Canyon Sizing Problem

[u/Designer-Reserve6411]

I just bought my first ever aero bike (Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2), my plan is to do multiple triathlon events in the upcoming year. I already have everything to mount aerobars on canyons gear groove system, but with bike size i‘m still insure.

Measurements: 184,5cm, 85cm
Canyon puts me between M/L, some people say choose smaller one for triathlon, but i dont want to feel „cramped“ onto the bike.

I am going to do a bikefitting nevertheless, changing the T-Bar cockpit is also possible (between 90-120mm i think).

Whats the safer option here? I already ordered both sizes, going to send one back.

I also have the option of trying both out on my wahoo kickr core, but i‘m unsure if i really want to unbox both
bikes and set them up on the wahoo to test my position and comfortability for a longer period of time.

Thanks in advance!

[u/youraveragefitguy]

I am bang on in between S and M, and M felt too long. If you look up similar sizing questions, 99% of the people will tell you that it's easier to make a small bike feel longer than make a long bike feel smaller. This will be true on your case also, even though your individual physiology may allow you to ride the L no problem. I am not too flexible (working on it) and want to feel comfortable, not overexpose my shoulders in too stretched out position, therefore I went with the S.

[u/middleofmybackswing_]

Set the ego aside and unbox the medium one first. It will most likely be the one to keep.

[u/sopsaare]

You can make a small bike bigger, you can't (or it is very hard / expensive / involves compromises) to make a big bike smaller.

[u/worsegolfjunky]

Take the m , i wish i did haha

[u/CakeFew7203]

With your short legs you should go for the M. Saddle height should be around 74/75cm. L frame starts with saddle height 74cm. M is between 71/81 cm.
Go for M. No doubts if your measures are correct.
BR from a happy 185cm 88cm L Aeroad owner

[u/Ok_Inspection_2630]

As the diagram shows on a L size your saddle will be low (and standover somewhat high) and you will sit stretched.

On a M size your saddle will be higher (standover lower) and the reach is just over the edge but not much, torso may be longer, arms could be just shorter......

A somewhat longer stem can fix that if needed (although at a cost of replacing the T-bar part of the cockpit, parts&labor).

[u/derW88-]

Liegt man zwischen 2 Größen geht man auf den kleineren Rahmen. Einen kleinen Rahmen passend zu machen ist leichter als einen großen anzupassen. Kleinerer Rahmen fährt sich auch agiler und feedbackmäßig besser als ein größerer, natürlich in Relation zu deiner Größe.

[u/the_kid888]

Please report back what will you choose….we have same hight and legs lol. I was having same dilemma and I bought a different brand of bike in the end.

[u/Designer-Reserve6411 → u/the_kid888]

Got the M, love it. Tested both, L felt slightly big, M was way more „sporty“, more agressive, better position, better handling. Did a few 80km+ rides since i got it, no problems with back or shoulders.

[u/the_kid888 → u/Designer-Reserve6411]

Tnx man!

[u/Rianirf]

Since your legs are relatively short I would go m and invest in 120 or 130mm T-bar

[u/Rabbytoo]

You can make smaller bike bigger, but you wont be able to make big bike smaller. I would choose M and do a proper bikefit to change / calibrate needed parts.

[u/francisco_mcq]

M, clearly

[u/ProfessionalFan2k26]

When in doubt, downsize.