Shortie road bike riders: your help please.
Discussion
Quick notes: I’m 173cm tall with an inseem of 78cm.
I bought a 2nd hand road bike in October last year; a 56cm ’16 Trek Domane 4.5. I was seduced by it’s bling, but after getting it from and riding it around the block, I had to set the seat quite low and I had to change the 120mm stem to a 70mm, and that still sort of felt a stretch. I’ve also moved the seat forward. I persevered for a few rides and took to riding my mountain bike over winter. Having picked up road riding again (aside from lycra, I rather enjoy it) and did my longest ride this weekend – 45km. The following day my arms and shoulders ache so much, still do today a further day after. Riding with my hands on the hoods feels like a real stretch. When riding on the hoods I’m having to have my head titled back to see the road ahead which feels unnatural, too. (I thought my CBR600RR motorbike was bad…) I’m only really comfortable on the main, flat bars, but like to be on the brakes more than not. I don’t want a race position; I’ve no interest in that. I just want to be able to comfortably ride longer.
My question: any road riders my similar size? And if so, what are you riding and what size frame? I had originally written a long post with geometry sizing, but tl:dr ness of it even bored me. I know everyone is different but if there are similar shorties to me, I’d initially like to know what size bikes you are all riding.
Yours, shorted legged of Hertfordshire.
I bought a 2nd hand road bike in October last year; a 56cm ’16 Trek Domane 4.5. I was seduced by it’s bling, but after getting it from and riding it around the block, I had to set the seat quite low and I had to change the 120mm stem to a 70mm, and that still sort of felt a stretch. I’ve also moved the seat forward. I persevered for a few rides and took to riding my mountain bike over winter. Having picked up road riding again (aside from lycra, I rather enjoy it) and did my longest ride this weekend – 45km. The following day my arms and shoulders ache so much, still do today a further day after. Riding with my hands on the hoods feels like a real stretch. When riding on the hoods I’m having to have my head titled back to see the road ahead which feels unnatural, too. (I thought my CBR600RR motorbike was bad…) I’m only really comfortable on the main, flat bars, but like to be on the brakes more than not. I don’t want a race position; I’ve no interest in that. I just want to be able to comfortably ride longer.
My question: any road riders my similar size? And if so, what are you riding and what size frame? I had originally written a long post with geometry sizing, but tl:dr ness of it even bored me. I know everyone is different but if there are similar shorties to me, I’d initially like to know what size bikes you are all riding.
Yours, shorted legged of Hertfordshire.
How much longer than your usual ride was the ride that made you ache?
It might be that there is a bit of tweaking that would make the bike more comfortable
Or it might just be that you need to get used to being on the bike for that length of time
Or it might be both
On reach. As a generalisation and only a generalisation. If you put the back of your elbow on the nose of the saddle, the tips of your fingers should just touch the handlebars. That isn't a bike fit based on any sort of science, or on you, just a generalisation.
Similarly. If you put a flat edge on the saddle and run it forwards, the gap between it and the top of the bars should be about the same as the height of your fist. Again, nothing more than a generalisation
Is your bike set up anything like that?
It might be that there is a bit of tweaking that would make the bike more comfortable
Or it might just be that you need to get used to being on the bike for that length of time
Or it might be both
On reach. As a generalisation and only a generalisation. If you put the back of your elbow on the nose of the saddle, the tips of your fingers should just touch the handlebars. That isn't a bike fit based on any sort of science, or on you, just a generalisation.
Similarly. If you put a flat edge on the saddle and run it forwards, the gap between it and the top of the bars should be about the same as the height of your fist. Again, nothing more than a generalisation
Is your bike set up anything like that?
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 25th June 11:50
Had to do some conversions in Google for the heights 
I'm 5"8' with a 29' inside leg - so similar size to you
I ride a Medium sized Giant Defy - but was recommended that I was between a S or M.
Looking at the sizing chart for a Domaine - the 56cm seems to be on the larger side of the sizes https://static.evanscycles.com/production/pdf-medi...
Difficult to compare brands of course
I'm 5"8' with a 29' inside leg - so similar size to you
I ride a Medium sized Giant Defy - but was recommended that I was between a S or M.
Looking at the sizing chart for a Domaine - the 56cm seems to be on the larger side of the sizes https://static.evanscycles.com/production/pdf-medi...
Difficult to compare brands of course
A Domane sizing chart
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/road-bike...
78cm inseam calls for a 52 frame
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/road-bike...
78cm inseam calls for a 52 frame
A 56cm is WAY too big for you at 173, unless you're of very odd proportions.
Without a bike fit, there are some rough guidelines for the size of bike you should be on at 173cm, personally I ride one frame size too small as I prefer a smaller frame underneath me, and for reference, I'm 187cm and ride a 56. I'd put you on a 51 or 52 most likely.
Without a bike fit, there are some rough guidelines for the size of bike you should be on at 173cm, personally I ride one frame size too small as I prefer a smaller frame underneath me, and for reference, I'm 187cm and ride a 56. I'd put you on a 51 or 52 most likely.
I’m in the ‘fun size’ club too as another 5"8'er’ with a 29' inside leg.
Using a Giant Defy in small size/ roughly equivalent to 52cm. Find it fine, a bit more upright than my previous Giant TCR Carbon (also small size) due to longer headtube.
I think 53/54 is the max seatube I would be comfortable on as start to find frames get too long in the top tube and feel too stretched / end up with a short stem which spoils the steering a bit.
Using a Giant Defy in small size/ roughly equivalent to 52cm. Find it fine, a bit more upright than my previous Giant TCR Carbon (also small size) due to longer headtube.
I think 53/54 is the max seatube I would be comfortable on as start to find frames get too long in the top tube and feel too stretched / end up with a short stem which spoils the steering a bit.
Looking at the geo, you could just about fit it but you would be in a very aggressive position.
As your finding neck/shoulder issues, you obviously don't have the core strength to ride in that position.
The best advice is probably as above if you are only riding occasionally/casually. Look for a smaller frame.
As your finding neck/shoulder issues, you obviously don't have the core strength to ride in that position.
The best advice is probably as above if you are only riding occasionally/casually. Look for a smaller frame.
Thanks for the replies - interesting reading.
As for how my bike is set up - I'll check when I get home. However, further responses seem to agree with my thinking.
Say, we agree that I'm on a way too big frame for my smaller stature; what do I do?
Buy better fitting frame, transfer bits across (it's got some nice ultegra and 105), and sell frame?
Or, sell as complete, buy new bike? One is cheap(er), one less so.
Looking at Dolan (and using the 52 Trek top tube as a guide) I'm a 44, and a XS Canyon.
I'm not really in the position to try an on-line only bike for size, and I really don't want to take the piss in a shop I've no intention of buying from.
JPJPJP said:
How much longer than your usual ride was the ride that made you ache?
Previous best was 30km, which was a loop I'd now manage with ease, and I've entered a local 29 mlie sportive next month, so wanting to try and stretch to 50km.As for how my bike is set up - I'll check when I get home. However, further responses seem to agree with my thinking.
Say, we agree that I'm on a way too big frame for my smaller stature; what do I do?
Buy better fitting frame, transfer bits across (it's got some nice ultegra and 105), and sell frame?
Or, sell as complete, buy new bike? One is cheap(er), one less so.
Looking at Dolan (and using the 52 Trek top tube as a guide) I'm a 44, and a XS Canyon.
I'm not really in the position to try an on-line only bike for size, and I really don't want to take the piss in a shop I've no intention of buying from.
citizenmtb said:
As your finding neck/shoulder issues, you obviously don't have the core strength to ride in that position.
It's that too, yes. Happily admit I don't have the flexibility or core might to ride in that position for the amount of time I want to be riding. I'd like to think I'm working for that to maybe happen, but my shoulders and arms aren't great today and I rode Sunday morning. I will add that a shorter stem on a road bike makes it quite twitchy. Hilarious on a hardcore hardtail; no fun on a road bike!
cheesewotsit said:
I’m 173cm tall
Only an inch under the average height for UK men; true shorties can only imagine such lofty views.ps. I had a similarly oversized bike for a long time, and made similar changes to make it fit better. I now have one that fits properly, and it is better, but could do long daily rides on either.
Heh. I'm the shortest chap I know, so perhaps I've been somewhat insensitive. It was Canyon stating I need an XS that prompted it.
Looking at smaller frames, am I going to suffer the fact that if I have a smaller top tube, I end up with a higher saddle, and thus lower angle to reach the bars?
Am I better off with a hybrid?
Looking at smaller frames, am I going to suffer the fact that if I have a smaller top tube, I end up with a higher saddle, and thus lower angle to reach the bars?
Am I better off with a hybrid?
as long as the frame is the right size, the correct relationship between saddle height and bars is achievable. whether you get a hybrid would be on preference, rather getting a bike to fit.
i'm 1m83cm and ride a 56cm Specialized Diverge - you're never going to get comfortable on a 56. 52 probably.
i'm 1m83cm and ride a 56cm Specialized Diverge - you're never going to get comfortable on a 56. 52 probably.
Best idea would be to post up a side on pic of you on the bike with the pedal nearest the camera at the bottom of the pedal stroke and then we can get an idea of what your fit is like but I would agree with the comments about a 56 being too big. I'm 186cm and ride a 58 or 56 if it's a bit taller up front.
I'm even shorter at 166cm or so, and I ride a Canyon Aeroad frame size 2XS, the online thing with Canyon said XS but I wanted to get low, so I opted for 2XS and I'm glad I did, XS just would not have worked for me at all. Sounds like your frame size is just much too big for you.
It's easier to make a small frame bigger than a big frame smaller!
It's easier to make a small frame bigger than a big frame smaller!
I have a 56cm Domane and I'm 172cm with a 85cm inseam so that bike is far too big for you. A 70mm stem will upset the handling as well. Mine is a little too long for me but the 54 had a massive saddle to bar drop. Try a 53cm Bianchi Infinito. It has shorter reach than the Trek and the saddle to bar drop will be smaller. I have a 55cm Infinito and its a superb bike. The new Specialized Roubaix appears to have a much less racy geo than previous years and is more like my Diverge so that could be an option.
I'm 5'6" with a 30" inside leg. I'm pretty comfortable on a 52 cm Trek Emonda (H2 'endurance' fit, not the racing snake H1 fit), although several of my older bikes are larger sizes and I ride them OK. The Emonda was the first one I bought with a fitting beforehand, though. Prior to that I was "sized by eye" by the chap who sold me a Merida, and within a few mm the fitting put me in the same position as the "by eye" fitting on the Merida. Most of my other bikes are second hand, and what you might call "classic" or "period" bikes, so you take what you can get and make the best of it in those cases.
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