Looking for some geometry help/advice.
*background* I have been buying up the parts for my first gravel build. Also having much frame indescision. I had been avoiding the Crux simply becuse I already own an Aethos and it seemed silly to own two - but I can't ignore it any more, it just ticks too many boxes....
*the problem* I am 176cm tall with 83cm inseam. I ride with 72-73cm between the bb and the saddle. I Ride a size 54 Aethos with a 100mm stem and that feels just perfect. On the Aethos the 48cm seat tube gives me 24 cm for seatpost and saddle, which seems respectable and good for comfort.
The Crux size 54 is taller and longer (for gravel reasons I guess) so length wise I can run with a 90mm stem for the same fit more or less (makes sense). But the seattube is 52.1 cm. Giving only 20cm for seatpost and saddle. Using an Alpinist seatpost this would put the clamp about 1-2 cm under the "max insertion indicator". This is especially confusing to me as the Specialized 'size guide' reccomends size 54 for people in the height range 168-175cm. So I am over height but at max insertion for the seatpost?
If I downsize to a 52, I get back to a geometry closer to my 54 Aethos - with lots of post out for cool look and comfort. But what am I missing? I quess the geometry is this way for a reason. Will I lose something in handling on gravel?
Interested to know what other owners have done here. Downsize or follow the size guide.