If You're between 2 sizes, which do you go for?

[ryker]

Have you accounted for seat tube angle differences?

[stang1]

get teh bike size you want, and slam it regardlessly ?

[FourRings]

I recently went through this as I could ride either a 58 or 61. Both rode and handled the same; weight was essentially the same. For me, the deciding factor was the slightly longer front-center of the 61. With 180 cranks and big feet, the longer front-center eliminated any toe overlap with the front wheel. Sometimes, it's the little stuff that makes the difference.

[HUMP DIESEL]

I am 5'-8 1/2" on a 52 Cannondale, 120mm stem, but not slammed. I actually have it set right now to be close to a 54 headtube height. That being said, I have long legs and short torso, so I also have an FSA 32mm set back seatpost on it. I think ideally I would do really well on a Cervelo or Jamis 51.

HUMP

[audiojan]

If you're between two sizes, more than likely, you should look at a different brand/model...

Also, recommendations such as "if you're XX" tall, use size XX frame" is not worth much at all... Size medium from one may be very similar to a 53cm from another, 55 from a third, 51 from a 4th, small from a 5th etc. There's simply no standard as to what a size denomination means. Even if you are looking at a chart from the manufacturer, keep in mind that for example a 530mm top tube is not always the same as another manufacturers 530mm top tube... how the measurement is taken can change the fit significantly, ex. center-to-center, center-to-top, center-to-virtual point, virtual point-to-virtual point... again, no standard how something is measured.

And that's before you add the rider... height is a pretty poor indicator of fit. Add upper body measurement, arm length, upper leg, lower leg, core strength, flexibility, athletic background, cycling experience, types of racing/terrain (you're not going to set up the bike the same if you're only doing short races, such as 1hr crits, versus multi-day stage racing or randonneuring, nor would it be the same if you riding in pancake flat terrain where wind will be your #1 issue versus riding in the steep mountains). Then add prior/current injuries/issues to that entire mix.

Basically, you take take 3 people of exactly the same height, one fits size medium of a specific model/brand, the next person fits the same model/brand but needs a size large, and the 3rd doesn't fit that model/brand at all, but fits another brand/model in size 53cm.

[Zigmeister]

I used to say larger...but I'm changing that thinking to smaller. I'm in the process of what to do to move to a smaller frame.

If you look at the pros, they typically go smaller, sometimes 2x smaller than what a manufacturer recommends, then go longer stem by 10-20mm etc..amongst other things.

You get a smaller frontal area with a shorter HT and other benefits, like weight savings!!

[carbonLORD]

....easier to make a smaller bike larger, then the other way around.

[quinner]

+1 for smaller; except if you really hate being cramped on the bike. You can but on a long stem but you can't move the head tube.

[Ceebers1]

go smaller if you ride aggressively, or bigger if you ride even pace longer rides.

[Devon]

Smaller frame, proper stem (minimum 120mm).

I completely agree with Ceebers1 above.

[HUMP DIESEL]

I am 5'-8 1/2" on a 52 Cannondale, 120mm stem, but not slammed. I actually have it set right now to be close to a 54 headtube height. That being said, I have long legs and short torso, so I also have an FSA 32mm set back seatpost on it. I think ideally I would do really well on a Cervelo or Jamis 51.

HUMP

I feel like I may retract my statement above. The more I work with my position the more bike I need. I went out last night with the local group and had the same set up as usual. My saddle height is 75cm (ish) from cl of BB to the center of the saddle, probably a little higher. I have dropped it before to see how it felt, but I keep coming back to the same saddle height. I have a 140mm stem at home that I can flip up to get the same HB location as if I had a 56 with a 120, and things seem to smooth out pedal wise and I can also hammer in the drops. I raced a 56 Jamis for a season and have also raced a race on a 56 Cannondale.

[mfrassica]

At 5'8"...I'm pretty much between sizes. I went with the larger size. I ride a 54cm Cervelo S2 with a -17 110mm stem. I'm thinking about getting a new R3...and for that...I'm going to go with the 51cm and a -6 120mm stem.

If I was to race...I'd go with the smaller size.

+1,

I am 5' 8" also and between, interesting that I chose Cervelo 51cm, rather than go up in size. Go with smaller frame. Like another poster said, you have more room to change positions.

[HUMP DIESEL]

Either I am taller than I think, or proportionately I am out of whack. All of you guys that are similar in size seem to ride smaller.

HUMP

[jbf]

Always go bigger if you are less than pro. Don't let the wannabe's influence you. Trust me on this ...

[SalsaLover]

Get a 54