Clem Smith L sizing

[Jaysun Pine]

Hello all,

I'm trying to figure out sizing for this bike. Been through the calculations on the site, spoke to Riv on the phone (can't remember who), but wanted to see if here are any other opinions out there. I'm 5'10", long arms, and my pbh is 844. According to the site that places me on a 52cm. But, since it's a Clem L, the site also says I could ride a 59cm, with a regular, unsprung saddle. On the 52cm I would have more seatpost and stem showing, which is obvious, but I'm wondering if it might be too much stem showing. As if I might run out of stem and need to go with one with rise.  I want a more upright position on this one. Then there's the 650b vs 700c thing as well. Riv says riding the biggest bike you can fit usually ends up being most comfortable ride. The person on the phone seemed to suggest that I would like the ride of the 700c wheels better. I think they're going to do a 56cm (700c wheels) on this bike next year. But that would mean waiting another year to get this bike.

Anyway, thanks for any input or feedback anyone has.

[Johnny Alien]

On a general whole I don't agree with Rivendell's "always ride the biggest bike you can" philosophy BUT on the step thru bikes I am on board with them. In comparison I am the same size as you but my PBH is shorter. I have a 52 Clem and its absolutely perfect for me however if my PBH was where you are at I would 100% have gone with the size up. I am not sure why the person at Riv suggested that a 700C wheel will ride better. I don't think there would be a monumental difference for you from 56 to 59 on a Clem. Grab one if you want it. Life is too short to wait a year for a possibility that might not yield any better of a ride.

[Richard Rose]

Jaysun, I hope my input is not too late to be of any help to you - perhaps you bought your Clem yesterday? Anyway, I am also 5’10”. I ride a 52 Clem. I honestly cannot tell you my PBH with any accuracy as I have never gotten the same measurement twice. I continue to be bewildered that Riv does not simply use saddle height vs. PBH but they have their reasons. My saddle height is 72-73cm with a mid foot position on a platform pedal. This is important because with a traditional ball of foot over spindle position my saddle height would be 2-3cm higher. I like my Bosco bar high & my FacePlater stem is maxed out. If I needed my saddle higher I would not be able to get my bar high enough & I would need the 59. That said I love my 52. The ride is sublime.

When I got my Gus I sized up to get the larger wheels but not for ride quality. I wanted a 29’er for rollover ability on singletrack. I do have much less seatpost showing on the Gus vs. Clem.

In summary I would consider myself maxed out on the Clem - I would want the 59 if my saddle height were a millimeter more than 730mm. FWIW, my saddle could go higher as I have plenty of post left but it would not work for me.

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 1, 2025, at 8:33 AM, Johnny Alien <johnny....@gmail.com> wrote:

On a general whole I don't agree with Rivendell's "always ride the biggest bike you can" philosophy BUT on the step thru bikes I am on board with them. In comparison I am the same size as you but my PBH is shorter. I have a 52 Clem and its absolutely perfect for me however if my PBH was where you are at I would 100% have gone with the size up. I am not sure why the person at Riv suggested that a 700C wheel will ride better. I don't think there would be a monumental difference for you from 56 to 59 on a Clem. Grab one if you want it. Life is too short to wait a year for a possibility that might not yield any better of a ride.

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[Jaysun Pine]

Thank you so much for the feedback you two. And rmrose extra special thank you for the picture of your Clem. That's exactly what I needed as we have the same overall height and saddle height. I think a 59cm is the way to go for me.

[Jaysun Pine]

You're right Johnny, life is too short to wait a year for a different color. I pulled the trigger on the 59cm dark gold. Finally will own my first Rivendell! It took a while but I knew I would own one eventually.

[Johnny Alien]

Hooray!!! Make sure to provide photos and thoughts when it arrives