Can you check my sizing...

Grenouille

Hi all, I'm 6'4"/193cm and test rode a Specialized Roubaix today. All the website size guides say that for my heit a 61cm frame size would suit me but the shop I borrowed the bike from assured me that I'd find that size too large (in reach) and the 58cm frame would be better.

After riding 30+ miles this morning my feeling is that the 58cm is just a tad too small. The reach was ok but my legs felt a little cramped. I moved the saddle back after about a mile which helped a little.

As I am moving from a hybrid to my first road bike I'm not 100% certain of how a road bike should feel, so is the shop correct or should I go with my instinct and get a 61cm frame (as all the websites suggest). :?

stinger53

see if you can try a 61cm frame and see which feels more comfortable..

YIMan

I'm the same height as you. It depends on your proportions (leg length to arm/torso length) and flexibility. I am forever finding larger frames (60cm+) too stretched out and and up putting shorter stems on to compensate.

I sat on a 58cm Madone in a bike shop the other week which seemed better sized for me personally, without having a ridiculous amount of seatpost showing.

BUT basically we can't tell you what will fit you - try different sizes if you can and decide that is best for you. I would think a road bike should if anything feel more stretched out than a hybrid, so that fact that the position seems cramped to you suggests the top tube is too short for you and you do need the bigger frame.

Wirral_paul

If your legs feel cramped but the reach feels right - i'd suggest you're on the right sized frame but too used to the more upright riding position of a hybrid bike. I wouldnt go bigger if the reach is right on the frame you tried, as once you adapt to leaning forward more which in effect brings your knees closer to your chest. It'll take a few weeks to adapt - but give it some time and you will. You can always invert the stem for starters and gradually lower your bars as you get more flexible.

YIMan

Wirral_Paul wrote:

If your legs feel cramped but the reach feels right - i'd suggest you're on the right sized frame but too used to the more upright riding position of a hybrid bike. I wouldnt go bigger if the reach is right on the frame you tried, as once you adapt to leaning forward more which in effect brings your knees closer to your chest. It'll take a few weeks to adapt - but give it some time and you will. You can always invert the stem for starters and gradually lower your bars as you get more flexible.

Aye sorry read the OP's post wrongly - didn't spot the legs cramped bit.

Grenouille

Ok, that sounds sensible. I'm going to invert the stem on my test bike tomorrow and see where that gets me. I did get 2 PRs and 4 other medals on Strava so I guess something was right!

The shop didn't have a 61 frame in last week so no chance to try one.

YIMan

Inverting the stem is going to help reach i.e. upper body position, rather than giving your legs more room?

wishitwasallflat

If you can deal with a Spesh Concept Store and they will do a £40 fit on thier jig and deduct it from the cost of a bike if you buy from them.

FWIW I am 6ft and test rode a 56 Sectuer but felt it was just a tad too small - when they measured me on the jig at Harrogate Concept Store I came up in the middle for a 58 and have been very very happy with it. I too was coming from a hybrid to first drop bar bike.

Grenouille

I went out again for 15 mile today, I raised the seat post to the max and set the saddle as far back as possible. It felt better but if I have to go to those extremes maybe the 61 would be better from the get go...