How does sizing work when you have a short torso?

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2008-09-16 5:35 PM

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Subject: How does sizing work when you have a short torso?

I am 5'11" tall but have a 35.5" inseam.  Never realized it but I must be all legs.  Most calculators make me a 58.  But with such a short torso I think I need a shorter top bar. 

 Curious to how sizing usually works when you have a short torso.  My story.  I purchased a 56 P2C but they accidently got a 58.  I rode it for a month and change the stem to a really small stem.  But still find my self riding on tip of seat.  I decided to finally just buy another frame that is 56.  But I guess I am second guessing.

LBS size me as being a 56 or 58.

2008-09-16 5:38 PM
in reply to: #1678362

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Subject: RE: How does sizing work when you have a short torso?
I'm by no means an expert, but you might try women-specific bikes since gals tend to be leggy.
2008-09-16 5:47 PM
in reply to: #1678362

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Subject: RE: How does sizing work when you have a short torso?

I proper bike shop should be able to fix that for you.  Several different ways to correct for it.

Initially, your bike should be sized based on the top tube fitting your torso IMO.  If you have long legs, they may need to get you a longer seat post and use more risers on the head tube to raise the bars.  There is also the option to shorten your stem on a larger frame to fit your torso.

Again, a reputable bike shop should be able to make these adjustments, without compromising the ride much, if at all.

ETA:  Rereading, I'm surprised that if you were dropping the coin on a cervelo, the bike shop would have done a better job fitting you.

I just bought a cervelo and my LBS fit me for tri, AND said if I had any fit issues, to come back in for a remedy....



Edited by Aikidoman 2008-09-16 5:49 PM
2008-09-16 5:56 PM
in reply to: #1678362

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Champion
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Carlsbad, California
Subject: RE: How does sizing work when you have a short torso?
I am 6' with a 34" inseam and they sized me for a 53cm P2C and it fits like a glove.

The reach is perfect and I am nice and compact while in aero but can still sit up on the horns without stretching out too much. (Both positions are very comfortable)

I agree the LBS should be able to figure this out for you. The P2C offers a pretty wide range of fit options. (More so then the P3C)
2008-09-17 9:06 AM
in reply to: #1678362

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Ft. Myers, Florida
Subject: RE: How does sizing work when you have a short torso?
I have the same problem. My LBS tried everything to fit a Cervelo to me and it just didn't fit right. They pointed me to a Kuota instead which fits me perfectly.
2008-09-17 9:14 AM
in reply to: #1678362

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Davenport, IA
Subject: RE: How does sizing work when you have a short torso?
bartturner - 2008-09-16 5:35 PM

I am 5'11" tall but have a 35.5" inseam.  Never realized it but I must be all legs.  Most calculators make me a 58.  But with such a short torso I think I need a shorter top bar. 

 Curious to how sizing usually works when you have a short torso.  My story.  I purchased a 56 P2C but they accidently got a 58.  I rode it for a month and change the stem to a really small stem.  But still find my self riding on tip of seat.  I decided to finally just buy another frame that is 56.  But I guess I am second guessing.

LBS size me as being a 56 or 58.

I can't imagine that they told you to keep it when it was their screw-up.  I'm 6'4" with a 36"+ inseam and when I test rode a P2C, I was comfortable on a 58, the 61 was terrible.  It made me feel like I was way too stretched out.  You need to go back and make them exchange your bike for the right size.  I definitely wouldn't just go buy another frame.



2008-09-17 11:17 AM
in reply to: #1678368

Subject: RE: How does sizing work when you have a short torso?

movingsouth - 2008-09-16 6:38 PM I'm by no means an expert, but you might try women-specific bikes since gals tend to be leggy.

Except a lot of chick bikes are in "cute" colors. And with tri-bikes, I don't know that there are as many options for WSD (ie, Cervelo does not make a WSD, but Kuota and QR do - but again, usually they're "pretty".

Could always go custom. Though that is very pricey.

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