UKC

My road bike has a compact geometry with an effective top tube length of 57cm and a 3inch stem; however, when i was buying a new bike, I was always suggested a 54cm top tube. I tried a few of these, and it felt really strange and bunched up. According to the bike shop it's best to have a smaller fit for speed(?)

I'm 5 feet 9inches (and a tiny bit), 31inch inside leg. Anyone of similar dimensions, what do you ride?

GB

In reply to GingerBread22:

54cm sounds ok. That's what I've got and I'm about 5'8"/5'9". I would expect you to need a 100 or 110mm stem. Make sure it's got the maximum 3cm of stem spacers to allow playing about with the height. I have to say my back isn't fit for the generally lower modern bar positions so I have got my stems sloping up rather than flat.

In reply to GingerBread22: for your height 52cm-55cm, it really depends on the bike though.
Bianchi sizing I am 53. Colnago 50s. Trek 52 or 54. Specialized 54. I am 5ft 8 with a 30.5 inside leg. And a longer torso.

Have you ever looked at the fit calculator on competitive cyclist?

In reply to sleavesley: Reccomends top tube length of 57.3-57.7

In reply to GingerBread22: sorry, no- 54.6-55.0 with a 11.2-11.8cm stem.

In reply to GingerBread22:
Not sure it's much help but I'm 186 cm or bit less than 6'2 n m bike has a tt of 57 so I would hint 54 "sounds" ok for you.

In reply to GingerBread22: Apparently, my ideal set up is 55cm top tube with 11.8cm stem= overall 66.8cm. Currently have, 57cm top tube and 11.5cm stem= overall 68.5cm.

< 2cm going to make much difference?

In reply to GingerBread22:
Sounds big. 5'9 and a bit - old road bike, 23" in old money and 565mm top tube, tiddly 9cm stem to get the reach right. Rode it (many) years with a flat back position, always knew it was too big.
New road bike, medium compact geometry, 547mm ETT. Much happier on this.

Where's the front hub when you look down in relation to the bars?
Got any experienced mates that can take a look?

In reply to steveri: When i sit with my hands on the top of the brakes, the handlebar obscures the front hub completely.

In reply to GingerBread22: I'm 5'8" and have a 30" inside leg. All of my bikes have 560-570mm top tubes and 120-130mm stems.

At the end of the day if it feels right it probably is right and vice versa.

In reply to GingerBread22:

That's one rule of thumb covered then. You're both right really. Yes 2cm can make a big difference but if it's not causing you problems - neck ache, etc - is it actually a problem?

In reply to steveri: I don't see that it is tbh. I guess it's a matter of preference; don't fix what's not broken kind of thing i guess!