Bike Fit Where LBS Doesn't Have My Size In Stock

[NEIL FROM BROOKLINE]

Hi everyone,
I am interested in buying a Cannondale T1 or T2 touring bike (size large). Unfortunately, none of the local bike shops have any size large T1s or T2s in stock. The bikes are only available as special orders. Naturally, I would prefer to try out the bike before buying it. However, I do not want to special order a bike & be responsible for the cost if for any reason the bike does not fit when it arrives. I am wondering if Cannondale makes a bike with a very similar frame that is more widely stocked that I could try out in place of the T1 or T2 so that I would have a reliable sense of what the fit is likely to be. Please let me know 1) if this plan is the best way for me to ensure I buy a bike that fits* & 2) if you can recommend any models that might be good “stand ins” for the T1 or T2.** Thanks!

Neil from Brookline, MA
*I had a professional fitting performed & retain the measurements of the fitter. I am 5'10". The fitter recommends I use a top tube with a length of 55.
**The T1/T2 top tubes are 22/55.9 in length.

[John Nelson]

All the shops around here will special order a bike for you with no commitment to buy. Did you ask them if a special order comes with a commitment to buy? I sometimes special order a bike just for the purposes of test riding it.

[DwarvenChef]

I would try that with one of the big chain stores, small local shops may not have the clout to turn it back in or move it should it not be right for you. Big stores can ship it off to another shop if needed.

[Pat Lamb]

I did not get a Trek 520 for a similar reason, a few years back.  <rant on>Why, oh why, don't bike shops stock touring bikes?? <rant off>

I don't honestly know what's closest to a T1/2 in Cannondale's lineup.  I'd suggest, though, that you might want to negotiate a bit with the shop.  I sort of wish I had taken my LBS's best offer, which was that they'd order it with the understanding I would buy it unless they couldn't get it to fit.  If you can get that sort of deal, then the onus is on them to make it fit.  Really, there's only a few things they can do to correct a fit.  (1) Raise or lower the seat.  (2) Slide the seat forward or back.  (3) Change saddle tilt.  (4) Change out the stem.  Make dead certain you have a deal with the shop to swap the stem, if that's needed, before you order the bike.

Note that the feel of the bike is going to change when you load it up, so to some degree, you have to pick something you think will be good and adapt to it.

Also, some REIs have carried Cannondale tourers on and off.  If there's a few in your neck of the woods, you might want to call around and test ride them if they have them.

[NEIL FROM BROOKLINE]

I would try that with one of the big chain stores, small local shops may not have the clout to turn it back in or move it should it not be right for you. Big stores can ship it off to another shop if needed.

Hi DwarvenChef,
Thanks for your email. Certain local REIs are permitted by Cannondale to sell their bikes. However, the nearest one stocking Cannondales tells me they cannot order T1s. Are there other chain stores in New England that you know of that might sell Cannondales?
Best,
Neil

[NEIL FROM BROOKLINE]

I did not get a Trek 520 for a similar reason, a few years back.  <rant on>Why, oh why, don't bike shops stock touring bikes?? <rant off>

I don't honestly know what's closest to a T1/2 in Cannondale's lineup.  I'd suggest, though, that you might want to negotiate a bit with the shop.  I sort of wish I had taken my LBS's best offer, which was that they'd order it with the understanding I would buy it unless they couldn't get it to fit.  If you can get that sort of deal, then the onus is on them to make it fit.  Really, there's only a few things they can do to correct a fit.  (1) Raise or lower the seat.  (2) Slide the seat forward or back.  (3) Change saddle tilt.  (4) Change out the stem.  Make dead certain you have a deal with the shop to swap the stem, if that's needed, before you order the bike.

Note that the feel of the bike is going to change when you load it up, so to some degree, you have to pick something you think will be good and adapt to it.

Also, some REIs have carried Cannondale tourers on and off.  If there's a few in your neck of the woods, you might want to call around and test ride them if they have them.

Hi pdlamb,
Thanks for your idea on how to bargain with the LBS. They want me to buy the bike & adjust thereafter so your recommendations give me some options.

In regard to REI, I would rather buy from them in any event. However, I called the nearest REI authorized to sell Cannondales & they told me they were unable to order it.
Best,
Neil

[DaveB]

<rant on>Why, oh why, don't bike shops stock touring bikes?? <rant off>

Easy answer.  Touring bike don't sell in sufficient quantity to make them worth stocking for most shops.  There are a few shops that do specialize in touring bikes and accessories but you have to live near one of them or be willing to travel a lot.   AC's classified ads page does list a number of them.

[ducnut]

I'd do a dealer search on Cannondale's site. Then, start calling shops. There's no reason to be loyal to your LBS, as they aren't willing to earn your business. If a shop is worthwhile, they'll order it without coercing you into buying it.

BTW, I bought my last bike from a shop that's 4-1/2hrs away. The "local" shops that carry the brand are worthless, so no reason to patronize them.

[NEIL FROM BROOKLINE]

I'd do a dealer search on Cannondale's site. Then, start calling shops. There's no reason to be loyal to your LBS, as they aren't willing to earn your business. If a shop is worthwhile, they'll order it without coercing you into buying it.

BTW, I bought my last bike from a shop that's 4-1/2hrs away. The "local" shops that carry the brand are worthless, so no reason to patronize them.

Hi,
I like your recommendation. The local LBS isn't offering any extras with the purchase of the bike other than the obligatory post-purchase tune-up. None of the close Cannondale sellers are willing to do a special order so I may want to make a drive.
Thanks for the recommendation,
Neil

[RussSeaton]

Neil from Brookline, MA
*I had a professional fitting performed & retain the measurements of the fitter. I am 5'10". The fitter recommends I use a top tube with a length of 55.
**The T1/T2 top tubes are 22/55.9 in length.

I had to go to the 2009 Cannondale archive to find the specs for the Touring bikes.  Do they make 2010 Touring bikes?  The top tube is 55.9cm horizontal.  This is the same size as the current CAAD8 and CAAD10 56cm size frames.  So ride one of them in 56cm and you will have about the same size bike as the Touring size Large.  Seat tube angle is 73.5 on the CAAD and 73 on the Touring.  Close enough.  Head angle is different but that just affects steering, not reach.

Personally I think the size Large or 56cm CAAD with a 56cm top tube is the right size for you.  The fitter's recommendation of 55cm top tube is short for a 5'10" man.  If you are normal proportions of trunk, arms, legs, the 56cm top tube is the right size for you.  I am 5'11" and use 57 or 57.5cm top tubes and 12cm stems.  Lance Armstrong is 5'10" and used a 58cm Trek with a 57cm top tube and 11cm stem.  Granted you are not Lance, but a good fit is fairly uniform.  You should be able to ride another 5'10" person's frame in comfort.  With a few minor changes such as 1-2cm different stem, 1-2cm more or less stem spacers, 1-2cm saddle forward or back on the rails, saddle up or down 1-2cm.  All minor changes easily made that don't affect the handling of the bike.  All assuming you have normal body proportions for a 5'10" person.  If you have a 36" inseam or 24" inseam, and 5'10", then things are different.

[NEIL FROM BROOKLINE]

Neil from Brookline, MA
*I had a professional fitting performed & retain the measurements of the fitter. I am 5'10". The fitter recommends I use a top tube with a length of 55.
**The T1/T2 top tubes are 22/55.9 in length.

I had to go to the 2009 Cannondale archive to find the specs for the Touring bikes.  Do they make 2010 Touring bikes?  The top tube is 55.9cm horizontal.  This is the same size as the current CAAD8 and CAAD10 56cm size frames.  So ride one of them in 56cm and you will have about the same size bike as the Touring size Large.  Seat tube angle is 73.5 on the CAAD and 73 on the Touring.  Close enough.  Head angle is different but that just affects steering, not reach.

Personally I think the size Large or 56cm CAAD with a 56cm top tube is the right size for you.  The fitter's recommendation of 55cm top tube is short for a 5'10" man.  If you are normal proportions of trunk, arms, legs, the 56cm top tube is the right size for you.  I am 5'11" and use 57 or 57.5cm top tubes and 12cm stems.  Lance Armstrong is 5'10" and used a 58cm Trek with a 57cm top tube and 11cm stem.  Granted you are not Lance, but a good fit is fairly uniform.  You should be able to ride another 5'10" person's frame in comfort.  With a few minor changes such as 1-2cm different stem, 1-2cm more or less stem spacers, 1-2cm saddle forward or back on the rails, saddle up or down 1-2cm.  All minor changes easily made that don't affect the handling of the bike.  All assuming you have normal body proportions for a 5'10" person.  If you have a 36" inseam or 24" inseam, and 5'10", then things are different.

Hi Russ,
Thanks for the feedback. Your advice about comparable frames is very helpful. My legs are a bit short & my arms are a bit long.
Best,
Neil

[RussSeaton]

Neil from Brookline, MA
*I had a professional fitting performed & retain the measurements of the fitter. I am 5'10". The fitter recommends I use a top tube with a length of 55.
**The T1/T2 top tubes are 22/55.9 in length.

I had to go to the 2009 Cannondale archive to find the specs for the Touring bikes.  Do they make 2010 Touring bikes?  The top tube is 55.9cm horizontal.  This is the same size as the current CAAD8 and CAAD10 56cm size frames.  So ride one of them in 56cm and you will have about the same size bike as the Touring size Large.  Seat tube angle is 73.5 on the CAAD and 73 on the Touring.  Close enough.  Head angle is different but that just affects steering, not reach.

Personally I think the size Large or 56cm CAAD with a 56cm top tube is the right size for you.  The fitter's recommendation of 55cm top tube is short for a 5'10" man.  If you are normal proportions of trunk, arms, legs, the 56cm top tube is the right size for you.  I am 5'11" and use 57 or 57.5cm top tubes and 12cm stems.  Lance Armstrong is 5'10" and used a 58cm Trek with a 57cm top tube and 11cm stem.  Granted you are not Lance, but a good fit is fairly uniform.  You should be able to ride another 5'10" person's frame in comfort.  With a few minor changes such as 1-2cm different stem, 1-2cm more or less stem spacers, 1-2cm saddle forward or back on the rails, saddle up or down 1-2cm.  All minor changes easily made that don't affect the handling of the bike.  All assuming you have normal body proportions for a 5'10" person.  If you have a 36" inseam or 24" inseam, and 5'10", then things are different.

Hi Russ,
Thanks for the feedback. Your advice about comparable frames is very helpful. My legs are a bit short & my arms are a bit long.
Best,
Neil

If you have short legs and are 5'10", then you probably have a longer torso.  If so then the 56cm top tube length of the size Large touring bike or CAAD 56 frame seems better for you than the fitter recommended 55cm top tube length.  You need a longer top tube if your torso is longer.

[ducnut]

If you have short legs and are 5'10", then you probably have a longer torso.  If so then the 56cm top tube length of the size Large touring bike or CAAD 56 frame seems better for you than the fitter recommended 55cm top tube length.  You need a longer top tube if your torso is longer.

Speculating here, but, I would agree.

I'm long-leg/short-torso and ride a 54cm.

Edit: Forgot to state that I'm 5'10".

[NEIL FROM BROOKLINE]

Thanks Ducnut!

[knolltop]

I'd do a dealer search on Cannondale's site. Then, start calling shops. There's no reason to be loyal to your LBS, as they aren't willing to earn your business. If a shop is worthwhile, they'll order it without coercing you into buying it.

BTW, I bought my last bike from a shop that's 4-1/2hrs away. The "local" shops that carry the brand are worthless, so no reason to patronize them.

+1