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Post by wardyuk on Feb 14, 2014 13:41:17 GMT
So, tomorrow I'm finally picking up a shiny new T5...
Much procrastination involved in that decision, and it hasn't stopped there...
Pretty much all of biking experience (certainly of any relevance in the past few many years) has been mountain biking, and I'm struggling with which size to get.
Decathlon haven't been all that helpful, tbh (certainly in terms of sizing advice) - some vague mumblings of being on the borderline of sizes was pretty much the best I got
All the research I've done suggests that a 57cm frame's my ideal size (6ft and a bit, 33 inch leg) but sitting on it, I felt a bit.. squashed up... and top heavy, as if I was likely to slide over the top of the bars... but I've not idea how it should feel (especially when you've only really got a short time in the shop) and I dont want to end up buying a 60cm that turns out to be too big...
So - any tips on how it should feel to me when I sit on it?
Thanks in advance
Nick
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Post by fatmanona5a on Feb 14, 2014 14:13:27 GMT
Don't worry, if you haven't been on a road bike, all sizes will feel wrong! We have points of contact with our bikes (seat, pedals & handlebars) and only the pedal location is fixed. If a bike is a little small, seats and handlebars can be raised, and they can be moved forward or backwards. If the bike is to large, it can be a lot harder (or impossible) to lower the seat & bars enough! A 60 might be just right for you, but a 57 could be made work for you, and as your fitness and flexibility improves a 57 might turn out to be a better choice. I'm just about 6 foot, and under advice I bought a 60 5a. This worked, but I have also bought a second hand 57 T7, and it just feels better. This is just my opinion, and may not work for you.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2014 16:45:34 GMT
I'd have gone for a 60cm frame.
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Post by ianmoss on Feb 14, 2014 17:05:36 GMT
Once you get the saddle up high enough and back on the rails it should feel like it's yours...
A longer stem may even help (try out properly when you pick it up, Decca may swap it out if you need one.)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2014 17:43:58 GMT
I wouldn't faff about. Just tell them you want a bigger frame size if you are not happy with it. I'm 5ft 10 with 30ins inside leg and the 57cm is spot on (Triban 3)
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Post by wardyuk on Feb 17, 2014 15:04:13 GMT
thanks for all the advice folks... went for the 60cm frame in the end. Have to admit, I was a bit nervous doing so though as still wasn't 100% sure which was "right" and the staff at Deca continued in their less than helpful theme. After my first ride though (35km yesterday afternoon)it felt amazing! going to give it a good few more rides though, as I wonder if a slightly shorter stem might make it feel even better
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Post by jondxxx on Feb 17, 2014 16:11:35 GMT
Before going to the expense of a shorter stem it might be an idea to flip the existing one over.
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Post by Phil on Feb 17, 2014 17:01:27 GMT
What's your motivation for the shorter stem? It could just be that you need to get used to being a bit more stretched out.
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Post by wardyuk on Feb 17, 2014 21:19:09 GMT
well, it feels like just a smidge too much of a stretch for me... but yep, thats why I plan on giving it some more rides before deciding...
how would flipping the stem help? would that not just lower the bars a bit? reach would still be the same....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 21:34:40 GMT
It'll raise it up and back towards you
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Post by wardyuk on Feb 18, 2014 10:22:31 GMT
cool... where's my allen keys..
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Post by stevo on Feb 18, 2014 10:47:34 GMT
I'm 6 foot and the 57 is perfect. Again, race bikes are supposed to feel a 'little' cramped. Just check out Mark Cavendish and his tiny bike! ;-)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2014 13:11:21 GMT
I'm 6 foot and the 57 is perfect. Again, race bikes are supposed to feel a 'little' cramped. Just check out Mark Cavendish and his tiny bike! ;-) It's a very personal thing. Also depends on the nature of the type of riding you want to do. Sprinters do often have smaller frames as the theory is that they are more responsive, but for the average recreational rider on more relaxed day/fitness rides, a more roomier frame can be made to feel more relaxed and comfortable. Also depends if you prefer somethig more upright, or more aero. The taller head tube on a larger frame will allow more upright riding, particularly with a flipped stem, then after ones got used to the whole road bike style and the body gains more flex, the stem could be flipped back or even spacers removed to allow something more stretched out. I would say the best thing would be to try a few rides both ways with the stem, but btwin do do a 90mm stem for not very much-I think about a tener. Enjoy the new ride.
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Post by wardyuk on Feb 18, 2014 18:14:33 GMT
Thanks PVH... going to give it a few weeks to see how i get on, then will try the flipped stem first..
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Post by ianmoss on Feb 18, 2014 18:17:00 GMT
cool... where's my allen keys.. What size stem is on at the moment 110mm? See how it goes flipping it, I have a 100mm going begging if you feel you need stem lower but shorter. (yours for the price of postage)
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