Clem L sizing

[Keith Swanson]

I'm interested in people's thoughts on the difference in ride quality between the 45 and 52 Clem L.  I've test ridden the 52 and it was great, but sold out. On a Clem H I would ride a 45 (77 1/2 PBH).  Any advice would be helpful.

[J Imler]

I just got my 59 Clem L. I love it. I wouldn't be able to fit the Clem H in the same size. I rode a 52 Clem H, which felt good, but I'm glad to have the bigger sizing.

[Joe Bernard]

I've owned a 45 H and 52 L, the smaller H version is noticeably stiffer and a miles smaller package. In the end the ride is close enough for to say if you like Clems you'll like both, but I would hold out for a 52 L if it's the one you're really into. Riv is planning to offer some frames up after all the recent completes are out the door.

[Ed Carolipio]

I have a 45 Clem L with a 78 cm PBH. I don't have experience with the 52 Clem L but had a 51cm Appa that has a similar geometry and 650b wheels.

Compared to the Appa, the 45 Clem L definitely fits smallish (longer/taller stem, seatpost pretty extended) and the chainstays are shorter so I had issues with heel strike with a couple of racks. On the flip side, the 51cm Appa was almost an ideal "riv" fit for me. For most riding, though, variables other than frame/wheel size tend to dominate how the handling felt. The only exception is at low speed while navigating narrow and tight spaces in urban areas. In that case, I definitely prefer the 45 Clem L over the Appa as I found it easier to execute maneuvers.

--Ed C.

[Keith Swanson]

Thanks.  On a related note, my next frame of interest is the Appaloosa, which I've been waiting for a long time.  Do you have the 46 and how would you compare it to the 52 Clem L.  I have a longer torso and am concerned about feeling cramped in the 46, which is what is recommended.  

[Joe Bernard]

I had a 51 Appaloosa which fit well, but I have a couple centimeters on you. It's a tough call - even with the sizing recs on the Riv site - because you're right on that edge between the two smallest sizes in every frame you've mentioned. A lot depends on what bars you're using, a Bosco reaches waaaay back and you need a longer toptube for it.