hey people

so i went to my local bike shop, one of the better ones in Vancouver
i had them test fit me on a cervelo R3 because i wanted to get an idea of what size i should be riding. Apparently i'm between a 48 cm and 51cm...the guy there suggested that i ride a 51cm

now, i'm 5' 6", i like to be a little more hunched over rather than upright, i would say my leg and arm lengths are average for a person of my height

any suggestions?

thanks
-Marco

I am exactely the same height and riding an 51 R3SL, with a 100 mm stem. I'll probably switch to a shorter stem this year (I think 80 mm) to ride a bit more comfortable.

My seat-height: 68,5 cm

Maybe it helps a bit.

mlam86,

 I think I might have bougt both my bikes from the same store as the one you're dealing with.  I'm 5'6" also and they fitted me on a 51cm Soloist Team with a 100mm stem and a 51cm R3 with a 100mm stem.  Both bikes fit amazing.  Have you ridden the bike in either size yet?  If not then definitely go and do that and see for yourself which one you're more comfortable on.  Good luck and enjoy the new ride.  Welcome to the forum btw.  There are a lot of good folks on here.  Very helpful.

NewGuy

that's you guys

that helps me a bit

i actually sat on both, didn't see what size stems were on there but they both felt ok stationary....i'm not sure how it's going to be like when riding
i guess i will haveta test ride

Keeping in mind that the S1 and R3 have the same geometry, see also the discussion on Help on 48cm Road Frame for the variety of responses

http://forums.cervelo.com/forums/t/2846.aspx

What I conclude from the discussion is that when the choice is between a 48 or 51 the cyclists for whom flexibility is not an issue, like an aggressive riding position (spend time in the drop bar) and cycle competitively prefer the size 48cm. The rest of us like the comfort that the larger size offers.

Only you can decide.

Hey,

I also am 5'6" and ride a 51 R3SL. With a seat height of 70.5 I would not be able to ride a 48 because the saddle to bar drop would be too much (for me). So for me a 51 with a 100cm stem is perfect. Hope this helps.

Try a 48. There's a post somewhere here that they give heights of CSC riders and someone who's 5'7" is riding one. Can always flip the stem if need be.  Sastre (5'8") rides a 51 although not sure long legged/ short legged etc. Don't rule out a  48, esp if you don't mind being hunched over more.

 

Ideally, if you're in between the sizes then I'd go for the smaller size (lower front end is better) but don't forget that the 48 cm leaves you open to toe overlap approaching 40 mm as numerous threads here have previously discussed.  It's not an issue at racing speeds but if you often find yourself having to weave in and out of commuter traffic i'd go for the 51.  You can check this out for yourself when testriding to see if it is an issue.  Or buy an 48 RS which has 650 cc wheels.  There's a discussion of it here along with a picture showing the proximity of the pedal to the wheel.  Yikes!

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42155&highlight=cervelo 

 

I'm 5-6 and ride with a 110 mm stem, 10mm of spacers under the stem and a reasonable set-back seatpost, clamped to the middle of the saddle rails.  Yes that's vague, but the point being that I don't have the seat slammed all the way forward.   For me, this is a great fit.   

Consider the head tube size too.  If you ride a smaller size, but like a more upright position, you'll either have to flip your stem or add a bunch of spacers underneath the stem.  Too many spacers under the stem can be a bit unsafe in today's world of super thin carbon steerers (see Wolf SL recall and Isaac fork recall).  Not to mention being visually offensive too... ;)

Obviously you will need to sit on the bikes and even better ride them. Presumably in a place like Vancouver you should be able to try both, as these bikes are readily available. Height doesn't tell you much, without looking at your actual full measurements and flexibility etc. I am 5' 9" and had a 51cm R3 with only a 9mm stem. I loved the feel of the bike, although it did have some toe overlap (not really any big deal other than when you turn the wheel from a standing position). The 54 was too stretched out for me, but on these forums I have seen many 5'9" people on 54 or bigger (even). Yet you are shorter, but perhaps you have different proportions (leg, torso, arms etc.) You really should sit on them and/or ride if you can, as one might suggest a 48 but you may not like the toe overlap or the smaller headtube height.

thanks for all the replies

i believe that to truely know what size frame i should ride, i really need to do a demo/test ride to get and idea of what's comfortable for me

FWIW... I am 5"4' with a 77 cm inseam. I ride a 51cm SLC-SL with a 110mm stem in the down config and a 10mm spacer between the headset top cap and the stem. CBB to top of saddle is 70cm. Cranks are 175mm. Works for me. Cheers, Brian

yes definitely test ride, and get fitted

if you're going to spend that much money on a frame, do it right