I bought a size 51cm titanium frame because the seller told me it matches my height (I’m 5’11), but some of my friends said I got scammed with the bike size.
Do I sell it or what adjustments do I have to make for me to ride it comfortably?
Using a 172.5 crank arm, 110cm stem
Thank you!
by gamma_blue
31 Comments
Sweet bike but it’s too small for you. Sell or trade for something in the 56cm range. The fork is already slammed, changing the riding position will just result in other compromises.
> size 51cm titanium frame because the seller told me it matches my height (I’m 5’11)
I mean it does depend on your body proportions but I would have tried out a 54cm instead
so… how much are you selling it for
Most will say 51 cm is too small for someone your height, and it probably is, but just ride it and if it’s uncomfortable, then you can make changes to get the right fit. Your height matters less than how that height is distributed (i.e. torso to leg proportion). Crank lengths seatpost height, saddle position, stem length, and bar width are all things you can tweak to make a bike fit you. The conventional wisdom is that it’s easier to make a bike bigger than it is to make it smaller.
I am an inch taller than you and ride a 58 or 60 cm frame. I have a 35.5 inch inseam so I’m leg-heavy, but 51cm is definitely too small for your height
No one on the sub will be able to tell you anything, without seeing you on the bike itself.
Bike sizing is incredibly inconsistent from brand to brand, so on its face that 51cm figure means nothing. Additionally, bike geometry and UOUR geometry (torso length, in seam length, flexibility, etc) all make a difference too.
Gotta get on and try it out
(For context, I ride a 53 cm at 5’11” just fine – 51cm isn’t that far off)
Highly likely that it won’t fit. You should look at 56cm frames. Ask for a refund. The seller took advantage of you or he didn’t know what he was talking about. Nobody would normally recommend a 51 to a 5’11 guy.
A lot of people ride the bike for their height base dons size charts. And they’re often wrong. Because we aren’t all super flexible young pros!
on paper I’m a 56cm at 5’11. 3 bikes later and then a bike fit, turns out a 53cm is perfect for me.
If you watch the Cade media YouTube channel they often cover this and have a bike fitter friend that is often on the channel. Francis and ex pro is 5’9 and he rides a small or extra small frame.
That setup looks æroic af though
Frame size doesn’t really matter. In fact racers use smaller frames to stay in aero position.
Pls tell in cm your height. Why mix potatoes and oranges whats the logic?
I’m a strange, short legged 6’0″ and I ride a 56. This will never be the right bike for you.
Sounds like the seller needed money
I’m 5’11 and I ride a 56. A 51 would be way too small for me. But what really matters is do you feel comfortable on the bike? Bike sizing guides are just a recommendation. There’s a lot you can do to change the fit of a bike to make it work. Not saying you should make it work, I’m saying that probably nobody here, without seeing you on the bike, looking at your riding position, and seeing your leg extension can tell you much more than it depends.
Looks like a sweet bike. You won’t have trouble selling it if you decide you need a larger frame. But don’t accept a poorly fitting bike. It won’t serve you well. You can get repetitive use injuries that are exacerbated by poor fit that are hard to recover from.
That bike looks pretty odd anyway, why on earth would you put mechanical disc brakes on such a (presumably) expensive bike?
It depends on your riding style, do you prefer a comfortable geometry or are you going for speed? That seems little for you, I’m 5’7” and ride a 54 Madone I love it but I also prefer relaxed geometry and can stretch out to get the more aggressive posture if I so choose.
Addition: personally I think it would be better to sell then try to make it work you will be super crunched in the saddle and lose some power on extension depending on your inseam.
For example technically I can fit on a small frame but it is very uncomfortable for longer rides my legs can’t fully extend and get the “rest period” if I’m going downhill and I do lose some power on climbs.
I size down compared the the usual recommendations but I wouldn’t size down that far.
Take it to a fitter – see if they can get it in the ballpark for you. If that saddle height works then you might be ok.
To check at home (this is a very rough measurement) – sit on the saddle (preferably with left foot clipped in) and put your right heel on the right pedal. Your leg should extend almost to full lock when the pedal is at the 5-6 o clock position. If your knee is significantly bent at this position – more than a few degrees – your options become extremely limited. I wouldn’t raise the saddle any higher than it is – and if you go any higher the bike will start to look like a mini-velo. If it does fit and you can get your leg in the right position, a fitter can help you extend the cockpit and refine your sit position.
You will probably need very short legs and a very long torso for this bike to work. I think inseam for a 51cm seat tube is like 28” (that’s 4” shorter than my 32” inseam @ 5’ 11”). Those are also fairly long cranks for such a small bike – which will help fit, but aren’t necessarily ideal for cycling dynamics, especially if you have very short legs.
Based on general sizing alone – I wouldn’t expect this bike to fit you at all. Usually there’s some leeway for bike sizing but this isn’t within that sizing flexibility, but give a try. It’s a nice looking bike.
Get a new frame or sell the whole bike. I’m 5′ 9″ and generally ride 54-55s.
This is WAY WAY too small
OP, forget the seat tube size for a minute – how long is the top tube? Get a tape measure, start at the center of your head tube parallel with where the top tube meets it. Measure back horizontally to your seat post (this is your “effective top tube” length).
If the effective top tube is something between 56cm and 59cm, it might work for you. It depends on how long your legs are vs. how long your torso/arms are.
Without knowing your proportions I’d say get a refund. But if you can’t, and the frame is long enough for you, you could always run a long seatpost and a cockpit with some rise…
Everyone here is commenting on inseam and seat height, but the far more critical dimension is ‘reach’, which is Top Tube + Stem. Only you know if your specific body type (torso & arm length) is compatible with this bike setup. With a 120mm stem, you won’t be able to extend it by much. Might be a good idea to pay for a bike fitment.
5’9 and ride 54-56cm. 51cm is absurd at your height. People suggesting you might be able to make it work are highly optimistic…. Would sell it and cut my losses so I don’t end up with chronic injury from a poorly fitting bike.
Damn bro. Sad but that bike is way too small. I am 5’ 10 and ride a 54 but can fit a 56 because of my flexibility.
Sell and re-buy
I’d say take it to someone that can give you fit to find out. For context I’m 5’8″ and ride a large Norco, small Pinarello and medium Salsa. Most people would put me on a 54cm bike which would often be a “medium” but it entirely depends on the bike.
Sell. I would not want to wear shoes four sizes too small just because they were nice shoes. They would hurt my body fairly quickly. So will this bike. Sell.
I have a 52cm ti bike and I’m 5’7” this is way too small for you.
That is a VERY sweet bike but probably not the right size for you.
I have owned a lot of bikes but never a Ti bike!
At 5’11” you should be riding a 54-56cm frame
I have a 53 and ride to 56 and I’ve already listed my 53 for sale eventually once you get the right bike, you’ll never want to ride the wrong size ever ever again
Nice bike but way too small.
Bunch of good advice. Summary? Stand over frame w/o mounting saddle. Feet should be flat and crotch near but not touching top tube. Adjust saddle and seat post so legs are nearly but not extended at bottom of the stroke. Take a longish ride. Stand off saddle to judge pedaling for speed or climb. Perch on saddle and pedal for rest or rubbernecking. If any of these present nagging issues, sell.