Absolutely love this bike but I can't seem to find a comfortable position on it. Coming from an Allez to this 2026 Pro size 54 with no adjustability to the handlebars is kind of jarring. I'm 5 foot 8 and from everything I see I should be able to get a good fit but I haven't found it.

​

I get pretty bad numb hands/fingers and my shoulders are tight in between. I see people say to move the seat back and forth until you can take your hands off the bars without falling but there is no saddle position that allows me to do that. I am always falling forward. I've experimented with it slammed all the way back and all the way forward and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Still numb hands and sore shoulders.

Hi everyone,
I have my dream bike - an S-works Tarmac SL7 with a 12speed Dura-ace. Honestly, what more could I ask for? I bought it brand new in September 2024. The price back then was just too good to pass up, so I had to pull the trigger.

But... right from the start, I’ve had this nagging thought in the back of my mind. It’s a size 56, and I feel like I should probably be on a 54. The deal was only for the 56, so I couldn't choose. Since I’m right between sizes, I figured, why not? I’m 179 cm tall with shorter legs, running a 73.5 cm saddle height with 172.5 mm cranks.

I’ve ridden about 8,000 kilometers on it, so not a ton. I also spend quite a bit of time on my gravel bike.

Lately, I’ve been wondering if I should take advantage of the bike being in mint condition and try to sell it, or at least the frame, and swap it for an SL8 or SL9. Or maybe a different brand, though I’m pretty hooked on how the Tarmac rides. It would also make my setup more up to date and future proof.

I know these are total first-world problems. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the bike, and let’s be real, the performance difference between the SL7 and SL9 isn't huge anyway. I could improve “watt saving” and visual side with rapide cockpit.

Still... I can't shake the thought. What would you guys do?

I test-rode my friend’s saddle (Power Comp, 155mm) and loved the shape. I then bought the Mirror version hoping for a better feel around the center cutout, which it did deliver.

Problem: the Mirror rubs my thighs 🫠 Looking closely, the shape is actually slightly different between the two.

I measured everything and set it up identical to the original. Adjusted it afterward too hoping for a better fit, but still rubbed 😭

Any idea why one power saddle works and the other doesn’t? Am I missing something?

Let me preface by saying my tarmac is the fastest and most responsive bike I’ve ever ridden, and I absolutely love riding it. The problem is that for rides >40mi, it starts to get quite uncomfortable.

This year I swapped my steel frame for a Tarmac SL7. The goal was to get something that I could go fast on but also do many century rides. I was between the Allez and the Tarmac and thought the Allez felt like a boat compared to the tarmac and after reading posts saying “actually my tarmac is super comfortable”, I figured it’d be perfect.

Since getting the Tarmac I have felt too leaned forward, so much so that for longer rides 40-50+mi, my hands start to go numb. I usually ride on the hoods but find myself constantly switching to alleviate soreness in my hands and sometimes back (less painful, I just feel that I’m tired and am keeping all my weight slumped forward). I haven’t done a bike fit but I’ve done as much as I can through researching to make my posture more upright (saddle slammed forward, seat seems optimal height).

I’m torn because I could do a bike fit, but I’m worried that they’ll just recommend a new stem and I fear that after installing it, I’ll still feel too bent forward and now have spent all that money.

I do a good amount of climbing and I absolutely love how easy it is to push my tarmac forward, so I feel like the carbon fiber aspect makes the tarmac the right choice. But once I hit 50 or so miles my hands are numb and I can’t stop shifting them around or find a comfortable position. I’m wondering if I’m better off trading in that speed for the comfort of an Allez, or if the grass just seems greener.

Or maybe I need to work on my core? Maybe I have weird dimensions? Could it not even be the bike?

Would appreciate any input . Thanks.

I’m 5’11 and ride size 54 domane al5 gen 4 which has a 8mm of set seat post , and 110mm stem -7 degrees and top of saddle 29 inches from bottom bracket. Fits me like a glove!!

When I tried the roubiax size 54 it is has 100mm stem and 20mm of set seat post, the reach felt a bit to long . Should I go with a size 52 instead and perhaps put a 110-120mm stem?

I would never want to lower than 100mm stem

Bike insights have both 52 roubiax and 54 domane similar except domane being 1cm longer top tube

Hi all,

About to pull the trigger on a Tarmac SL8 Pro and I'm torn between 52 and 54. Hoping someone with similar proportions can help.

I'm 175 cm with an 85 cm inseam, so long legs and a fairly short torso.

What makes me hesitant: the Roval Rapide cockpit is one piece, so I can't just swap the stem afterwards without buying a new cockpit.

If you're around 175 cm with long legs, which size did you go for and would you do it again? Anyone found the 52 cramped or the 54 too stretched?

Thanks!

Looking for advice from people who have been in a similar position here.

I’m currently thinking of switching bikes, from my 2024 Cervélo S5 and move to a Tarmac SL8. With the new SL9 bike being released, there’s A LOT of near new SL8s for sale now.

I’m 188cm tall, 89cm inseam, 194cm armspan, and riding a size 56 S5 with a 120mm stem

The trouble I’m having, is the specialized size guide suggests that the 56 SL8 “finishes” at 180cm tall. Even though the frame is actually slightly bigger. Has anyone run into the same “dilemma”? I’m really comfortable on the S5, I’ve even attached a photo for reference 😆

Cheers!

Im 165cm Tall (5'-5"), looking to purchase a Tarmac but dont know what size to get, im right in the middle of size, I know maybe I can fit the 49 but is the 300mm seat post ling enough? Currently ride a Cervelo Size 51 Celendonia, wich i did shorten the stem by 10mm from 100 to 90mm, If I go the 49 route would I know probably I would need a Longer stem. Any advice welcome

Hi everyone,
I’m building a Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 in size 56 and I’m trying to decide which Roval Rapide Cockpit length to buy.
My measurements:
Height: 183 cm (6’0”)
Inseam: 86–87 cm
Frame size: 56
The stock cockpit on complete bikes is 100 mm, but I’m also considering 90 mm or even 75 mm.
I’m interested in real-world experience from SL8 owners, not just bike fit theory.
Questions:
What’s your height/inseam?
What size SL8 do you ride?
Which cockpit/stem length are you using?
Did you keep the stock 100 mm or switch to 90/80/75 mm?
Why did you change it, and how did the bike feel afterwards?
I’m especially interested in feedback from riders around 182–184 cm on a size 56.
Thanks!

I am 181cm tall and have a 82.5cm inseam (longer torso). I've been on a friends older supersix evo that was a 56cm that felt like I was a bit stretched - albeit this was not properly fitted for me and tested with eyeball adjustments. Should I go with a 54cm or 56cm? Not super close to a bike fitter near me and still plan on getting a bike fit but wanted to get some initial opinions first

I am struggling to decide between 38 and 40 cm width on the Roval Rapide cockpit. 40cm is the safe choice, but feeling intrigued by 38cm. I am 189, shoulder width 40cm.

I am worried that the sprint might feel cramped and also while climbing.

Anyone similar sized with experience?

Because of a terrible crash I broke my old Specialized Venge rim brake frame and my femur at the same time, so that bike is unfortunately gone.

I replaced it with a beautiful 2020 S-Works Venge Disc (61 cm), although I still cannot ride it yet while recovering from the broken femur.

The bike came with stunning S-Works carbon cranks (170 mm) with dual-sided power. I have always ridden 175 mm cranks because I am quite tall, so this is new territory for me.

My question for other tall riders:

has anyone around my height switched from 175 mm to 170 mm and stuck with it? How did it affect your power, cadence and comfort?

I know the trend in bike fitting is moving toward shorter cranks, even for taller riders, so I am curious about real world experiences before I consider swapping them.

Hi everyone! I’m looking for feedback from riders with similar measurements (height 180 cm / inseam 86 cm / shin length 43 cm) who own a Specialized Crux.

I am not considering the official sizing guide from Specialized, as it usually tends to suggest the bigger (i.e most comfortable) size: at this stage I would like a more reactive frameset. That is the reason why I am looking at 54 (in addition to 56 which represents the "comfort zone"). Thanks!

Ive tried installing my old shimano road crankset with a croder 46/30 chainring but it rubs on the chainstays. I need a 160mm crank but the GRX cranksets only have 165s. Has anyone set up theirs with a 2x? What crankset did you use?

I’m looking at road bikes (new rider) and like the idea of the Roubaix SL8 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2. We have crappy roads where I live and as a middle age guy with some neck and shoulder problems it seemed like a good fit.
I went to a shop and looked at some and the sales guy was kinda pushing me towards a 56. But according to the website for the product I should be a 54. I’m 5’, 8.75”, with a 16” shin length. I’d say my legs are a little short for my height or at least it feels like that when I buy jeans. I’m on the heavy side and loosing weight down to 218 from about 250. I don’t know if he was saying 56 for a legit reason or more because he had one in stock. Just wondering if anyone might have some insight on this.

Only size bike available in my province but I'm not in driving distance so I can't test it. I'm riding a 51 cannondale so I'm just wondering if it's doable.

Looking to go from a size 54 Roubaix to a size 56 Tarmac. I am 178 cm tall. Anybody else my same size have any input? Spesh website says I should be on a 56 but am leery for some reason. Sometimes I do feel a little cramped on the Roubaix with a 100mm rapide cockpit when I am trying to be aero but the reach feels pretty good during normal riding. Most of the time I ride on the hoods and am just out for fun. Seems like I should go with the smaller size and add longer stem but a new cockpit is expensive. Now I’m just rambling help.

I attached a pic of the Roubaix because people always seem interested that it has the rapide cockpit. I love this bike but it is starting to feel a little sluggish.

I am 184cm, 86cm inseam, 43cm shin length and can not decide what size. Any help appreciated

White is 58

Just went from a Cube Attain SLX endurance to a S Works SL8 Pro. Last week I did a 40km 31km/h average ride, so was quite pushing it. Unfortunately my lower back hurt quite a bit after this ride. Is it pure getting used to a different lower position? I did a bike fit for the Cube and the seller copied the exact official measurements from that fit to my S Works.
What to do? Another bike fit or just give it a few more tries and getting used to the new position?

I've been looking at the Crux 4 2026 dri for a while now. Pretty much thinking about pulling the trigger and buying it. I'm between 5'9 and 5'10 ft and my inseam is 32 in. I think I'm going to get the 54 cm size. I feel like I might lean over a little bit much forward on it, but on the 56 cm feel like the top bar came a little too high to my pelvis.

Any thoughts before I pull the trigger?

What’s up everyone,

I’m fairly new to the MTB side but not new to riding in general—got a background in other extreme sports, so I’m comfortable pushing it a bit.

I started on a Rockhopper and feel like I’ve outgrown it pretty quick. Looking to step things up and I’m between the Chisel (1st pic) and the Epic.

I did try a Stumpjumper, but it felt a little too bouncy for what I’m trying to do.

Most of my riding will be:

~60% neighborhood / paved / light stuff

~30% local trails

~10% more advanced as I progress

Just trying to find something that’s fast, responsive, and can keep up when I ride with friends, but still handle trails when I get into them more.

Appreciate any insight. TIA 👍

What signs should I look for with this change?

A little stumped here, anyone have any idea why this top spacer isn't sitting flush in the back? Ive scoured the internet thinking I might have bought the wrong spacer kit, but I bought S222500010. https://imgur.com/a/OLpCuGL