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I'm in the process of getting a road bike with the intention to use it for getting fit. I'm tried 2 Trek Emonda bikes yesterday at a LBS, one was a 56 and the other was 58.

Honestly, after riding both of them, I could not determine which one felt better. The guy who was helping me out made me stand over both and both of them had plenty of space over the frame. He also said, that I could choose either one as my dimensions are in between these models, I'm 6' 1.

My question is, If I go with the 56, and if it happens to be the wrong size, what is going to be the long term consequence. Also, appreciate if you could answer the question the other way around?

If it ends up being the wrong size, would I be able to mitigate the consequences by modifying some other components later on?

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  • duplicate ? bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/39326/…
    – kifli
    Jun 7, 2016 at 15:05
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    If a bike is significantly too large then you will have to reach farther to the bars and stretch your back out more. If much too small you will have to scrunch up your back. Similar issues apply to the legs and hip. "Correction" mainly involves adjusting seat back/forward, adjusting bar height, and possibly changing out the stem for one with more or less reach. Jun 7, 2016 at 15:13
  • I looked at that question, it does not seem to answer mine.
    – edocetirwi
    Jun 7, 2016 at 15:13
  • true this is more about consequences. There are: pain in the back or the knees can be because of wrong sized bike. But this will happen in extreme cases when you did really wrong. Like putting the seat lowest position or like getting 48 when you should have 56. Said that if you are on 58 size frame and it feels ok (you can actually check trek page for recommend sizing) go for it. In case the size chart is confusing : like 56 is for people from 5' 1 to 6'2 and 58 is for 6' to 7' it is advisable to go for the smaller ( but still a personal chose).
    – kifli
    Jun 7, 2016 at 16:03
  • If you took just a quick ride around the block you may not notice the difference. See if you can take a 30 or 40 minute ride. If you can on different days. If you are sore or uncomfortable after the first ride you may still be uncomfortable after switching if done on the same day.
    – mikes
    Jun 7, 2016 at 19:40

2 Answers 2

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In all honesty 56cm sounds like a small frame size for someone who is 6' 1'' for some context I am 5' 8'' and generally find 56cm to be my preferred fit. All else being equal a 58 cm will likely give you more fitting options, as the frame stack will be taller. Most newer riders eventually complain of not being able to get the bars high enough, few complain they can't get them low enough (unless they are aiming for a particular aesthetic). (Your reach often lengths with higher bars so you don't have to fear a larger frame.)

By swapping parts (e.g., stem, handle bars) and making adjusting it should be possible to get one frame size to fit like the other. The real difference between the two sizes is how extreme can you go. The 56 cm will be limited in how high (stack) you can get while the 58 cm will likely be limited in far you can shorten the reach. Also you can try even larger (e.g., 60 cm) as a reference point.

It can often take many hours in the saddle before realizing one is a little too small or large (e.g., took me 1/2 year to realize one frame was too small causing me back issues). The best end goal I have found is finding a fit that leaves you balance - that is someone could quickly make your handle bars disappear you wouldn't fall forward while pedalling. The balance point will differ by some of your basic body dimensions and how aggressively you ride on average.

Modern obsession with smaller frames

For some reason many bike shops are obsessed with getting people on smaller road frames, but arguments can be made for sizing up (called a French Fit). If you plan on doing more endurance riding (or relaxed riding) then a larger frame can be easier to get into a comfortable position (i.e., taller stack and more reach).

Smaller frames are generally considered for "performance" fits and tend to be pushed by many road shops these day. You combine a smaller frame with a longer stem to make up for the shorter reach. The idea is to get low and long. This is how the "pros" fit their bikes, and it is really intended for someone who is riding at a very hard effort all the time.

When you ride at a hard effort your core muscles are constantly engaged and the force of pedalling supports most of your upper body weigh. Often you will need to get your upper body as low as possible to provide sufficient resistance to the pedal force as well as improving aerodynamics. As a result you will have little weight on your hands and you can get away with a lot of bad ergonomics in terms of how far you are reaching.

In a race or a hard club ride I find this type of fit is great, and I typically find a smaller bike with a long stem (e.g., 54 cm + 110 or 120mm stem) works great for me. However, the moment I want to go on a slower ride with the kids or a friend I find this type of fit unbearable. When I was younger I could suck it up, but not so much anymore.

Endurance fit

Most do not want to ride at max effort everywhere. For an endurance fit (i.e., everyday riding), you want to be more upright and a larger frame. You are generating less pedalling force so you will not be able to support your upper body with your pedal force if you are leaned too far forward. A larger frame makes it easier to get your upper body in a more upright position (the stack will be taller so you have vertical height to work with) If you are more upright your reach will often length so the slightly longer reach of a larger frame will also work well here.

If you need to go faster you will often use your drops more in an endurance fit. In a performance fit, many find the drops too low to use except in moments of all out sprints or pursuits. In contrast in an endurance fit I find myself in my drops about 50% of the time while riding a constant pace. Sometimes the larger frames can feel funny at first, but I find it doesn't take long before you get used to it and I think part of this is the result of too many people are on bikes that are too small chasing a "pro" look.

Take Home

  • Take some time to consider the type of riding you will likely be doing most the time:
    • If it is more competitive, then the smaller size may work for you.
    • If it is more casual, then consider a larger frame.
  • Go back and try the frames again, also try getting the staff to flip the stems up or down or move spacers around so you can try a few different positions.
  • Finally, don't neglect the saddle position as this can totally change the feeling of a fit if the saddle is not set up properly (e.g., angled too up or down, set backward/forward too much).
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  • Thank you for the detailed answer. My LBS did change the height by measuring me. I'm looking for more of an endurance fit, no races for me. I'll go give them both a try again.
    – edocetirwi
    Jun 7, 2016 at 17:34
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Assuming you are fitted correctly over the pedals on both bikes - the only other variable to consider is how far you have to reach to the bar. This is measured either as effective top-tube (ETT) or horizontal top-tube (HTT) length. There is another measurement given as reach - this the ETT from the intersect vertically over the bottom bracket. All will give you some idea of fit.

Top tube length can be then compensated using a shorter / longer stem and bars with shorter / longer reach.

There may also be a slight difference in head tube length. A bigger frame may have a marginally taller head-tube - which in turn translates to a slightly taller rider. Adjustment is available with stem spacers on most new bikes to go higher or lower.

A smaller frame is lighter and quicker to manoeuvre - which might explain why Pro-riders lean towards under-sizing their race frames and compensating with long stems. A longer stem may look race-oriented but it can also make the steering feel a little less direct. Also the shorter head-tube can allow Pro-riders to get over the the bars a lot more for an aggressive racing position.

In your case were you to under-size you might be able to get a "slammed" race position - if your back can take it - or you may compensate with a stack of spacers which might not look so good aesthetically - especially when they pile-up.

Aesthetically, a 100-110mm (or thereabouts) looks fine. And about an inch of spacers provides enough movement for height without looking OTT. Its always good to leave some on imho - in case of injury - where you may need to heighten the bar.

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