Is it the wrong size?

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Ashy

Über Member
Location
Portsmouth
I have a frame size 56cm Specialized Allez Sport. I am F507 and a bit (1.71cm), I think that this frame size is too large for my stature.

I have owned the bike since September leat year. Recently I have been out on it more, both training and commuting to work. On these rides I begin to develop lower back pain and slight neck pain. I consider myself fit and healthy with no postural problems. My commute is a 25 mile round trip. I have checked the Specialized farme size guidance, and according to this I should fit a 54cm.

Do you think its the wrong size? Is this why I am getting some pain? What can I do about it?

I don't think I can take it back to the store where I bought it as I have had it almost a year. I am kind of kicking myself I did'nt spot this earlier.

Please give me your thoughts and advice.
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
I would say yes it's a little too large. I am 5'9" and ride a 56 Spesh and I wouldn't find it comfortable riding any size bigger.

From your size I would think you are very stretched out. However you may find you can size it better by fitting a shorter stem. Your bike probably has a 110mm. Get a 90mm stem and see how it feels.
 

potsy

Rambler
Location
My Armchair
I'm the same height as you Ashy and ride a 54cm Secteur, I know the Allez is a slightly more agressive set up anyway but would have thought the 56 is probably a bit more of a stretch than it should be.

You could flip the stem to make it more upright, or as Ian says fir a shorter stem :thumbsup:
 
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Ashy

Ashy

Über Member
Location
Portsmouth
Thansk guys. I am taking part in the Mega Meon soon so I will try these options before I take part in it. I assume fliping the stem is easy to do?
 
5'9 on a 54 Tarmac - similar geo to Allez. Sorry, but 56cm is way too large for 5'7 - you should probably be on two sizes smaller, like a 52.

Flipping the stem may not be a good idea - probably the last thing you need on a bike that big is an even higher position. If anything, I would guess you probably need to be lower at the front...
 

lordloveaduck

Well-Known Member
Location
Birmingham
I am 5'7 and i ride a 54. Depending on your leg to torso proportions i don't think flipping the stem would solve your problems in the long term. I was once in the same place as you and the only thing that worked was getting rid of the bike and getting one that would fit my size. Good luck.
 

Nebulous

Guru
Location
Aberdeen
I'm over 5'9" about 177 cms, but have quite a short inside leg, around 30." I ride a 54 Allez (2010 model) The lbs even tried to sell me a 52. I have kind of wondered about trying a 56 for a slightly longer reach, but the 54 is quite tight for standover height. There are other factors than just height, including as someone else said leg/ torso ratio, but 56 sounds to me like too big.
 

jugglingphil

Senior Member
Location
Nottingham
I agree, 54 initially looks to be the better size.
OK What to do about it.
Sell it and buy and 54 or buy a shorter stem as ianruk suggested.
Looking at Geometry of Allez (2012) top tube on 54 is 54.8cm and on 56 it's 56.5. So the 56 is 1.7cm longer from saddle to stem. Reduce the stem by either 2cm (or possibly 1cm) will reduce the amount you are stretched out.
 

goody

Veteran
Location
Carshalton
The 54 also has a headtube 1" shorter than your 56 meaning your reach might be reduced horizontally but you will have to reach further downwards which might not help. If you change to a 85 stem the reach would be almost identical to the 54 but the bars 1" higher because of the taller headtube. Stems are cheap on ebay try a shorter one and flip it to make the bars a bit higher and see how it feels.
 
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Ashy

Ashy

Über Member
Location
Portsmouth
Guys,

Thanks for all the advice. Yet again the members come up with good, sound and sensible advice. Really appreciate it. I have purchased a 90mm stem (Deda) which I'm fitting this weekend. This is about 1cm smaller than the current stem. I'm goiing to flip it so it sits slightly higher. Hopefull this will help. If not then I think my only option is to sell up and get a better fiting bike.

It was bought on a finance deal, so I do not know where I stand with selling it, any ideas?
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
Guys,

Thanks for all the advice. Yet again the members come up with good, sound and sensible advice. Really appreciate it. I have purchased a 90mm stem (Deda) which I'm fitting this weekend. This is about 1cm smaller than the current stem. I'm goiing to flip it so it sits slightly higher. Hopefull this will help. If not then I think my only option is to sell up and get a better fiting bike.

It was bought on a finance deal, so I do not know where I stand with selling it, any ideas?


To be honest, looking at your height I would have gone for an 80 rather then the 90.
As I have previously mentioned. I'm 5'9" and have a 56cm frame with a 90mm stem.

But see how you get on anyway.
 
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