Bike fit advice

Briando

Hi guys,

Considering pulling the trigger on a Canyon CF Ultimate frame.

Frame Geo here:
http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2530

I entered my measurements in Competitive Cyclist and here are the results:

Measurements

---

Inseam: 84
Trunk: 66
Forearm: 35
Arm: 66
Thigh: 59
Lower Leg: 56
Sternal Notch: 147
Total Body Height: 179


The Competitive Fit (cm)

---

Seat tube range c-c: 54.4 - 54.9
Seat tube range c-t: 56.1 - 56.6
Top tube length: 56.1 - 56.5
Stem Length: 11.2 - 11.8
BB-Saddle Position: 78.0 - 80.0
Saddle-Handlebar: 54.1 - 54.7
Saddle Setback: 4.2 - 4.6


The Eddy Fit (cm)

---

Seat tube range c-c: 55.6 - 56.1
Seat tube range c-t: 57.3 - 57.8
Top tube length: 56.1 - 56.5
Stem Length: 10.1 - 10.7
BB-Saddle Position: 77.2 - 79.2
Saddle-Handlebar: 54.9 - 55.5
Saddle Setback: 5.4 - 5.8


From what I understand I need to fit myself to the top tube. So would that mean I need to get a 56cm frame?

All my riding is on a TT bike in quiet aggressive position. I'm concerned that I choose a frame thats too large and I'll be stretch out and uncomfortable. I want to build a bike that will climb well. And enter a few races on in 2013.

Anybody able to advise on what size Canyon frame to go for?

Thanks for reading the wall of text.

-B

colm_gti

There is a size calculator on canyon's website....try this

Briando

colm_gti wrote: »

There is a size calculator on canyon's website....try this

I've used that, but its a dumb machine. Was seeking some insights from you guys as to what to go for, rather than a default one size fits all generic calculation.

But thanks for taking the time to link it anyways Colm

Lumen

I've bought a bunch of bikes and used a lot of calculators.

I think the most accurate method is to follow a simple height-based sizing chart from the manufacturer and adjust stem length/orientation, spacers and saddle position to get comfortable.

If you're mid way between sizes on the chart, find a different bike.

Briando

If you are between sizes on the bike, can you not just get the smaller size and lengthen the stem? To within reason obviously.

How can I tell if I am between sizes?

camanstar

I went through all this when I was buying my Canyon Roadlite 7.0. I was fitted on a Felt 56cm and used that as a base line. I compared 7 or 8 54cm and 56cm frames and decided on a 56cm Canyon. Their PPS system suggested a Small (53cm) for me. I am 178cm tall, in seam of 79cm. The bike fits great however I think a 53cm would have done me as well. The top tube could be lower for me (short legs - long torso). The seat tube on the canyon is long and if you want a more aggressive setup you might be better off with the 54cm in the Ultimate CF. If you want to try out a 56cm frame, I am in South Tipperary....

Briando

camanstar wrote: »

If you want to try out a 56cm frame, I am in South Tipperary....

Hahaha! I'm in Dublin, It will be a long way to Tipperary(Boom boom) on my bike to meet you But thanks for the offer its very kind.

Yeah I'm giving some consideration to a 54cm, but if it is slightly small, i guess me knees could hit off the bars while cycling too..

SWL

Email Canyon UK with the measurements
they will advise you what size to buy.

address uk@canyon.com

Briando

Still interested in hearing some opinions on picking a 54m frame instead of the 56.

Lumen

Briando wrote: »

Still interested in hearing some opinions on picking a 54m frame instead of the 56.

At 179cm the 56 is probably about right for an average rider, but if you're used to an aggressive TT position then the 54 would probably give you more options for fit.

You can always make the 54 bigger with stem and saddle position, although Canyon use a non-standard steerer diameter which makes changing the stem a bit of a PITA (you may need to order one from Canyon).

Hungrycol

camanstar wrote: »

I went through all this when I was buying my Canyon Roadlite 7.0. I was fitted on a Felt 56cm and used that as a base line. I compared 7 or 8 54cm and 56cm frames and decided on a 56cm Canyon. Their PPS system suggested a Small (53cm) for me. I am 178cm tall, in seam of 79cm. The bike fits great however I think a 53cm would have done me as well. The top tube could be lower for me (short legs - long torso). The seat tube on the canyon is long and if you want a more aggressive setup you might be better off with the 54cm in the Ultimate CF. If you want to try out a 56cm frame, I am in South Tipperary....

The Roadlite has different geometry to the Ultimate CF so a test ride on a Roadlite wouldn't give a real feel. I have a new Roadlite 6 and find the top head tube a bit too long and have slammed the stem. Lovely solid feeling bike and corners well.

Edit: Meant head tube not top tube!

Briando

Lumen wrote: »

At 179cm the 56 is probably about right for an average rider, but if you're used to an aggressive TT position then the 54 would probably give you more options for fit.

What is the down side to picking the 54cm?

If I am weighing up the pros and cons?

Lumen

Briando wrote: »

What is the down side to picking the 54cm?

If I am weighing up the pros and cons?

The position will be more aggressive "out of the box", and if it's too aggressive you're a bit stuck because Canyon don't ship their bikes with uncut steerers, so you won't be able to add spacers under the stem.

The stem that comes with the bike might be too short for you, although you can request a longer stem on the order form if you know what length you need.

On the other hand if you do need to make it taller at the front you might just get away with flipping the stem, but it'll look a bit crap.

furiousox

OP I'm on a 54cm UCF Canyon.
I'm 174cm and it fits me ok.
Based in Drogheda if you want to try it for size.

Briando

furiousox wrote: »

OP I'm on a 54cm UCF Canyon.
I'm 174cm and it fits me ok.
Based in Drogheda if you want to try it for size.

Hi Furiousox,

I might take a cycle up that way and do that.

How do you find the bike? Happy you went with the Canyon UCF?

furiousox

Yeah it's a great bike, outstanding value for money.
It's quite stiff and race orientated but still comfortable.
Can't fault it at all.
PM me if you're heading up this way.