colnago master x light sizing

[Herder]

I've always wanted this frame and LBS has a few frames on sale, wondering if one will fit me okay. Its hard where I am to actually be able to try one.

Im 6 feet tall. My bottom bracket to seat height is 29.5 putting my inseam at around 33.4 inches.

I have read online that with the master you should get the same size you usually ride and just get a longer stem, as the top tube is a little shorter on the sizing scale. Why is a longer stem recommended? I see a lot of people saying get a longer stem with the bike in the searches I've done.

I usually ride a 56 and everything looks like I can get on the 56 with longer stem, however the head tube seems so much shorter then I am used to. How much does the headset add to the headtube length?

The best comparison I can use is probably a caad12 size 56.

Im thinking a 57 or 58 would fit me better? I can grab a 56 or 59 locally. I wouldn't want to waste money with the wrong size. Just wanted to hear some others opinions.

Thanks

[C40_guy]

Remember, the Colnago sizing is center-to-top. Use the center-to-center measurement to compare to other frames. Select the seat tube sizing that fits you best, then adjust your reach with the stem.

You *may* end up with a slightly longer stem than you're accustomed to, probably by 5 or 10mm.

But the best way to size *any* bike is to ride a representative sampling and choose the one that disappears under you.

[DCilliams]

I'm 6'0, 32 inseam. I ride a 56 CAAD10 and I've owned a 55 Master x light before and it was too small. I'd recommend a 57 or 58. Probably not 59. I wouldn't waste money. Lots of used ones keep popping up.

[wallymann]

as long as you're generally within the human-proportion bell-curve, get the colnago with the correct STA and TT combo that line up with what works for you.

"size" is a secondary consideration when it comes to fit! again, as long as you're generally a "normally" proportioned person.

[paredown]

I'm a little shorter--but used to be 6'--and like a more traditional fit--that's the disclaimer.

The slightly older geo had the Colnago "59" a little closer to a 57 square measured C-T-C--I believe the TT measurement was 56.8cm so that was my rule of thumb, with its analogue being the 54s in the sloping frames. This would be paired with a 120 stem, and the best fit I have had was on that size CT1.

From what you've posted it looks like the "58" is closer to that now, so that's probably where I would start. ( i might still go 59, because it gives you a 160 HT measurement.)

I honestly think that the chatter about longer stems with Colnagos is mostly internet blather--IMO they don't fit much different than any other Italian bike, once you assimilate the notion that their sizing is C-T-T (and measured to the bottom of the seat collar) as C40 has said.

[mass_biker]

I have both. 5'11" here.

The 58 (Colnago Sized) master X light I've owned - well, forever - fits me like a 56 "square" (even thought the effective TT is something like 56.3)...within spitting distance of my 56 CAAD (which is truly a 56 TT).

m_b

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by paredown

I honestly think that the chatter about longer stems with Colnagos is mostly internet blather--IMO they don't fit much different than any other Italian bike, once you assimilate the notion that their sizing is C-T-T (and measured to the bottom of the seat collar) as C40 has said.

The story was, in the Good Old Days (TM), that a shorter top tube and longer stem would put the rider lower and more out front on the bike. Maybe, but most of us use good bike fitting to accomplish our ideal positioning.

The slightly shorter top tubes work well for my specific fitting needs. I also use a relatively short stem, and am comfortable on a variety of Colnagos - C40, C50, Dream...still building up both a Master Olympic and Prestige. I expect the former to fit like a glove (same measurements as my Spiral Conic SLX), we'll see about the latter.

Note - the steel bikes fit just slightly differently than the aluminum and Ti bikes. I have not been able to find a Ti Colnago that fits me...

[John H.]

Need more info-

What is your saddle height, saddle setback, reach from tip of saddle to center of bars, and how much lower are your bars than the saddle?

[colker]

Colnago fit is different. Err on the smalish side. Their front center seems to be longer. They measure c-t for a reason. I suggest get the size you ride on other bikes and adjust your fit w/ the stem and spacers.

[Herder]

Originally Posted by C40_guy

Remember, the Colnago sizing is center-to-top. Use the center-to-center measurement to compare to other frames. Select the seat tube sizing that fits you best, then adjust your reach with the stem.

You *may* end up with a slightly longer stem than you're accustomed to, probably by 5 or 10mm.

But the best way to size *any* bike is to ride a representative sampling and choose the one that disappears under you.

So how would this be different from what Cannondale uses. I am trying to compare it to online charts and use the effective top tube length.

Originally Posted by DCilliams

I'm 6'0, 32 inseam. I ride a 56 CAAD10 and I've owned a 55 Master x light before and it was too small. I'd recommend a 57 or 58. Probably not 59. I wouldn't waste money. Lots of used ones keep popping up.

How small was it? Was it really to low or really short or both?

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by Herder

So how would this be different from what Cannondale uses. I am trying to compare it to online charts and use the effective top tube length.

IDK. Last time I bought a Cannondale, it was for my son, and he was 14. He's 30 now...and riding my Colnago Crystal, with a horizontal top tube.

If you're going to drop $3K on a new Master, please, go ride one to figure out what size you need. The best bike in the world, if it doesn't fit you properly, will frustrate you forever.

Or...find some people in your area, if possible, with steel Colnagos in your size, and ride them.

Just don't try to figure out the size you need via spreadsheet. You might get it right, or you might not.

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by DCilliams

I wouldn't waste money. Lots of used ones keep popping up.

Used Masters run in the range of $1000, plus/minus depending on specific model, age, finish. That's what I spent for my very clean Master Olympic (frame, original fork, headset) a couple of years ago.

Sounds like the OP might want a new one, versus a 25-30 year old frame. Fully understandable!

But even with a used one, he'll have to figure out what size he needs!

[DCilliams]

Originally Posted by Herder

So how would this be different from what Cannondale uses. I am trying to compare it to online charts and use the effective top tube length.




How small was it? Was it really to low or really short or both?

It was a Colnago 55. So I could make the top tube work with stem, but the seat tube was really too low. I needed more like a 57-58 c-t.

[wallymann]

Originally Posted by c40_guy

but even with a used one, he'll have to figure out what size he needs!

top tube length!!!

[sailorboy]

Originally Posted by DCilliams

It was a Colnago 55. So I could make the top tube work with stem, but the seat tube was really too low. I needed more like a 57-58 c-t.

I think I ended up being the lucky beneficiary of DC's 'Nago sizing error.

Thx again pal, it really is a special ride of a lifetime.