5ft8 on size 56
10-21-15, 02:03 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
5ft8 on size 56
Hi all, I'm really new to cycling and didn't know about frame size when I bought my first bike. Now I know size 56 is to big for me. But my question is how to make size 56 works since I don't have the luxury to buy a new bike. Thanks all
10-21-15, 02:36 PM
#2
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,859
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista Vitus 979 Duralinox
Liked 6,952 Times
in
3,965 Posts
If the bike is too big, try lowering the seat post and getting a shorter stem for your bars.
10-21-15, 03:02 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: South
Posts: 108
Bikes: Masi Premiare, Trek 520, '01 Litespeed Tuscany
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is a common mistake....
Did you buy the bike new? What bike is it? You may be able to sell it to get what you need if you cannot adjust it enough. But if the top tube it too long, stem adjustment will only go so far....
Did you buy the bike new? What bike is it? You may be able to sell it to get what you need if you cannot adjust it enough. But if the top tube it too long, stem adjustment will only go so far....
10-21-15, 03:13 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Upper Michigan USA
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A 56cm frame is likely only one size step too large for you, and should be able to make it work with a new shorter stem and lowered seat post. Take it in to a bike shop and they can likely fix it up for you in a few minutes and not too much money.
10-21-15, 03:41 PM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought it new but I rode about 100 miles already. At first the lower back pain bothers me alot but it's better now
10-21-15, 04:10 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: North East Tennessee
Posts: 1,616
Bikes: Basso Luguna, Fuji Nevada
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
1 Post
Strange that the seat would be positioned where it is and those bars are huge. Try some compact bars, shorter stem and move the seat forward. Where did you buy the bike?
10-21-15, 04:33 PM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought it on Amazon. Again, I don't have any ideas back then and I just followed the size chart they provide.
10-21-15, 04:37 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Middletown NY
Posts: 1,493
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix EVO w Hi-Mod frame, Raleigh Tamland 1 and Giant Anthem X
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
6 Posts
This is good advice as a 2 cm difference can usually be adjusted to make fit good enough for a recreational rider. Besides, I am of the opinion that better the bike is a little too big than a little too small.
10-21-15, 05:11 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: South
Posts: 108
Bikes: Masi Premiare, Trek 520, '01 Litespeed Tuscany
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This. And oh, by the way, don't be upset that you need to tweak. Welcome to cycling, where just a few more dollars will make your bike perfect!
10-21-15, 10:37 PM
#10
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,653
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Liked 2,579 Times
in
1,586 Posts
What you need to figure out is what exactly doesn't work with your fit, and fix it. Have to reach out too far? Can't straddle the top tube at a stoplight? What is it?
10-21-15, 11:40 PM
#11
Senior Member
I'm 5'7". My size is 54 cm.
Your bike is a size too big. You can make it work but it will never feel right.
I recommend you sell it and get a 54-55 cm bike. You need to ride a medium size bike.
Your bike is a size too big. You can make it work but it will never feel right.
I recommend you sell it and get a 54-55 cm bike. You need to ride a medium size bike.
10-22-15, 11:21 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Madison, IN
Posts: 1,351
Bikes: 2015 Jamis Quest Comp
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I'm going to concur that a shorter stem may help you here,
AND I agree that those handlebars look big...Lookup the Richey Comp Logic Curve bars, (Ritchey Comp Road Curve Handlebar | Chain Reaction Cycles) ...They will be decent for your needs, and at around 30, won't break the bank...They are what is called "compact" (smaller curves, so even grabbing the drops doesn't lower you down as much). Just google how to take measurements to figure out the best width of bar to get.
Finally, in case you are REALLY new to cycling, you may not be aware that you can slide your saddle forward and backward by loosening a bolt or two. That can help too.
AND I agree that those handlebars look big...Lookup the Richey Comp Logic Curve bars, (Ritchey Comp Road Curve Handlebar | Chain Reaction Cycles) ...They will be decent for your needs, and at around 30, won't break the bank...They are what is called "compact" (smaller curves, so even grabbing the drops doesn't lower you down as much). Just google how to take measurements to figure out the best width of bar to get.
Finally, in case you are REALLY new to cycling, you may not be aware that you can slide your saddle forward and backward by loosening a bolt or two. That can help too.
10-22-15, 11:26 AM
#13
I noticed your saddle is set way back on the seatpost. Most people start with the fore-aft position at about the middle of its range. As a rule, you shouldn't adjust saddle position to change reach to the handlebar, but having it so far back might be part of the problem.
10-22-15, 02:13 PM
#14
Banned
agree , now brifters are so long to get the shift parts in them . the bars had to be redesigned to have a short upper ramp.
saddle setback is often related to Femur Length. top of leg.. Knee to Hip joints.
saddle setback is often related to Femur Length. top of leg.. Knee to Hip joints.
