TheBlast82

Hi, I found a good deal on a 56cm carbon bike with SRAM force (2012) through a friend, I put the top tube between my legs and I can lift the bike up over an inch off the ground, so it's not like it's all up in my junk. He also told me to try the bike out for a couple of days before I bought it.

So I rode it this morning for 20 miles and I felt good about it with the exception of the reach as the bike has a 110mm stem on it. I figured that in order for the reach to be right for me I would need a 60mm stem.

Is that approach (replacing with such a short stem) advisable? Are there any other issues that could arise in the future from me not riding my recommended bike size (54cm)? Should I pass on this bike? Thanks ahead of time.

ThermionicScott 

I would try an 80-90mm stem first. There's some dogma out there about stems needing to be a certain length, but they make 'em in all different lengths for a reason. Sounds like you're not far off from having a bike you enjoy.

berner

I'm 5'7" and ride a bike with a 54cm top tube and a 75mm or a 90mm stem. We can ride most days during winter on coastal R.I. and southern Mass. but still, mileage is less during cold weather. I have found that as mileage ramps up with warmer weather, I seem to prefer the longer stem and have, on occasion used a 100mm stem. At present I'm using the 90mm stem which feels fine.

Carbonfiberboy 

I know they already convinced you over in the roadie forum to forget it. I saw your post before you posted to the roadies but didn't respond because it's really personal to you. I ride bikes 2 cm smaller and 2 cm larger than "my size" and they work fine. Depends on the exact dimensions of your trial ride. The only way to see if it's gonna work is to try a different stem and check your fit: elbows don't overlap knees on the hoods, but do overlap knees slightly in the hooks.

NormanF

I'm 5'7" 30 inch inseam. In most bike sizes, I ride a medium, in a few a small.

In cm I could fit 52-55 cm on a road bike.

MZilliox

you can make it fit, but a bike in the 53cm range I figure will be much more responsive for you.

TheManShow

I am 5' 9-1/2" Tall. I ride a 56 CM Square Bike with 90 CM Stem. When I standover and life the frame into my jewls. I clear about 2" off floor. I wear 32 inseem jeans.

mawashi

I might not recommend a 56cm for your height, I'm 179cm and I won't recommend a 56 for myself. To get the 56 bike to fit me I had to shift the seat forward a bit more which made the effective seat tube angle a bit steeper, I also had to use a 80mm stem.

The potential problems I can are handing issues cos it makes the bike's handling a bit more sensitive. Also if you are too stretched out you'll be quite uncomfortable during longer rides. Personally if you can't ride comfortably using the drops the frame might be too large for you.

NormanF

First choice is a 54. Second choice is a 52.

Odd size - first choice 55, second choice 53.

In theory, you can ride on a larger bike but it will never feel quite right. I once had a 60 cm Peugeot which was like 4 sizes too big for me.

Smaller guys should definitely go with a correct-sized fitting bike.

migrantwing

I'm the same height and inseam as you and ride a 53/54cm frame with a 90mm stem. I think I'm gonna opt for a change in stem, but personally a 56cm frame may be slightly too large for you. That said, I've ridden larger frames and smaller frames and they've felt fine. As mentioned, try a few different stems from 70-100mm and you'll most likely find your comfort zone.

fietsbob

Ought to be OK. you have stand over .. want a really low pro race posture rather than a comfortable century riders posture ,

Then you can take the buy a smaller frame suggestions..

Stem can always be changed.

StanSeven

The OP asked the question three months ago. I think he likely made a decision by now.