Advice on deal

[Drew Clement]

I'm in the market for a road bike because I've done way too many 50-mile rides on my 48cm $150 target bike (Nishiki). I am 5' 10" and work for the Surf Rescue division of the Fire Department in the southeast, but I ride a kid's large bike haha. I talked with a guy who is willing to sell me a 2017 Fuji SL 2.5 for $800. It's 52cm. I recognize 52cm is a bit small for me, but I have been pounding it out on a 48cm all this time. Do you guys think I should take a good deal on something that is still technically too small for me or do you think I should hold off and go 100% by the book in terms of sizing and stuff? It's a tempting deal but I also want to think long-term about this investment.

[Jesper]

(06-13-2021, 08:12 PM)Drew Clement Wrote:  I'm in the market for a road bike because I've done way too many 50-mile rides on my 48cm $150 target bike (Nishiki). I am 5' 10" and work for the Surf Rescue division of the Fire Department in the southeast, but I ride a kid's large bike haha. I talked with a guy who is willing to sell me a 2017 Fuji SL 2.5 for $800. It's 52cm. I recognize 52cm is a bit small for me, but I have been pounding it out on a 48cm all this time. Do you guys think I should take a good deal on something that is still technically too small for me or do you think I should hold off and go 100% by the book in terms of sizing and stuff? It's a tempting deal but I also want to think long-term about this investment.

I would advise on a more properly sized frame if you are planning on spending that amount of money. Best to get a professional (or similar) fit for your body if you are already willing to make a near $1000 investment on a new or used bike. The seat tube (ST) height alone is not what will make the bike comfortable; you need to have the proper reach provided by the top tube (TT) length. Your 48cm frame may have had a fairly long TT for its size, but the 52cm may possibly have the same length or shorter. I should ride a 51-52cm (I'm 5'7"), but I often ride larger frames due to the reach and the fact that I am used to it. You should probably be on something around 54-56cm (for both TT and ST) depending on your body type (longer or shorter legs compared to torso, etc.). You can certainly have a longer bar stem or certain handlebar design to provide more or less reach, but even then there is a limit to what you will be able to custom fit for your needs.

I am not familiar with the bike you mentioned, but you should shop around and see what else is out there before buying a bike that is on the small size side of what you should be riding.