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Is my bike to small?!?! I have no idea.

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Is my bike to small?!?! I have no idea.

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Old 05-20-13, 03:25 AM
  #1  
TokyoZack
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Is my bike to small?!?! I have no idea.

So I'm 5'11" and recently picked up a 52cm Cannondale CAAD9 from a friend on a trade for a MTB that I never used. I thought the bike was way to small since my beloved steel frame Specialized Langster has a 58cm seat tube.

After getting the cannondale(which i was set on selling/trading and getting a bike that fits me) I adjusted the seat, did the ole plumbob from the bottom of the knee to the pedal trick. Eye'd down and the front axle is perfectly hidden behind the bars with my hands on the hoods. Looking in a mirror my arms are at a near perfect 90' angle with my torso with hands on the hoods. From what i've read and watched...everything seems good.

I did a 53 mile first ride on it and it felt awkward. I'm totally at a loss. I'm thinking about going to a local shop and seeing what their opinion on the matter is. I'm quite certain its too small but being a really nice bike...i want to make it work.

Opinions?
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Old 05-20-13, 03:41 AM
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BruceHankins
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If the frame don't fit you must acquit!
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Old 05-20-13, 03:48 AM
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TokyoZack
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Originally Posted by BruceHankins
If the frame don't fit you must acquit!
but i want it to fit so bad!!
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Old 05-20-13, 03:49 AM
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macca33
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I'd reckon a 56cm frame would actually fit you, not a 52.....
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Old 05-20-13, 03:58 AM
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TokyoZack
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Originally Posted by macca33
I'd reckon a 56cm frame would actually fit you, not a 52.....
Im rekoning the same. I did the standover check, i have a good 3 inch gap...maybe more. Dammit I wish this bike fit.

I obviously know a 52 is too small for a 5'11" human being. I guess I'm just searching for some way to make it work.
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Old 05-20-13, 04:26 AM
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Essex
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Sadly, it's like having a pair of pants which are too small. You can make it work to some degree, but it will always be off.

On a similar note - I bought a steel bike and it was one size too large. It gave me a few years of service, but never felt as good as the one I have now which was FIT to me.
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Old 05-20-13, 06:40 AM
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topflightpro
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Maybe? It's really hard to say without seeing photos of you on it.

That said, at 5'11", I would guess you would probably need to be on a 54-58 frame. Again, it all depends on your body proportions and flexibility.
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Old 05-20-13, 06:57 AM
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i think it fits. these other guys are just tring to pick up a nice used Cannondale.
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Old 05-21-13, 06:34 AM
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TokyoZack
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Originally Posted by mshred
i think it fits. these other guys are just tring to pick up a nice used Cannondale.

If anyone has a 56-58 CAAD9 and needs a 52, Im your man.
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Old 05-21-13, 08:55 AM
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I'm 5' 10" on a 56cm, I think the 52 is way to small and agree a 54-56 is ideal, Cannondale bikes run big from what I heard.
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Old 05-21-13, 08:58 AM
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LesterOfPuppets
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+1 on pics.

Bike alone and you on it.
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Old 05-21-13, 09:43 AM
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Will Goes Boing
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You can do what the pros do and get a set back seat post with a 1000mm long stem
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Old 05-21-13, 09:52 AM
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Actually they would run a 1300mm on that bike with a 120 degree setback
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