Did I get the wrong bike size?

willo78

Hi all,

I exchanged my hybrid bike for a specialised sector elite 2012 road bike. I took one out for a spin last week, then ordered one immediately after. I received it today and took it out for a spin, I can't help but think that it is a little smaller than I remember.

The size of the bike is 56cm and I 6 foot, should I perhaps have gone for a 58cm, or is there no science to it. Also, are road bike a little bit more 'compact' than hybrids?

Thanks
Lee

alihisgreat

willo78 wrote:

Hi all,

I exchanged my hybrid bike for a specialised sector elite 2012 road bike. I took one out for a spin last week, then ordered one immediately after. I received it today and took it out for a spin, I can't help but think that it is a little smaller than I remember.

The size of the bike is 56cm and I 6 foot, should I perhaps have gone for a 58cm, or is there no science to it. Also, are road bike a little bit more 'compact' than hybrids?

Thanks
Lee

I'm six foot and a 56cm should be about right, obviously depending on your body proportions, flexibility etc. You will also most likely get more flexible as you ride more -> i'm an extreme case but i had abdominal surgery in Novemeber, bought my bike in Jan and removed a nice chuck of spacers on the steerer within 2 weeks.

On the flexibility point... the one thing i remember from reading a review of the 2012 Secteur is that the riding position is quite upright -> so it may feel a bit less stretched out than if you were riding a race bike...

You also may be incorrectly fitted to the bike, I feel like I have a lot more breathing space after having a bike fit done and getting set up with a slightly more aggressive position -> turns out my saddle was 4.5cm too low!

So there are adjustments you can make to lengthen the cockpit -> like removing spacers off the steerer, or a longer stem... a higher saddle will also stretch you out a bit more with more saddle-bar drop.

willo78

Thanks for the advice. I haven't been on a proper ride yet, I will tomorrow, will probably pop back to the shop at the weekend in any case.

Thanks
Lee

ba68

It's very difficult to say without seeing you on the bike, as the previous reply said apart from height it will depend on your reach, dictated by your torso and arm length and your leg length and your flexibility and core strength which will affect the comfort of the bike. I had a Trek which are similar geometry to your specialised and could have ridden a 56 or 58 and I am a fraction over 6'. A 56 would have probably meant a higher saddle to handlebar drop but opted for a 58 which gave a slightly more relaxed ride but after getting used to the bike and regaining a bit of flexibility and strength in my back I dropped the bars down a little anyway. I wouldn't expect the 56 to be way too small and it could just need a bit of adjusting, if you are worried I would go back to the shop where you bought it and ask for their advice and help.

willo78

Thanks ba68, the bike is by no means too small, I just felt it was smaller than I was used to.

I will definitely go back to the shop, they were very helpful an knowledgeable.

Thanks
Lee

wishitwasallflat

It's way subtler than just height but for what its worth I have a Sectuer 2011 I am 6 ft and mine is a 58 and fits lovely - get the shop that sold you it to fit it for you - if they can't take it to your nearest Spesh Concept Store and get them to sort it.

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/

Frank pole

I'm 6.1 with a 58 frame and wish I'd bought a 56!

jgsi

1's a 56 t'other a 58... both fit.. same seat to stem, same seat to bb

willo78

Thanks all, will definitely pop to the shop and get some advice.

Thanks

DrLex

wishitwasallflat wrote:

It's way subtler than just height but for what its worth I have a Sectuer 2011 I am 6 ft and mine is a 58 and fits lovely [...]

Ditto, albeit with a Roubaix. However, the 56 frame that I nearly bought was taken by a 6'3" chap who found the 58 was too big. If you were racing, I understand that the suggestion is the smaller frame of two.

willo78

I popped back to the shop, they assured me is was a good it. Since I was in the area, I popped into the specialized concept store, they had both the 56 and 58 for me to compare, the latter was much better. I will pop bak to the shop and see if they can exchange, I'm not sure they will though, since it has been used

wishitwasallflat

willo78 wrote:

I popped back to the shop, they assured me is was a good it. Since I was in the area, I popped into the specialized concept store, they had both the 56 and 58 for me to compare, the latter was much better. I will pop bak to the shop and see if they can exchange, I'm not sure they will though, since it has been used

B**** locks bad luck - hope you get it sorted - maybe speak to the concept store if they can sort out anything if the shop that sold you it won't. As I understand it only authorised Spesh dealers can stock and sell Spesh bikes so if all else fails contact Spesh directly and maybe they can help - I have always found their customer service to be second to none.

Fingers crossed and please post how it turns out.

willo78

Thanks, I will post back how I got on. I suppose the fact that I voiced my concerns two
days after purchasing is what I will argue.

Will keep you posted.