My size 52, would I fit a 49?

MB Lacey

I'm 5ft 6.5, I cycle a 52 frame with no niggles/ pains etc.
I've seen the exact same model for sale at a really good price and since im looking for a second bike to have at my parents house in the uk, im keen to buy it.
This model of bike doesn't come up second hand very much, I've been looking.
I'd be cycling long distances at my parents and comfort is really important to me.

Because the 49 is only one size down from my 52, can I compensate for this with longer stems etc
Is it as simple as that?
Thanks.

Ole Rodrigo

The top tube of 49 cm should be ok with a longer stem although it will handle more sensitively.

In order to offset the presumably shorter seat tube, you might have to raise the seat post and adjust the saddle position, which could leave you with a steeper drop to the bars - this is more 'aero ' and less comfortable for long distances if you're not used to it .

MB Lacey

ror_74 wrote: »

The top tube of 49 cm should be ok with a longer stem although it will handle more sensitively.

In order to offset the presumably shorter seat tube, you might have to raise the seat post and adjust the saddle position, which could leave you with a steeper drop to the bars - this is more 'aero ' and less comfortable for long distances if you're not used to it .

That's good advice thanks. I noticed at christmas and the last few days that the roads here (North Yorkshire) are in a really, really bad state after the last few winters and no resurfacing works, so your comment about 'more aero and less comfort' isn't too good to read.

chakattack

I'm sure the 49 would be ok with a longer stem and maybe an extra spacer under it. Nice to get a good deal on the bike you've been looking out for.

Compare the top tube lengths and head tube lengths. Is it the same bike in a different size? The "49" is a nominal size and is probably close enough to the 52.

Check the geometry charts.

How many spacers are you using now and do you get neck/shoulder pain?

Ole Rodrigo

I wouldn't take that as gospel, just a general comment - comfort is a subjective thing and there are a number of ways to make corrections - but its worth considering along with everything else. My current (road) bike is slightly smaller than what I'm used to, and there is a steeper drop to the bars but I like it.

You might find that wider tyres would be more comfortable on bad roads.

MB Lacey

chakattack wrote: »

I'm sure the 49 would be ok with a longer stem and maybe an extra spacer under it. Nice to get a good deal on the bike you've been looking out for.

Compare the top tube lengths and head tube lengths. Is it the same bike in a different size? The "49" is a nominal size and is probably close enough to the 52.

Check the geometry charts.

How many spacers are you using now and do you get neck/shoulder pain?

Yes exactly the same bike, lower spec, but same model which is why I'm keen.

I don't have my bike with me atm to check how many spacers I use, but no I don't get any pain with my 52.
I'll go to the bikes website and check the charts again, they were difficult to see on my iphone, but I can use my bros laptop.
Thanks.
I realise its a difficult question to answer online without seeing me or the bike.

mistermatthew

If the steerer ain't been cut short to make the stem "slammed" you should be able to make it fit. only real difficulty would be the handlebar height, but if its not cut then you can adjust it with spacers.

petethedrummer

I think this is a bad idea. If you are comfortable on your current bike then you should go for something very similar. Are you buying online or can you try it out? If you can't test ride the bike, I wouldn't buy it.

If you have the flexibility of a pro or don't mind putting a long stem with a ridiculous amount of rise angle (ugly) on, then it could work out ok.

aFlabbyPanda

Well to muddy the waters a bid I'm the same height and ride a 50. I tried a 52 and found I was stretched out too much.

My previous bike was a 49 with a 110mm stem which I replaced with a 70mm as even that was too long.

stripeypaint

Generally its not as simple as just changing the stem, correct fit is the single most important feature of any road bike.
I would discourage dishing out the cash if it does not fit you right. My best advice is get in touch with someone who has direct experience with bike fittings (not some weekend warrior) as they will identify the optimum set-up for yourself. Often holding out is the best way to go about things.

Compensating with longer stems/layback seatposts/longer crank lengths/etc. directly effects how the bike will perform and it's often not a good route to go down as frame's are generally designed around certain set-ups ie 100m stem,170mm cranks etc. Hopefully this made some sense. You never know the 49 could even be a better option, best of luck anyway.

mirv

Check the geometry charts. Some Lapierre 49s actually have a longer reach than 52s, the only effective distance being a shorter head tube and a slacker head angle, and steeper seat angle on the 49. At 5'6 I think you'd probably want a Lapierre 44 or 46 for a fit which isn't super upright.

Top tube and seat tube measurements are unqualified unless you consider the reach (horizontal distance between bottom bracket to center of top of head tube) and stack (vertical distance between bottom bracket and top of head tube). Hence some bikes with shorter top tubes but steeper seat angle end up having the same or more reach than a bike with a longer top tube and a slacker seat tube. Since your saddle is going to have to be moved back on the shorter top tubed frame you end up cancelling out the effect of the 'fake' short top tube.

Steering is a function of stem length, stack height, fork angle, fork rake, wheelbase, and wheel/tyre size/weight. Stem length is only a small fraction of what goes into the handling of the bike. It's all a bit more complicated than you think, more so if you're picky.

MB Lacey

Thanks everyone, I went into the lbs tonight and sat over a 49 frame, it felt fine, the guy said it looked a bit small, but with a different stem a 49 was certainly do-able.
I'm still not 100%, especially after a few of your posts, but I'm going to put in an offer, I'll test ride before I hand over any cash and if it's a big failure I can just sell the bike on.

Ole Rodrigo

FYI
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/html/fit/traditions_of_road_riding.html

Konkers

I'd agree that this is not a great idea. A couple of centimetres in different parts of a bike can make a big "comfort" difference.

I assume the chain sets and cranks on both are the same on .ie u don't have triple on one and compact on the other or 70cm on one and 72.5 on the other. Just a thought.......:rolleyes:

MB Lacey

ror_74 wrote: »

FYI
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/html/fit/traditions_of_road_riding.html

Thanks for that, I'm all about the comfortable french fit!

Konkers wrote: »

I'd agree that this is not a great idea. A couple of centimetres in different parts of a bike can make a big "comfort" difference.

I assume the chain sets and cranks on both are the same on .ie u don't have triple on one and compact on the other or 70cm on one and 72.5 on the other. Just a thought.......:rolleyes:

Too late, I went out and bought the bike on Sunday and yes the 49 version is a triple whereas my 52 is a compact.
When I got home I measured the distance from pedals to floor (exact same as 52) and crank length (same as 52) and I went and got a bike fit and new stem at lbs.

I'll go out for some long spins on the 49 with my allen key packed and see how I get on.
I did go for a spin in phoenix park and it wasn't comfortable, got a numb left foot and felt a stretch in lower back and sore neck and shoulders, but did have an actual lol at the easiest gear on a triple, it's amazing

Konkers

MB Lacey wrote: »

Thanks for that, I'm all about the comfortable french fit!



Too late, I went out and bought the bike on Sunday and yes the 49 version is a triple whereas my 52 is a compact.
When I got home I measured the distance from pedals to floor (exact same as 52) and crank length (same as 52) and I went and got a bike fit and new stem at lbs.

I'll go out for some long spins on the 49 with my allen key packed and see how I get on.
I did go for a spin in phoenix park and it wasn't comfortable, got a numb left foot and felt a stretch in lower back and sore neck and shoulders, but did have an actual lol at the easiest gear on a triple, it's amazing

Good stuff. Well enjoy. Was talking about crank length in terms of the effect it on the distance between the top of your saddle on the line of the seat post and the pedal axial on the same line. And the chain set difference and the effect it will have on the horizontal distance between your feet if you are clipped into the pedals. Enuff of all the guff though if it's all comfy.:cool: