Hello

road1bike

Hello, I'm new to the board. I just purchased a 2013 Specialized Allez Compact sport off of CL for $600. Based on the reviews I read here that was the bike I wanted. I was also happy with the price. I'm 5'11" and got a '52 inch frame. This is my first road bike. I have spent the last 3 years riding a Giant Sedona.

The road bike feels fast and the positon is a little awkward for me right now. (feels like I'm about to go over the front. Are there adjustments that can be made to lessen that effect?

I'd like some advice on clip in pedals and shoes, also I have an all black helmet. Should I get a new helmet or is there a cool way to modify the existing one to be more visible?

Looking forward to interacting with all of you. Thanks in advance for your advice.

road1bike

Looking around te board, is this a european site?

nicklouse

mainly but not exclusively.

Kendal Black Drop

Welcome to the site.

road1bike wrote:

I'm 5'11" and got a '52 inch frame......positon is a little awkward for me right now. (feels like I'm about to go over the front.

I'm no expert, but I would have thought a bigger frame might have been better. I'm 6'2" and have a 58" frame.

road1bike

Thanks for your responses. The 54" bike was touching my crotch when I stood over it. Some sales people told me I was a 54, some 52. I was not comfortable with the thought of damaging myself if I fell on the bar.

navrig

road1bike wrote:

Thanks for your responses. The 54" bike was touching my crotch when I stood over it. Some sales people told me I was a 54, some 52. I was not comfortable with the thought of damaging myself if I fell on the bar.

I hate to say it but standover is not the most important measure for choosing a framesize.

At your height I would have expected a 56" or a 54".

A 52" frame will make that over the handlebar feeling worse.

lutrario

Sounds like it's a little too small for you. As a quick fix, slide the seatpost back a little and consider investing in a longer stem - although the latter might impact handling.

navrig

Consider a professional bike fit.

EPO Delivery Man

Sounds way to small for you, you shouldnt feel like youre about to go over the bars all the time. I would expect someone 5ft 6 to get a frame of 52".

Personally i would have thought you would have been a 56-58 at nearly 6ft, a big 54" frame minimum.

themekon

EPO Delivery Man wrote:

Sounds way to small for you, you shouldnt feel like youre about to go over the bars all the time. I would expect someone 5ft 6 to get a frame of 52".

Personally i would have thought you would have been a 56-58 at nearly 6ft, a big 54" frame minimum.

I'm 5ft 6 and have a 52cm frame so it def' sounds a bit small for you.

mrbubbaman

Kendal Black Drop wrote:

Welcome to the site.

road1bike wrote:

I'm 5'11" and got a '52 inch frame......positon is a little awkward for me right now. (feels like I'm about to go over the front.

I'm no expert, but I would have thought a bigger frame might have been better. I'm 6'2" and have a 58" frame.

Would tend to agree, I'm 5'5" and I was told a 52" specialised frame would suit me

gethinceri

I'm 5'11" and have a 56 frame on my Trek. I use Shimano 520 pedals with Shimano m064 shoes, yes they are MTB shoes/pedals but I want to be able to walk in them, if the Velominati care about what I am wearing let them come and tell me.
I wear black kit with white trim, because that's what I like to wear, my helmet is matt black - there are no rules against wearing a black helmet but if you have concerns why not stick a flashing red light on the back, they're light and cheap.

danlikesbikes

road1bike wrote:

Hello, I'm new to the board. I just purchased a 2013 Specialized Allez Compact sport off of CL for $600. Based on the reviews I read here that was the bike I wanted. I was also happy with the price. I'm 5'11" and got a '52 inch frame. This is my first road bike. I have spent the last 3 years riding a Giant Sedona.

The road bike feels fast and the positon is a little awkward for me right now. (feels like I'm about to go over the front. Are there adjustments that can be made to lessen that effect?

I'd like some advice on clip in pedals and shoes, also I have an all black helmet. Should I get a new helmet or is there a cool way to modify the existing one to be more visible?

Looking forward to interacting with all of you. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Welcome to BR.

Geting a new stem longer stem & then possibly raising your seat post should sort you out and make you feel a little less cramped. Though would suggest a quick trip to your local bike shop with the bike where I assume you'll get the parts or get them fitted. Have a chat with them and see if they will do a bike fit for you.

Clip in pedals there are a few basic systems out there shimano & look being the main ones both work well and you'll find people shouting for each type. As for the shoes the only think you need to make sure is they can accept the cleat for the pedal system you want, though most brands tend to be multi whole on the bottom to accept various cleat types. Again would suggest if your off to your LBS to chat about a new stem ask them what they have in your price range and try a few on.

Helmet is fine in black (mine is black with grey) if your worried about people not seeing you due to low light conditions, rain etc then buy a cheap rear flashing LED light. I have one on my winter bike and put use it when the weather is quite overcast & riding down country lanes to help me stand out to other road users.

seanorawe

Were you on a MTB or a hybrid before the Road bike? I bought an allez as my first road bike and it does fell agressive and strange at the start. I also felt like I was very close to handlebars, so I flipped the stem and that solved everything.

road1bike

yes, I was on a Giant Sedona.

I'm going to sell the bike and start over with at least a 54" bike. Forgive my ignorance, but I do not undertand how a proper fit is an add on when buying a new bike. My experience has ben that the salesperson eyeballs you, suggests a size then offers to fit you for extra money.

I know there are different levels of fit, ie. you get what you pay for. But isn't this weird?