Bianchi Blues - Sizing, Closeouts, et cetera

I’ve decided to try and pick up a Bianchi Impulso recently, and found one on closeout in a bike shop about an hours’ drive away. The problem is, I really like the paint scheme, and haven’t been too keen about the colors of newer 2014 models. I say “problem,” because I realize that this isn’t a good purchasing strategy; to become fixated on a particular bike, versus staying open to alternatives.

The 59cm bike is a 2013 closeout (marked down $300), and I test rode it last weekend…even thought the compact gearing was a bit different for me, it felt pretty good overall. I’m exactly 72.5” tall, and have been trying to decide if this is the right size. According to literature I’ve found online (Evans Cycles in the UK), a 59cm is good for those cyclists 72 to 75 inches tall. My inseam is 32”, and I’m a fairly flexible 46 year old, at 180 lbs.

The store claims they don’t “take measurements” to fit riders, instead using an “old-school” try-it-and-see method. The crankset on the bike is a 172.5mm, and (upon the advice of a certified fitter that I know) I asked about getting a 175mm, which would mean an additional $25 to get them on the bike. I’d imagine they should have been on a bike this size to begin with, but no big deal. They said they’d order a set, so they are enroute to the store now.

The store asked for a $200 downpayment, and then told me that the return window is only 48 hours. I had been planning to take the bike to the same certified fitter that I trust (since they don’t “do measurements” at this particular bike store), and am now beginning to think this may be a deal that I just walk away from completely. I’m concerned about the size being right and want to have the flexibility to return the bike if it isn’t. 48 hours seems rather tight for a shop that won't even offer a proper fitting for a road bike.

Instead of giving a downpayment, I told the guy to just give me a call when the 175mm cranks came in, and we’d talk about it then.
Thoughts and advice are most welcome.

 

Bianchis run a little short in the top tube for the nominal size, so as long as you can comfortably straddle a 59 with 32" legs, I'd go with it. Your long torso will appreciate the extra top tube over the 57.

Don't fret about the crank length. Your legs aren't especially long and many riders are rediscovering their snap, the ability to quickly increase cadence, by retreating from the long-crank trend of the last 20 years or so. By traditional fit guidelines, 172.5 is spot on for your leg length.

For a data point, I'm a lanky (35" inseam, long arms) whisker under 72" and a 59 Sempre, a little longer and lower, fits me perfectly right out of the box with a 12 cm stem.

 

Thanks, Oldbobcat for some much needed advice that I needed to hear.

Incidentally, I'm sure your Sempre is a sweet ride...I'm a bit envious.

 

Somewhat regrettably, I didn't get the Sempre. Our Bianchi rep went AWOL so I ended up on a Madone. The Sempre would have been more comfortable, though, and a lot more manageable on bad roads, which I tend to go looking for. Good luck on landing your Impulso.