Sportive choice and sizing advice

freefall_junkie
freefall_junkie Posts: 123
edited January 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi all. First post here. Considering my first carbon bike - a sportive rather than race style bike. The current short list includes the Scott CR1 Pro, Pinarello Rokh Ultegra, and Bianchi Infinito Ultegra. Of the 3 I am leaning towards the CR1 as it is very light, I like its looks, and both the Pinarello and Bianchi I think are rather let down by mediocre wheels considering their premium price tag (the CR1 has the excellent Mavic Kysrium Elites) But here is the dilemma: I I have had a professional bike fitting and I lie somewhere between the 58 and 61 size CR1. The 58 is spot on reach wise, but I would have to ride with a huge stack of spacers (at least 40mm) to have the bars at the correct height. The 61 would fit perfectly height wise, but the reach is rather long for my relatively short torso and I would have to use a shortish 110mm stem. So, any thoughts - would the shorter stem on a large frame adversely affect the handling of the CR1? Should I forget the CR1 and look at the Pin and Bianchi which have shorter reach frames? I have the usual problem of most shops not stocking bikes in the larger sizes for me to test ride :? .

All advice most welcome :)

Comments

  • styxd
    styxd Posts: 3,234
    I wouldnt say 110mm for the stem is particularly short, lots of bikes are specced with a 110mm stem. If anything, Id say its about an average length. If it were me, I'd use the shorter stem without having to run a massive stack of spacers.
  • bus_ter
    bus_ter Posts: 337
    My legs are long relative to my torso also. Look for sportives with a tall Head Tube and then you can pick a smaller frame to get a shorter TT and not worry about a large drop to the handlebars. Don't be afraid of a shorter stem. On one bike I have a 90mm, and it's fine. Though I wouldn't want to go much shorter. 100-120mm is about average.

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