I have a shorter inseam than average for my height, so after testing many bikes ranging from 51cm to 54cm, I found most to either be too cramped or have a more upright position due to needing to sit lower on bikes in my size. I landed on a 54cm soloist and dropping the stem, which feels really good so far after about 300 miles. Is there anything that should be changed? I’m thinking about going from the stock -8 stem to a -12, but I’m not sure yet.
by j151515
37 Comments
Probably not what you want to hear, but it looks too big. Seat looks too high (and is already set a bit low for the frame size) and reach looks too long. It’s generally easier to adjust a bike that’s a bit on the small size vs. one that’s a bit on the large size. How tall are you?
On first image, leg angle is so close to 180, where it should be close to 150. If you did already 300miles, and no knee pains, no kneck issues, shoulder pain, hand numbs, go for it.
But, as prevention, look up on youtube all these issues, like when handlebar reach is too big or small, when saddle hight is low or high, if any of those things happen, you can diagnose it yourself and apply remedy without panic attacks.
Cramped? Stems go all the way to 140+mm. You should gone for a smaller size bike and a long stem. That seat post is already clapped out and the seat is still way too high. Take this to r/bikefit
seatpost too high, crankarms too long. Get a smaller size frame and longer stem.
should have taken the 51cm and ran a larger stem
I’m 5’10”, 31” inseam and the seat tube on just about every 54cm Cervelo is too long for me. Look like your knee is practically locked out at BDC
Edit: added frame size for context
I’m 5’9” and riding 52 frame. Switched from 54 5-6 years ago and am feeling much better.
Im 6’1 ill give you three fiddy for it
I mean if it feels good, what’s the problem?
Most people are just too obsessed with fit, in reality it’s possible to feel comfortable on a reasonable range of metrics. A cm here a mm there, who cares, if you have no pain.
Saddle too high. Possibly too long.
Looks like you need shorter crank arms
Darker wall paint would highlight the color of the bike far better. Maybe maroon to match the logo.
Your blinds are doing my head in as an aside. Speaking of adjustments.
Frame is too big. Your leg is extended way too far at the end of your downstroke despite the seat already being very low.
You need smaller frame, shorter cranks and a longer stem.
Shorter cranks would help a lot IMo
The bike looks kinda too big for you on the stack. But you seem to have a big torso with long arms?
I mean if you don’t get any pain issues after 1-3 hours of riding, it should be fine. I would go smaller on the bike though and then adjust.
I recommend adjusting your location to outside.
just pay for a bike fitting
The floor. I think you’ll find asphalt and cement offer better traction. Also, the walls. You might as well totally remove them. They hurt when you hit them.
I’m gonna be a b!tch here for a moment. What is with riders spending a bunch of money on a high end bike (no complaints on this btw I have a TIME) but then coming here to ask randos if the bike fits. Why not spend $150 and get a proper fit at a good bike shop?! Here’s an idea do that before you get the bike too. And shocker the bike brands have really useful measurements and geometry tables on their websites that, in most cases, give riders a gauge for what bike size fits what rider height.
A proper bike fit can go a long way towards comfort and performance on the bike. It’s not just seat height and stem. It’s crank length, seat width and type, pedal setup, bar setup etc. Do it.
Sock length. Non-existent.
What does your own comfort tell you at 300 miles. That’s a good baseline for self assessment. Others have thoughts that have zero value IMO. I’d say, what you are missing, the height of socks.
Talk to a bike fitter. We don’t know your range of motion, flexibility, prior injuries, etc.
Looks overall OK to me, except your leg looks a bit overextended at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Maybe indeed shorter cranks would be apropos. What are they now?
Reach and frame size and your position look OK to me.
For what it’s worth though I also have a short inseam, 29 inches, and I’m happily riding a 49 frame for years now (Kona)
You leg fully extended isn’t ideal. You can raise the seat a bit and the bike size looks really good. Maybe move the seat back a bit.
How tall are you? 54 looks one size too big.
I’m similar build to you and ride 50-52s.
For me, 54s look fine on geo charts and advise but not reality.
Without changing the frame you might get some hip relief with a shorter crank, I will say the frame doesnt look great for you based on your extension and top of stroke. You probably needed less stack and longer reach which other brands do well. I wouldn’t be super discouraged though, not having pain likely means your flexible and you can still make a little more out of this, you might want to look into what you can do with cleats also.
Great Quads! Just wanted to say that lol
I was in pretty much the same situation, same height, short inseam. Again contemplating on the size and I actually went with size 51 Soloist. By the looks of it my sitpost sits much higher than you have, handlebars are still at max height. I haven’t gone into a bike fit yet, but feel like a longer stem will be recommended.
the good old days where when you had a handful of seat post exposed, the bike was the right size. Put your heel on the pedal. @ 6 O clock your leg should almost be straight with a slight break in the knee. You don’t want hyper extension . You’re not in your drops, but when in the drops knee should almost meet elbow. I honestly don’t think this is as bad as many here are making it out to be. Ride as is, work on flexibility and such BEFORE lengthening the stem. AND before lengthening the stem, sit in the saddle, get the cranks at 3-9 (parallel to floor) Drop a plumb bob from below your knee cap. It should basically be right through the spindle of the pedal. So BEFORE adjusting the reach, first dial in Saddle fore / aft
your legs and arms are too short.
I moved from a 54 to a 51 and man, my riding is so much more enjoyable.
If you can afford that bike, you can afford a proper fitting from a pro. If you don’t have one local find one online.
There are plenty of guides out there that determine your setup based on your body measurements. Bernard Hinault’s Road Racing book has a good one that will set you on the right road. You should be able to set your bike up from that, or determine if the frame is the wrong size.
Do you have a particularly long torso and relatively short legs?
Too big. WaAayyy too big