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

[davidalone]

So I'm looking at a new frame. Problem is, I'm stuck between two sizes, a 53 and a 55. I can make both work.

the 53: a 6 degree, 120mm stem, 10mm of spacers. Seatpost is gonna stick pretty high out, though
the 55: a 6 degree, 100mm stem, slammed. Seatpost isn't going to stick out as much.

Both configurations will give me stack/reach within 1mm of each other.

it comes down to a handling and aesthetics viewpoint- the 53 is going to handle abit better since it has a marginally smaller wheelbase and longer stem. but probably really marginal.

aesthetically, both have their own 'pro look' merits. the 53 with its lots of seatpost showing, long stem, looks very 'pro'. 10mm of spacer isn't much and is probably acceptable.
the 55 will have a slammed stem, which also looks 'pro'.

what say you, oh gurus of bike vanity?

[cyclenutnz]

Which bars are you basing the comparison on?
Is there a difference in HTA, Trail?

[Fixie82]

Curious to know what frame it is?

My two bikes at the moment are similar in appearance to yours although they are not the same brand so both have 110mm stems. Although one is slammed with a good amount of seatpost the other has 10mm under the stem with a lot of seatpost.

Both look good in my opinion but I do think the 'slammed' stem looks a lot cleaner, however as my bikes a different there is no change in handling etc that would come with different sizes of the same frame. This would probably be my main consideration, what I wanted from it would sway my decision before aesthetics.

[JN2Wheels]

Headtube angle, rake, (= trail), and wheelbase will impact your handling much more than a 1cm difference in stem length. Decision is best made on your handling preferences rather than aesthetic tie-ups. If you have been lucky enough to experience handling nirvana with a bike at some time, look at those three stats for a baseline.

[109er]

I always suggest going with the smaller size. You have a lot more room for adjustment with a smaller bike.

[voodoojar]

Generally speaking I would say buy the smaller one because it will offer more fine tuning options. Unless it's a compact frame then I'm inclined to go for the larger size for the same reason. Everyone's body is different so this is a really hard question to answer.

[Getter]

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.

[Rick]

For me, the 'correct' size almost always ends up with a 120 stem.

[davidalone]

Rake is the same. Ht angle is 71.5 on the smaller one and 72 on the bigger one. Wheelbase is within 2mm of each other, so actually I would say the only thing that is different is the weight distribution.

[Phill P]

This is weight weenies - go for the smaller lighter frame!! Most likely it will be stiffer and the longer seat post will give more vertical flex.

But seriously - you should take each for a ride and decide which feels better to you.

[Zen Cyclery]

What Phill P said. We can all sit here in our armchairs and speculate as to what will be the best fit. But the only real way to know would be get out and ride both.

If it were me I'd err on the large size and plan on going with a shorter stem.

[btompkins0112]

+1 for the smaller

[Megaclocker]

At 5'8 you would likely be better with the 53cm.

I know it doesn't mean much, but I am 5'7 and ride a 50cm (52.5TT) Caad10 with a 120mm stem.

[spdntrxi]

I'm 5'8 my old Kestrel 200SC is a 54 with a 100mm stem.. always felt it was a little big for me. Look 695 is a small @ 51 w/ 110mm stem. Seatpost is not flying high pro level, but have enjoyed it so far. I vote smaller.

[prendrefeu]

Bigger frame.
Why?
Less likely to have a stack of spacers under the stem (taller headtube on the larger size), you can always get a -17 stem of any length if you really want to go down. According to people on the internet, you'll look more pro (ignoring all the pros who don't have stems slammed or run negative stems)

On the smaller frame there's a chance you'll either have a stack of spacers or you'll have your stem angled up.
And then people on the internet will judge you.