having trouble choosing the right size of road bicycle?

P

PAUL G

New member
Im 5 feet 8 inches tall and am having a hard time choosing between a size 54 or 56 road bike. A 54 is 5'6"- 5'10", and a 56 is for a 5'8"-6'0" rider. Which is better fitted for my size? I measured my inseam and I was a 55. Looking at buying a specialized Allez elite bike if that helps.
 
Sit on the bike. Ride the bike. One of the two sizes will win out as to which is more comfortable.

Your inseam is but one necessary measurement when sizing a bike. You also need to know the reach -- length of the top tube and stem. You can alter the stem length, but you can't shorten the top tube.

I can't believe a Specialized shop isn't fitting you properly. ASK them. Specialized dealers even have a seat width measurement tool to see how wide your "sit bones" are.
 
The bike shop should help you with the correct frame size. Frame size goes by your inseam and not height. There are other factors that involve the proper fit like fore and aft saddle position and the length of the handlebar stem. The size range that you gave looks like it came from bikes direct and is a very poor way to select a frame.
 
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