Cube sizing advice

Ringo 68

After nearly making an expensive mistake by buying the wrong size Boardman (the large was way too big for me) I am a bit paranoid about doing the same with my next bike, hopefully a Cube Agree GTC Pro Compact.

I have sat on Cube models in the shop and the 58cm felt OK but when the helpful guy in the shop set the saddle height there was not much diiference between it and the height of the bars. It didn't look right.

Sitting on the 56cm frame, the saddle looked much better and there was a nice drop to the bars but it felt like the bikes TT measurement was a little shorter than what I am used to.

Basically, it seems that I am right inbetween sizes and either bike would work for me. I am 5' 10.5 " (179cm) with an inside leg measurement of just over 32" (82cm)

Here is the geometry of what I am riding currently and of the Cube.

Boardman
Frame size* MD
TT Top Tube 555
ST Seat Tube 530
HT Head Tube 160
HA Head Angle 73°
SA Seat Angle 73°
CS Chain Stay 405
FO Fork Offset (Rake) 45
BB Bottom Bracket Drop 68
Handlebar Width 420
Stem Length 110
Crank Length 172.5

http://www.cube.eu/en/road/pro-comp/agree-gtc-pro/

I have until Saturday to order the bike to get it next week so no rush, I just don't want to cock up again.

Thanks.

ads2k

Well I'm about your height and test rode the 56cm and felt it was a bit compact for my liking so went for the 58cm. So glad I did it just feels right and I have a choice of how I want to setup the bars high or low.

Quite an individual thing, I'd go and try it again. Did you get to 'ride' both ??

Ringo 68

ads2k wrote:

Well I'm about your height and test rode the 56cm and felt it was a bit compact for my liking so went for the 58cm. So glad I did it just feels right and I have a choice of how I want to setup the bars high or low.

Quite an individual thing, I'd go and try it again. Did you get to 'ride' both ??

Thanks ads.

No I didn't get to ride either as the weather was pretty grim when I was in the shop. Unfortunately it is even worse today but I will definately go back as soon as it dries out.

arlowood

Hi

Take a look at this advice from Wiggle if you are between frame sizes. With the APE Index test you can work out which of the two frame might be the better to choose.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/bikesizeguide

The other option is to go for the smaller frame on the Cube (which you felt was right in terms of saddle height and drop to the bars) and stick on a longer stem

Ringo 68

arlowood wrote:

Hi

Take a look at this advice from Wiggle if you are between frame sizes. With the APE Index test you can work out which of the two frame might be the better to choose.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/bikesizeguide

The other option is to go for the smaller frame on the Cube (which you felt was right in terms of saddle height and drop to the bars) and stick on a longer stem

Interesting. I have a positive APE which means the 58cm bike might be better.

Why are these things never simple :roll:

Ringo 68

Just a quick update.

I have been ringing around trying to find stock of 56cm/58cm bikes (the ones I have been sitting on have been more expensive models but share the same geometry)

There seems to be a big shortage of these sizes in any shops reasonably local to me. Formby Cycles went as far to say that they have sold all their stock and wont be getting any more.

Unbelievably, the last place I rang which is less than a mile from my house had just received a 58cm and would build it for me tomorrow morning. It must be fate. I am leaning more towards the 58cm as it seems the closest to my Boardman in TT dimension as the Cube is only 5mm longer.

Is there anything specific that I should be looking for in a bike fit or does it just come down to what feels best?

I don't want to make an expensive mistake and need to walk away if it is too big.

Thanks.

ALaPlage

I've just been through the test ride process before opting for a new Trek. My old Trek is a 56cm and I am the same height and inside leg length as your good self. I rode the Cube Litening as it was on my shortlist but interestingly all the bikes I rode I fit the 56cm apart from the Cube. I needed the 58cm.

It sounds as though you've made the right choice. Enjoy. I don't get to pick up my new Trek for two long long long weeks and can't wait

To tweak the fit you can always buy a shorter stem or see if the bike shop are prepared to swap out the fitted stem to one that brings the reach back 5mm if you know that's the reach you need. Generally in my experience it is what feels right on the bike in terms of set up and sometimes it takes a few little tweaks here and there to get it absolutely right. You can get a pro bike fit to set your bike up correctly and some swear by it. At a cost of up to £200 it is an expensive option.

Let us know what you think of the bike after you've got it out on the road

Ringo 68

ALaPlage wrote:

I've just been through the test ride process before opting for a new Trek. My old Trek is a 56cm and I am the same height and inside leg length as your good self. I rode the Cube Litening as it was on my shortlist but interestingly all the bikes I rode I fit the 56cm apart from the Cube. I needed the 58cm.

It sounds as though you've made the right choice. Enjoy. I don't get to pick up my new Trek for two long long long weeks and can't wait

To tweak the fit you can always buy a shorter stem or see if the bike shop are prepared to swap out the fitted stem to one that brings the reach back 5mm if you know that's the reach you need. Generally in my experience it is what feels right on the bike in terms of set up and sometimes it takes a few little tweaks here and there to get it absolutely right. You can get a pro bike fit to set your bike up correctly and some swear by it. At a cost of up to £200 it is an expensive option.

Let us know what you think of the bike after you've got it out on the road

Thanks mate, it's good to know you are a similar size to me and the 58cm bike fit you.
The one thing that is worrying me is that the short time I had a sit on a 58 the saddle did seem quite low in relation to the bars but it was only set up roughly so I will see what it looks like tomorrow when I have more time to set it up correctly.
Good luck with your Trek and I hope the time passes quick for you. I do like the Treks and if I can't get happy with the Cube sizes then the Madone 3.1 is my next option.

ALaPlage

The Cube I test rode was set up pretty much the same as my Trek with the seat approx 3 to 4 inches higher then the bars and had 172.5mm cranks (the same as my bike). It felt very similar to ride so was quite comfortable and not too different to my current bike although I only rode it half a mile or so. My current Trek is a 2006 Madone 5.9 and as I've got some money put aside I wanted to get a new bike. Riding the new Trek 5.9 felt like slipping on an old pair of slippers but the bike seemed more responsive and cornering much smoother so it was a no brainier to go for the new version of my old bike. Plus it comes with Di2 Ultegra which was a revelation. The Cube didn't give me the same Wow feel as the new Trek.

The Cube reach felt ok and the only difference I noted was on stand over whereby the Cube was a little closer to the crotch but there was still a couple of inches of space!

If they will I'd ask the bike shop to let you have a ride for at least a couple of miles to give you a better sense of how it feels on the road. The Bikefactory at Chester have a few Madones in if you find the Cube isn't quite right and they also do interest free if you wanted to push the boat out a bit! My mate has just sold his Pinarello FP1 to get a Madone 5.9 too and has raised along with some savings about £2k. He's doing the remaining £1500 on interest free over 2 years at about £60 per month as he likes the bike so much. I'm only a bit peeved as they only do it in one colour scheme so he'll have the same bike!

Whatever you end up with have fun.

Ringo 68

I am now the very happy owner of a Cube Agree GTC Pro.

After spending a good hour riding different sizes it was obvious the 58cm bike was the right size. The 56cm was just too cramped. After getting set up properly, the saddle height was not an issue either.

My wife isn't happy though :x Her words "couldn't you get it in red" She has never liked Everton

If the sun ever comes out again I will post some pics.

Thanks to all those who offered advice.

ads2k

Nice one . Enjoy....

Glad it worked out in the end, sounds like the same result as myself.

ALaPlage

Good stuff. Enjoy the new love of your life