MrMuzu

Hi all, this is going to be my first post here, so I'm sorry in advance if I break any rules :-D

So I decided to move from my road bike with moustache handlebar to a Kuwahara Pacer cyclocross bike.

This model, as you probably know, is not easy to find, so until now I couldn't yet find a 55-56cm model with the splattered paint at a reasonable price. In exchange, I found a few with a 53cm frame. The latest one is sold by a guy 1,85cm tall, so I'm surprised, as I am 1,74cm. He says it's "quite" ok for him, but rather for short rides. That would mean that for me it should be ok.

The thing is that I had a 53cm road bike (with road handlebar) 15 years ago and I fell with it a few times. I was living in Brussels, where there are a lot of very inclined streets, so especially when I was breaking I often felt how my body was dangerously moving up-forward. In general, even on a street that was not inclined, I felt that the bike was too small for me (and I'm not overweight)

So since then I've only rode 56-58cm bikes and I've felt much more comfortable and safe. The same for MTB, I ride a 48cm one.

Kuwahara has its particular geometry, especially the high stem, which looks very comfortable, so I was wondering if any of you rode one and can tell me about the size factor.

I must add that I plan to swap the Kuwahara original handlebar with my moustache handlebar.


Thanks for your thoughts