Hey all – total noob here and looking for some advice.
I recently bought this Specialized Allez for $150. The seller told me his 5’8” wife rode it and that it was a similar size to his bike (he’s a bit taller than me). I’m 5’9”, 160lbs, and have a standard male build.
I ended up putting another ~$100 into it (new front derailleur, chain, wheel bearings). After all that, I measured the frame out of curiosity and it’s coming out to about 48cm – I know now that I should have considered this more seriously rather than just taking the sellers word for it.
I’ve ridden ~25 miles so far and it honestly feels pretty comfortable, but I’m so new that I don’t really know what “right” is supposed to feel like. I can get the seat height set so my legs fully extend while pedaling and I thought that’s all that really mattered.
Am I okay to keep riding this, or is it small enough that I should consider selling and getting something bigger? I’m trying to stay budget-friendly, but also don’t want to risk injury or look ridiculous riding something way too small.
Appreciate any input!
by No-Awareness-6250
12 Comments
It doesn’t look terribly undersized from your one picture but hard to tell. Seems to be within the range of what is likely tweakable to make it work based on seatpost height, saddle setback, and stem length.
Most important thing is if it’s comfortable for you once you start riding longer. 25 total miles isn’t really enough. A 25 mile ride (1.5-2 hours for someone new but decent fitness) and you can start to tell
If the frame is too small for you why do you have the seat so low?
If you are happy after 25 miles you are probably good to go.
Better to get a frame a little too small than a little too big. If you ever feel cramped like its too small it’s as simple as a little longer stem and some adjustments.
Raise the seat until your leg is mostly fully extended when the pedal is all the way down—that’s what my bike fitter & mechanic say.
Yeah, for maybe 20 minutes. You look like you borrowed your kids bike. If you want to be comfortable, and you want to develop power, you’re gonna need to ride the correct size.
that is not a smaller frame if the seatpost is that low? I would say no to the general question but you should raise the seatpost up to fit you and take another picture, including a picture with you sitting on it.
Do a saddle seat height. Check out YouTube videos on how to do that. Once you have dialed in the correct saddle seat height, take the bike for a spin and then make a decision from there.
If you are cycling short distances, then the negative effects of a smaller bike will not be as pronounced. Look at the teenagers who ride awfully small bikes. They only ride short distances for a short time. If you intend on riding longer distances then you will need a bike that is your size.
As an estimate, go to the Specialized website and put in your height. Basically, 5 ft 9, (176 cm) is a 56 but 175 cm is a size 54 Specialized. A 48 size is 5 ft 4 and below.
As you ride more, you’ll want to ride longer. That’s when you will experience pain as you will be in the wrong sized bike.
Get your right sized bike (54 or 56) and see if you can sell this bike to another person.
Specialized allez my beloved
Just wondering, but how did you measure the frame? Since the top tube isn’t parallel to the ground, did you account for that and measure the effective top tube length instead of the top tube itself?
No wonder his wife didn’t like it…
Short distances you’ll be fine. Your knees will let you know how far is too far.
I’m no expert, but I’m 5’10” and ride a 56cm bike. My wife is 5’0” and rides a 48cm bike. I’ve ridden her bike down the street couple times to tune it up. I can’t imagine riding it any longer than that as it is just so small to me. This bike definitely looks in line with her bike, I think Specialized makes 49cm bikes, and think long-term you’re going to have lots of issues with it unfortunately.
I had the same situation as you. Inherited a 49 cm Trek Domane.
I’m 5’7, and use a 350mm seatpost and a 110mm stem on it. Size chart on that bike says I should ride a 54.
I usually ride 52/54 frames with different length of stems.
Get the right saddle height, then fix the stem length.
However, a 400mm seatpost is probably the max you can find on the market. If that can’t fit you, then it’s probably too small imo.