Should I downsize Crux from 54 to 52?

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ps786
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat May 20, 2023 9:03 pm

by ps786

Height: 170cm
Inseam: 77cm
Arm span: 167cm


I reconnected with some high school friends and decided to start cycling with them.

Specialized website put me into a size 54. But when I stand over Crux 54 in a bike shop, everyone said it looks a little big on me. The top tube is touching my crotch. Unfortunately, I can’t try the bike as it has already been bought and paid for by another customer.

My friend said I should be fine on a 52. I tried a Scott Addict 52 and it felt reasonably comfortable.

Here are his points.

• 52 will give me some room in stand over height.
• Addict 52 has shorter stack & reach when compared to Crux 52.
• My relatively light weight of 58kg may help get away with downsizing.
• My shoe size of 40 running cleat shouldn't cause toe overlap.

Image

Should I downsize to a 52 or go with Specialized recommended 54? Any input is greatly appreciated!

by Weenie


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yinzerniner
Posts: 206
Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2017 8:54 pm

by yinzerniner

52 seems like the better fit. Bike companies are notoriously bad for their height range recommendations, with only a few taking the extra effort to guesstimate a suitable size based on anything other than height. Canyon comes to mind in that regards

But at your 5'-7" height that's squarely in the small or 51-53cm sizing of modern bikes. Doubly so since you have shorter arms and a normal inseam for your height. If you had longer arms or a taller inseam then the 54 might be better, but that's not the case.

ps786
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat May 20, 2023 9:03 pm

by ps786

Thank you for the confirmation. This is my first bike so I have no idea what to expect from different sizing.

kode54
Posts: 3749
Joined: Tue May 23, 2006 9:39 pm

by kode54

I'm about the same size and I ride an Aethos in 52cm size which is close to the Crux.
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ps786
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat May 20, 2023 9:03 pm

by ps786

kode54 wrote:
Mon May 22, 2023 8:30 pm
I'm about the same size and I ride an Aethos in 52cm size which is close to the Crux.
Glad to hear from someone of similar build. I guess 52 it is.

ps786
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat May 20, 2023 9:03 pm

by ps786

kode54 wrote:
Mon May 22, 2023 8:30 pm
I'm about the same size and I ride an Aethos in 52cm size which is close to the Crux.
Btw, any advantage of going with 54? Better stability?

tonytourist
Posts: 1426
Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:13 am
Location: 90039

by tonytourist

52 is the way to go :thumbup:

kode54
Posts: 3749
Joined: Tue May 23, 2006 9:39 pm

by kode54

ps786 wrote:
kode54 wrote:
Mon May 22, 2023 8:30 pm
I'm about the same size and I ride an Aethos in 52cm size which is close to the Crux.
Btw, any advantage of going with 54? Better stability?
Better fit. Although top tube slope is less pronounced in a 54cm frame. Doesn’t bother me anymore but at first it did a bit. Besides, it’s slightly lighter!
- Factor Ostro VAM Disc
- Factor LS Disc
- Specialized Aethos Disc
- Sturdy Ti Allroad Disc
- Guru Praemio R Disc

kgcx
Posts: 66
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:16 pm

by kgcx

As someone who bought a 52 instead of a 54, I regretted it. I am slightly taller at 172 cm, it felt great as a fast gravel/road bike but I always had tire overlap problems during cx races or riding single track. May just want to double check if that will be an issue for you if you plan on racing this bike in cx or single track events.

gorkypl
Posts: 529
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2018 9:31 am
Location: Poland

by gorkypl

Crotch touching top tube would make the larger size a no-go for me.
Also, I tend to size bikes based on seattube length. With inseam of 88-89 cm I ride bikes with seattube between 53 and 58cm. It would translate to something between 42 and 47cm for your inseam - 52 looks like a better fit from this perspective as well, as you'd have barely any seatpost showing in a 54.

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ps786
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat May 20, 2023 9:03 pm

by ps786

kgcx wrote:
Tue May 23, 2023 1:45 pm
As someone who bought a 52 instead of a 54, I regretted it. I am slightly taller at 172 cm, it felt great as a fast gravel/road bike but I always had tire overlap problems during cx races or riding single track. May just want to double check if that will be an issue for you if you plan on racing this bike in cx or single track events.
May I ask what is your shoe size and crankset arm length? I had this concern but was told size 40 with cleat should be fine. The worse case scenario I need to go with a shorter crankset arm.

kgcx
Posts: 66
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:16 pm

by kgcx

170mm cranks with size 42.5 shoes, I do run my cleats as far back as possible so it may be a non issue for you.

by Weenie


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