S-Works Tarmac Stack & Reach

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Barters
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:43 pm

by Barters

Hey guys,

I am hoping for some advice on comparing a few different bikes. Am I right in saying that I should ignore top tube length as when looked at without considering seat tube angle mis dimension can be misleading. To get a more practical idea of what my position will be I should be comparing stack & reach therefore?

The bike I am considering is a 2015 Specialized S-Works Tarmac in either a 56cm or 58cm (note I am 187cm tall, 79kg, 78.3cm bb venter-saddle top), flexible, have put in 7000km so far this year).

Currently I have 2 bikes & happy with fit on both:

Scott CR1SL (2012) 58cm
Stack 603mm (no spacers under stem & could comfortably drop 1-2cm further tomorrow).
Reach 394mm + 110mm stem= 504mm

Canyon Inflite AL (2014) 58cm
Stack 590mm (ride with 25mm of spacers as that is how the bike came set up & it's my winter bike)
Reach 388mm + 120mm stem= 508mm

& now it is between the 2 sizes of Tarmac I need help with:

Specialized S-Works Tarmac (2015) 56cm
Stack 564mm
Reach 395mm + 110mm stem= 505mm

58cm
Stack 591mm
Reach 402 + 100mm stem= 502mm

So, when you look at it I could ride the 58cm with the stem slammed & a 100m stem (is that so short as to muck up the handling)
or
Ride the 56cm but with probably 2cm of spacers under the stem.

Thoughts?

Cheers!!

pete

russianbear
Posts: 683
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 3:40 am

by russianbear

Slam the 58. I wouldn't worry about the handling.

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djconnel
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Location: San Francisco, CA
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by djconnel

100 mm stem won't affect handling.

durianrider
Posts: 85
Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2010 7:00 am

by durianrider

Rides 7000km so far this year. Wants to ride a bike with a lower bar drop than 180cm Chris Horner who rides a H2 Madone 56cm. 17cm head tube on that bad boy + spacers.

http://www.bikeradar.com/au/gear/articl ... toc-30223/

Get the 58 or 61cm. You will breathe better on the climbs.
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tinozee
Posts: 764
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:53 am

by tinozee

Chris Horner, the same guy who rides with a full size pump and saddle bag on training, is not exactly a benchmark for a fit. He is on the top edge of the comfort fit scale. That said, there is a large gap between the 56 and 58 stack on the tarmac. I agree that you will breathe easier with a more open and upright fit, but making it a reach can really numb the handling. Not just because of the stem length, but the overall length, wheelbase, slacker STA, etc. It's like driving a caravan vs. a sports car. I think I'd go with the 58 if I were you and that will leave you some wiggle room up or down.

Btw, durianrider - I get a huge kick out of your videos. Also good job on the strava distance challenges.

Barters
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:43 pm

by Barters

I actually saw a 56cm & knew the minute I clapped eyes on it that it would be too small. It's coming into winter bike season here in Europe so I have some time to deliberate on my decision. After all, that's more than half the fun.

I'll get 10,00km this year. I have 2 kids & a demanding career. Anymore kms & I'm facing a divorce.

Irrespective of my short km I have been riding for less than 2 years & have a FPT of 320w & it keeps on increasing. So I can bring a little heat!

highdraw

by highdraw

58cm. Without knowing your arm length, 58cm with 120mm stem. You are likely riding too cramped.

Barters
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:43 pm

by Barters

Voila!

Does that change things?

Height 187cm
Inseam 89cm
Torso length 62cm
Shoulder width 46cm
Arm length 64.5cm

NealH
Posts: 548
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 3:40 am
Location: Ormond Be, FL

by NealH

Get the 58. I am virtually the same size and weight as you, except my saddle height is 79. I ride a 58 Tarmac with 120 stem although a 110 stem will work fine too.

tinozee
Posts: 764
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:53 am

by tinozee

I'm 6'4 on a 58 with a 130 stem and love it. But I am all legs. I dunno, I would try the 56 with a longer stem before i go with a big frame and short stem.

Barters
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:43 pm

by Barters

I think you might be right about the 110mm stem being too short & leaving me cramped. I concentrated on this when riding today & did notice that I was in a really compact position. Perhaps this is the reason I have been having lower back pain.

goodboyr
Posts: 1487
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:56 pm
Location: Canada

by goodboyr

Sure sounds like you need a professional fit.....as opposed to some internet guesswork.

Barters
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:43 pm

by Barters

I did have a "professional fit" before. These guys should come with a professional certification. I had a right snake charmer.

Standard for Geneva, Switzerland. Expensive, crap.

goodboyr
Posts: 1487
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:56 pm
Location: Canada

by goodboyr

There are some good resources on the internet to help you. Steve Hogg comes to mind.

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boots2000
Posts: 1393
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:28 pm

by boots2000

56 is way too low for you.

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