Am I mad - 188cm on a 56cm S-Works Tarmac

[ChrisMCoupe]

Ok just to give some background, I currently have 2 bikes, a 56cm Cervelo S5 and a 58cm Supersix. I prefer the S5 in the way it rides and how I feel on the bike, but it's probably a tad short. The stack height is fine for me with a small spacer.. The Supersix is probably the correct size for me, but it feels like a much bigger bike although the measurements are pretty similar to the S5 with a slightly shallower drop.

I want to get rid of the S5, it's too hard and too compromised, especially for the UK roads round Surrey, and will probably go down to one bike for the time being so the Supersix will go too. Now I love the S-Works Tarmac and have spent the weekend deliberating over the geo of the 56 and 58cm, i've even been in Sigmasport and been setup on both sizes. I still can't make my mind up. So does anyone here ride a 56cm tarmac who is similar height to me? I'm not long legged or bodied, just normal Why oh why is the 58cm headtube 30mm taller on the 58 I don't know, it looks ridiculous and I'd have to run it slammed and negative. The rest of the bike may well fit me better, although they seem to have a long top tube, which makes me think a 56cm with a 120 stem would work nicely.

Just after opinions really, feel free to say if it will look like riding a BMX

Edited to add a very PH friendly photo to give you an idea of the drop I'm ok with. I think the headtube on the Tarmac 56 is shorter, that's the main issue (I dislike spacers).

Edited by ChrisMCoupe on Tuesday 10th May 20:19

[mikees]

Cut the steerer? I have on my 54 Tarmac to its almost flush with the top tube. No spacers that way.

Also. I ALWAYS go with the smaller frame and fix with set back set and headset. Easier to scale up than down.


Mike

[jamiebae]

I'm 186cm and ride a 56cm CAAD10 as the 58 just felt too big. If you need a 120mm stem to make it fit properly then it isn't going to be too small, and if the 58 needs a negative stem that's going to look a bit silly so I'd go with your gut instinct and take the 56.

[anonymous-user]

Im 185 cm . I have a CAAD10 and a supersix both 58cm but with a 110mm stem...

A bit lanky though, inside leg 33 inches and if I recall with a 56cm frame my knees were close to the bars on uphills..

Edited by doog442 on Tuesday 10th May 21:11

[anonymous-user]

If you have been fitted on the 56 and it fits, get that


Imo

[JustinF]

Mad.

Bike is lovely but too small.

[fromage]

Judging by the photo of your S5 and the very similar Stack/Reach measurements of the S5/S-Works in the 56cm size it should be fine. If you want the S-Works to be a little longer just run longer stem as it doesn't appear you run a particularly long steam anyway.

[ChrisMCoupe]

Thanks chaps. I think I'm just trying to convince myself. I'm actually going to go for another bike fit and setup on a 56 tomorrow before making my decision.

Fromage, you're right, that's only a 110mm stem on the S5 but I'd probably be better with something 10mm longer. Which from looking at the Tarmac Geo should give me a reach very similar. Just don't want the seat pin to me too ridiculous, but I don't think it will be. I'll grab a pic from my setup tomorrow.

[scherzkeks]

It is impossible to say based on the info. given. Proportions are key. And if you run less than a 120 stem on your current bike, then you are not averagely proportioned at 188, but rather leggy.

[Jimbo.]

56cm Cervelo S5
Stack: 580mm
Reach: 387mm

56cm Specialised Tarmac
Stack: 564mm
Reach: 395mm

58cm Specialised Tarmac
Stack: 591mm
Reach: 402mm

I don't have my calculator to hand (angles, innit...SOHCAHTOA or whatever it is) but a 10mm spacer on the S5 _probably_ makes it about 588-ish mm stack and 386mm reach, maybe?

The 58cm Spesh comes in at nigh-on the same stack height with a slammed stem, and 16mm longer. As standard both Tarmacs have a 110mm stem. If you want the same stack height but a bit longer, well...there's your answer...perhaps.

[JustinF]

I'm a leggy 188, my concern would be getting enough seat set back.

[Jimbo.]

JustinF said:

I'm a leggy 188, my concern would be getting enough seat set back.

56cm Tarmac has a 73.25 degree seat tube angle, the 58cm 73 degree, which is the same as your S5, so saddle position relative to BB/pedal (assuming same crank length) should be able to be made exactly the same.

[okgo]

Tarmac stiffer than S5 I would imagine. Get a sportive bike or whatever they call them with forgiving positions and frames.

[CoolC]

I'll do you a favor and take the S5 away for £100, seeing as you're a PHer.

[ALawson]

I am 6ft 1, 185cm and ride a 58cm SL4. Inside leg is just over 33inch, friends of mine of a similar height ride 56 cm tarmac.

Feel free to take it out one weekend if you want I am in Fleet. I think the one piece bar/stem is 120mm.