[Sandwich]

I'm looking at a 2006 specialized roubaix elite- my buddy's shop has one that's brand new, sitting in the attic, and I apparently can get it for a very good deal. The bike is perfect for me, but it's a size medium and I probably should be a size large. I did a competitive cyclist "e-fitting" and it came back with a 56.5-56.9 frame size. The specialized comes in at 54.8.

I've never ridden road before, and I'm just entry level in the sport. Is it worth picking up anyways, and giving it a shot, or should I wait for something better to come along? I don't have a lot of experience road riding, but I would like to make sure I'm comfortable...

So, how significant is that 1.2cm? Worth passing on the pretty good deal and waiting for a better fit complete? Worth picking up, and if nothing else, selling the frame for something more adequate?

 

[gonefirefightin]

there is alot of adjustments to be had in seat, stem and bars, I say go for it. I ride smaller anyways for the sake of performance

 

[loco-gringo]

I wouldn't dream of a bike that is over 1 cm short in the TT myself, but if it's what it takes to get you going.

That said...you most likely won't enjoy riding something that doesn't fit.

 

[OGRipper]

Short answer is that 1.2 cm is a lot when it comes to road bike fit, and from what I can tell 1.2cm is based on the smallest recommendation from comp cyclist, so you might be talking about more like 2 cm.

Before you go any further, however, make sure you are comparing the same measuring points. Is comp cyclist's definition of a bike size the same as specialized's? Do they both measure from the BB to the same point? How about top tube length?

It will probably be ok to give you a sense of whether you like road bikes at all. You can compromise by using a longer stem or moving your seat back but those changes can impact stability, pedaling comfort, efficiency, etc. And there is always a chance a bad frame size will skewer your impression and make you think ALL road bikes are uncomfortable, cramped, or squirrely

Since you don't know much about this stuff you should probably get a pro opinion. If he's really a friend your "buddy" at the shop should be honest with you about whether the bike is just too small. For a second opinion you could always walk into a different specialized dealer and ask what size they think you should ride.

 

[JRogers]

I assume by frame size you mean top tube length (?). If you just mean seat tube length, it really doesn't mean much.

In any case, 1.2 cm might not be a huge deal, especially if the fit calculator isn't totally accurate. But if you are legitimately buying the bike from a shop, especially if you are friends with someone that works there, it is their responsibility to sell you a bike that fits. If you can go there, take out the guess work and get a professional opinion.

 

[Sandwich]

Yeah, it's in the top tube.

Problem is there's only one bike @ this price...it's 4 years old, I think, but never been ridden. It's also 25% of the MSRP.

 

[CBJ]

Yeah, it's in the top tube.

Problem is there's only one bike @ this price...it's 4 years old, I think, but never been ridden. It's also 25% of the MSRP.

I that really that good of a deal? I would rather buy a bike that fits used on Ebay. Tons of good stuff to choose between.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Meh...1.2 cm....

I'm 6'7" and riding a 58cm 'cross frame when in all reality I should probably be riding a 64cm (or larger) road frame...but I deal cause it was all I could afford at that moment. I ride about 5k a year on it and did a double century in 14 hours. It works. 1.2 cm....meh....

 

[Sandwich]

I that really that good of a deal? I would rather buy a bike that fits used on Ebay. Tons of good stuff to choose between.

25% OF the MSRP, not off...as in $500 for a 2g bike.

 

[TreeSaw]

25% OF the MSRP, not off...as in $500 for a 2g bike.

That's a great price! Is there any chance you can throw a leg over it to see how it feels? If it feels good then go for it. You can make some slight adjustments with stem, seat post, etc.

 

[Sandwich]

I didn't ride it around, but I did sit on it. It felt good but seemed a little small, more low than not stretched out. I did ride in the parking lot on his bike, which is a 54, and felt reasonably OK on it.

Part of me thinks it'll be worth it just to get out there, and to possibly sell'n'swap into a larger frame if the need arises....I won't ride road religiously, but I would like to compete in a few tris this summer and possibly get out on the road when I can.

 

[CBJ]

25% OF the MSRP, not off...as in $500 for a 2g bike.

That detail slipped my reading abilities this morning. Well the go for it of course. Get a different frame if it does not work out.

 

[4xBoy]

There is a lot of good frames for little money out there, if the parts are good go for it.

Heck you might end up liking a smaller frame anyways.

 

[sanjuro]

Well, I would just do it.

I don't think your fit is precise by any means. I know from custom fitting, even your measurements could be wrong, so if it is close to a centimeter, it will probably be ok.

Unless you are 6'1" or taller, medium should be ok.

 

[JRogers]

At that price, you might as well try it out. A used frame won't set you back that much if it really does not fit and causes you problems.

 

[MMcG]

Go for it!

 

[maddog17]

if it's that good of a price then go for it. try it out for the season and see if it works for you. if not, strip the parts, sell the frame/fork off and buy something that fits.

 

[gonefirefightin]

just dont ask a woman what 1.2 cm makes

 

[GravityFreakTJ]

Meh...1.2 cm....

I'm 6'7" and riding a 58cm 'cross frame when in all reality I should probably be riding a 64cm (or larger) road frame...but I deal cause it was all I could afford at that moment. I ride about 5k a year on it and did a double century in 14 hours. It works. 1.2 cm....meh....

Dude, pm me sometime. We have a team bike sitting here a could sale you for peanuts. Would prob fit you better

 

[gsweet]

Did it really take until post #18 to make a sexual pun for the title?

I'm disappointed...

 

[4xBoy]

Did it really take until post #18 to make a sexual pun for the title?

I'm disappointed...

 

[MMcG]

well?? Did you buy it?