for the pleasure of riding.It has been many years since I rode a bike (other than a quick go on friends bikes for 10 minutes)
I have ordered a bike from Evans via Finance, a Specialized Allez 24.
I am 6ft 1 with a 34" inside leg measurement.I have ordered the 58cm size.Does that sound about right?
I thought it did,but reading this forum(which I probably should have done before ordering!!) there is more to it than height and inside leg measurement.
When I go to store to pick up my bike will they check that it is the right size for me?
If I take it away and find that it is too small (is it blindingly obvious when a bike is a bit too small ,especially when you are new to riding in that position) will they exchange it for a bigger size?

Thanks

sagalout

Congrats on the new bike

Bikes are measured more by reach, but if you're of average proportions then a 58 sounds about right. I'm 6ft and expected to need a 58, but due to relatively short arms a 56 was a better fit.

You should be able to have a good sit on the bike when you pick it up. Ask them for advice on sizing - there shouldnt be any problems exchanging if it not right, at least whilst you're still in the showroom

Saldawop

Thanks, I am looking forward to getting it. The last time I rode a bike for longer than around the block was a couple of days before Prince Charles and Diana got married!! I remember riding along The Mall waving at the gathering crowds ....30 YEARS AGO!!!
And that was a single speed behemoth of a bike with ape hangers stuck on it.

Thebigbee

Saldawop wrote:

I am a 45 year old, unfit 15,5 stone fat git.I have decided to buy a Road Bike to help me get fit and just for the pleasure of riding.It has been many years since I rode a bike (other than a quick go on friends bikes for 10 minutes)
I have ordered a bike from Evans via Finance, a Specialized Allez 24.
I am 6ft 1 with a 34" inside leg measurement.I have ordered the 58cm size.Does that sound about right?
I thought it did,but reading this forum(which I probably should have done before ordering!!) there is more to it than height and inside leg measurement.
When I go to store to pick up my bike will they check that it is the right size for me?
If I take it away and find that it is too small (is it blindingly obvious when a bike is a bit too small ,especially when you are new to riding in that position) will they exchange it for a bigger size?

Thanks

It definitely won't be too small!! I was in the same situation as you and am pretty much same height and size.

I bought mine blind off the net and thought I needed a 58 but the salesman directed me to the 56cm which is a Large. Fits me perfectly.

I have done a review of this bike on here. Standing over my bike - over the crossbar - my balls are nearly touching it!

Anything bigger and I wouldn't be able to stand over it.

HTH

Saldawop

Thanks for that. Guess I will just have to wait and see :oops:

Thebigbee

Is your store local to you? If yes then you should just go for a fitting and they will advise.

But if no and you are making a journey to go pick it up I can't see why they shouldn't exchange it for a different size.

Who advised you? Did you speak to anyone or just do it over the net?

I looked at all the size guides and was convinced that I needed a 58cm even when the salesman told me I needed a 56cm.

He was right though. I think the guides online are misleading.

He said a 58 was for someone 6'3-6 and judging by my bike he was right.

Good luck

Saldawop

Yes,store is 2 minute walk from home.
Nobody advised me. I just looked at the size guide and picked what I thought was the correct size.
As it is, local store do not have that bike on the shop floor so I presume I just wait until my bike is delivered and then go with their advice BUT what are they like?Is it a scase of them advising me truthfully and ensuring I am getting the correct bike or just getting me out of the door on a bike, any bike??

Saldawop

Actually can I go in and just ask to try another bike of the same size? I appreciate that there may be some difference in size between different manufacturers, but they must know if a different bike is roughly the same size?

solsurf

I'm 5ft 10 and I have a 56" felt and it is on the small side for me, I found that to get the perfect fit I have a Layback saddle, I think looking back the 58" could have been better.

Best try it out, I would say that the first time you get on it road bikes feel bigger than they are, until you get used to the stretched out position.

Thebigbee

Saldawop wrote:

Yes,store is 2 minute walk from home.
Nobody advised me. I just looked at the size guide and picked what I thought was the correct size.
As it is, local store do not have that bike on the shop floor so I presume I just wait until my bike is delivered and then go with their advice BUT what are they like?Is it a scase of them advising me truthfully and ensuring I am getting the correct bike or just getting me out of the door on a bike, any bike??

Not being rude or stating the obvious, but if it is only a 2 minute walk you really should have gone and tried some out before!

Yes there are big differences between manufacturers.

Assuming the bike is on order for delivery I suggest you walk the.... 2 minutes round to the shop! Explain your situation and your concerns about the size you have ordered and see if they have any other Speshs in either 58 or 56cm that you can stand over to test, before they deliver your bike.

If not they should be happy to give you advice regarding the size you need. They won't just want to get shot of you, especially if you have bought a bike off them!!

Go for a 2 minute walk and get some advice off them!!

HTH

Saldawop

Well I did take the....2 minute walk . No Specialized bikes on the shop floor as already stated...spoke to the bloke in there, he reckoned the 58 would be what he would recommend for me, but also said I would be able to exchange it if it didnt fit.So will wait and see what happens.