Sizing 58 or 60 to 4

[Dirt]

The measurements that are important are the horizontal top tube and the horizontal top tube + stem length. Companies will measure from the center of the bottom bracket to a random point in space and call a bike a “58 cm”, but that doesn’t mean that it is the same as any other company’s 58cm. I ride anything from a 57-64cm frames. The horizontal top tube measurement is always the same. 59.5cm with a 120mm stem pretty much always fits.

[hozn]

Yeah, what Dirt said. Effective top-tube is what you want to compare. If I was betting, though, I would put my money on a normal size 58 being too small for someone 6’3″. I am 6’1″ with a 34 inseam (pant size, anyway) and find an ETT of 58.5cm with a 110mm stem to be about right for me. That seems to usually land me around a 58-60 frame size. I have a buddy who is 6’2″ and rides a size 61 Fuji frame. So obviously everyone is differently dimensioned, but it is probably at least worth finding the Allez 60 to test it out.

[rcannon100]

Test rode a Specialized Allez Sport 61 today. He just did not like it. Did not like the reach. Then he test rode the 58 and he was immediately happier. *Le Sigh*

[hozn]

If this is his first road bike (?) it may make sense that he would rather be a little closer to the bars too. I know that it was only after riding for awhile/getting more flexible that I came to appreciate that my first road frame was too small. As long as his knees aren’t hitting the handlebars on out-of-seat climbing, he should be ok. (And maybe the 58 really does fit his proportions better.)

[KLizotte]

A lot will depend on the length of his torso and arm length. If those are proportionally on the short side it would make sense that he is more comfortable on the 58.

[rcannon100]

BTW… my avatar… The Kid designed that years ago as part of the Arlington Vehicle Decal Competition. It was one of the four finalists that year but did not win. It lost to well… a decal of the Arlington History Museum. The graphic is suppose to be of the Rosslyn skyline from the MVT.

[DaveK]

You can always make a slightly small frame fit larger. You can’t make a larger frame fit smaller.

[jwfisher3]

@rcannon100 59971 wrote:

25 or 6 to 4. Alright…. be honest…. who knows the reference without clicking on the link??

T

Know it? Hell, I can still play the opening drum riff on a handy drum kit – it’s the high-hat syncopation that makes it . . . .

[Tim Kelley]

@rcannon100 59971 wrote:

So here is the question. He is 6’3″ His pants inseam is 34. He is 17 years +.

Is he done growing? He might have a couple more inches to go if he is only 17.

[Dickie]

@jwfisher3 59995 wrote:

Know it? Hell, I can still play the opening drum riff on a handy drum kit – it’s the high-hat syncopation that makes it . . . .

Ahhh.. Danny Seraphine was tough to cover, I played “25 or 6 to 4” for a while in a terrible cover band. – ANSWER: Chicago, 1986 “Chicago 18”

As for sizing, pretty much everyone below hit the nail on the head. The one thing I would add is that “feel” from a short test ride is not always to be trusted. I bought a bike that was borderline too small years ago (on a whim) and was convinced it would work. test rode it 10 miles and plonked my cash down. The next day I rode it 40 miles and realized I had made a terrible mistake. Luckily I only use it for quick errands but it taught me a lesson. BTW, the sales person did try and talk me out of it!

[MattAune]

I am 6’4″ with a 34.5 inseam and ride a 58 in both the Venge and Crux. The Allez has very similar geometry to my Venge and would not be surprised if he likes the 58 better.

That said, Specialized does seem to spec these with 120mm stems and you could make the reach on the 61 much shorter by swapping it for a 90. The two sizes only differ by 5mm in reach, but 25mm in stack. The choice between these two sizes IMO comes down to how low you want the bars.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@Dickie 59997 wrote:

Ahhh.. Danny Seraphine was tough to cover, I played “25 or 6 to 4” for a while in a terrible cover band. – ANSWER: Chicago, 1986 “Chicago 18”

Hmmm…. His name’s Richard. He comes from England. He plays the drums. I move that we start calling Dickie Ringo.

[Author]

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