Bike Size

[RLB2444]

I am looking at the Specialized Como 4.0 or maybe 5.0. I am a senior male, 190 pounds and 5'10" tall. The test model I rode was a 3.0 Small. It felt comfortable but I am concerned that after I buy it and use it awhile I might feel cramped. All of the size charts indicate at my height I should be in a Medium or Large.

I would appreciate any comments and recommendations. I do plan going back to the shop and try a Medium and a Large. I don't think they had either on the floor.

Thanks for you input.

 

[Douglas Ruby]

It may have fit if the seat post was very high. There is tremendous flexibility in seat to pedal distance to accommodate legs of different lengths, but essentially very little seat to handlebar adjustment to accommodate different arm and torso lengths. You should get help with sizing at your LBS paying particular attention to what we used to call "top tube length". Unless you have short arms and torso, I would suggest at least a medium. I am 5' 11 1/2" with average length legs and torso. I normally ride a 24" road bike and have a large 1st generation Turbo.

 

[Ron49]

I am looking at the Specialized Como 4.0 or maybe 5.0. I am a senior male, 190 pounds and 5'10" tall. The test model I rode was a 3.0 Small. It felt comfortable but I am concerned that after I buy it and use it awhile I might feel cramped. All of the size charts indicate at my height I should be in a Medium or Large.

I would appreciate any comments and recommendations. I do plan going back to the shop and try a Medium and a Large. I don't think they had either on the floor.

Thanks for you input.

I’m a “senior” also and am almost exactly your size, same height and 5-lb heavier. My test ride was on a ‘19 model Como 2.0 in the “M/L” size and I thought it was perfect. Have a 2020 Como 3.0 on order in that size so final verdict not in yet.

 

[RLB2444]

It may have fit if the seat post was very high. There is tremendous flexibility in seat to pedal distance to accommodate legs of different lengths, but essentially very little seat to handlebar adjustment to accommodate different arm and torso lengths. You should get help with sizing at your LBS paying particular attention to what we used to call "top tube length". Unless you have short arms and torso, I would suggest at least a medium. I am 5' 11 1/2" with average length legs and torso. I normally ride a 24" road bike and have a large 1st generation Turbo.

Thank you! Unfortunately I'm built like an ape!. Long upper torso and short legs(29" inseam). I do have long arms. My intuition was telling me the entire time I tested the SMALL was not right. There appears to be a bit of crossover in the sizes for the MEDIUM and the Large. I think I need to try both. Thanks again for your experience.

 

[Ron49]

Thank you! Unfortunately I'm built like an ape!. Long upper torso and short legs(29" inseam). I do have long arms. My intuition was telling me the entire time I tested the SMALL was not right. There appears to be a bit of crossover in the sizes for the MEDIUM and the Large. I think I need to try both. Thanks again for your experience.

Only three frame sizes: S, M/L, and XL, no separate M and L. (Btw, I wear 29-inseam jeans)

 

[RLB2444]

I’m a “senior” also and am almost exactly your size, same height and 5-lb heavier. My test ride was on a ‘19 model Como 2.0 in the “M/L” size and I thought it was perfect. Have a 2020 Como 3.0 on order in that size so final verdict not in yet.

I just visited the Specialized Web site and discovered that the Como 3.0 and 4.0 Low entry models are available in two sizes...Small and Large. I am pretty sure I saw a large one in the store and will have to check it out. I confirmed with the dealer that the step through model is not available in medium size.

 

[Ron49]

I just visited the Specialized Web site and discovered that the Como 3.0 and 4.0 Low entry models are available in two sizes...Small and Large. I am pretty sure I saw a large one in the store and will have to check it out. I confirmed with the dealer that the step through model is not available in medium size.

Sorry - missed that you were looking at the low-entry frame type. That’s what I get for assuming...

 

[SAustin]

Thank you! Unfortunately I'm built like an ape!. Long upper torso and short legs(29" inseam). I do have long arms. My intuition was telling me the entire time I tested the SMALL was not right. There appears to be a bit of crossover in the sizes for the MEDIUM and the Large. I think I need to try both. Thanks again for your experience.

I am built just like you 30-31 Inseam, long torso and arms but im 6'. We ended up buying two bikes the Como 5.0 Step-through in L and a Step-over in M/L. (Wife gets the step-through) I tried and even rented both a M/L and X-large step-over before making a decision. The X-large step-over caused some issue when stopped. I could stand ok on the pavement with minor discomfort in my man parts. I had to stay back against the seat as far as possible trying to stand on the lowest part of the top tube, but it was manageable, and the bike was comfortable to ride once I lurched up on it and got moving. The issue was in grass or gravel or uneven surfaces this started to pose a problem with the top tube. You don't really get to experience that sitting in a bike shop or running around their nice even surfaced parking lot. The M/L frame in the step-over is perfect for me. The reach is great and provides a good upright position, leg extension is perfect. If you are looking at step-through frame stick with the large . Keep reach in mind also when looking at a small in either frame type. The Como 4 & 5 are identical in size on both frame types. On the Como 4 & 5 step-over it is S 13.27", M/L 14.29" and XL 14.65". The step through gets much more compact and its reach is S 12.95" and L 14.06".


Hope that helps. As I said I have both frame types in my garage and I do ride them both since I ride a lot more than my wife. A quick seat Adjustment and I am off on the step through and both bikes are very comfortable. So if you have any other questions let me know.

 

[RLB2444]

Big help.....particularly the step over heights. I have an appointment tomorrow to ride the Large. I think I am going to go with the Como 4.0. Thank you!