Going to smaller frame

[digitalnorbs]

I been thinking that maybe its time to go to a smaller frame, Im 5'8" or so with 31 inseam and with a 54.5 Cerverlo RS in 54, feel like Im more stretched out then I need to be. Any one went down to a frame with a 52 or 52.5 frame here that can share their experience, thanks

I have an 80mm stem for a test on right now and it does fee nice

[DaveS]

You shouldn't need a stem nearly that short, unless you have a combination of bars and brake hoods that creates a very long reach from the stem.

Your torso length is not short at all. I'm 4cm shorter with 4cm more leg length and rode a 51cm R3 with a 110mm stem, but I did have 75mm reach bars and Campy levers.

When looking to downside, don't just look at the TT length or the frame size, you need to figure the exact change to the frame reach, which is affected by both the TT length and the seat tube angle.

Even if comparing Cervelos, you can't compare the published reach values directly, if the stack heights are different. You need to subtract 3mm in reach for each 10mm that the stack height is shorter and then make the comparison.

Edited to correct frame size. I had an R3 when it first came out. It was a 51, but overall, I hated the frame. I only kept it for 200 miles, tore it down and sold it. Switched to a LOOK 585, that was wonderful.

My bottom line suggest is to downsize, since your legs are not that long. FWIW, I rode my 585 with only a 5mm spacer and a -17 stem to produce an 11cm saddle to bar drop. A -6 stem gave a 9cm drop.

[digitalnorbs]

i was going by this more so,

Inseam: 32
Trunk: 24.25
Forearm: 13
Arm: 24.5
Thigh: 24
Lower Leg: 21.5
Sternal Notch: 57
Total Body Height: 69


The Competitive Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 52.6 - 53.1
Seat tube range c-t: 54.3 - 54.8
Top tube length: 52.3 - 52.7
Stem Length: 10.6 - 11.2
BB-Saddle Position: 69.5 - 71.5
Saddle-Handlebar: 50.5 - 51.1
Saddle Setback: 4.8 - 5.2

[ace0fclub5]

I'm currently going through the exact same problem as you right now. I'm the same size as you and everything.
I'm on a 70mm stem at the moment.
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=116236

Going to have a "consultation fit" done soon to confirm what needs to be changed, from there I will probably move to a 52cm, but the reach on the smallest 3 sizes of Tarmacs don't differ much, so we'll see if it makes any difference.

[digitalnorbs]

ace, i remeber seeing your bike few days back, sweet looking, and yes, keep me posted, I had a 100 mm on there but it felt like I was reaching for it, then I remember having a zipp 80mm from my old single speed so I put that on and it felt really nice, Im now wondering if I should sell my ride or trade=(
OR keep the 80mm on ?

[digitalnorbs]

ace, what is your seat high to saddle setback on your ride, thx

[ace0fclub5]

We really should be on 100mm stems for correct handling. The frame is just another component that can be switched out, albeit a little more involved with installation.

ace, what is your seat high to saddle setback on your ride, thx

Measuring where to where?
It's a zero set back. From bb to rails is 26 1/2"

[digitalnorbs]

go from center of BB along the seat tube. setback, would be from the nose of the saddle (or where sit bones touch the saddle could be 2nd measure)

[digitalnorbs]

can you tell me to the top of saddle

[ace0fclub5]

go from center of BB along the seat tube. setback, would be from the nose of the saddle (or where sit bones touch the saddle could be 2nd measure)

Ah ok, just searched how to measure the set back now.
So distance between horizontal line at bb and the nose is about 1 3/4".
From that line to where my sitbones usually are is about 8".

BB to top of saddle is 28 1/2"

[justkeepedaling]

I'm 5'7.5 with a 29" inseam. I always feel too stretched on my bikes. I might prefer a smaller frame with longer stem, I'll have to try it out

[tinozee]

If you watch the tour, take a look at the stem lengths. Even on smaller guys, long stems with small frame.

I am a tall guy (6'4") but I ride a smaller frame (58) with a 130 or 140.

Of course, the reach hast to be just right with the long stem, but assuming that is true... Try it, you will love it!

[digitalnorbs]

Im mostly concerned with the saddle to bar drop, I feel like I have longer legs to torso ratio. do you guy think I should go with a 50 or 52 framese?

[ace0fclub5]

Im mostly concerned with the saddle to bar drop, I feel like I have longer legs to torso ratio. do you guy think I should go with a 50 or 52 framese?

I feel like the 52 might be just right, but going with a 50/49 with long stem and long seatpost could yield a nice aggressive position on the bike, not to mention additional weight savings.

[DaveS]

With my 73cm saddle height, I've used LOOK frames with 125-130mm head tubes, a 15mm headset top section and 5-10 mm of spacer to yield an 11cm drop with a -17 stem or 9cm drop with a -6 stem.

I would suggest to the OP, a smaller frame than he has now, unless the saddle to bar drop isn't tolerable.