Cyclocross - for trade: 55cm 06 Poprad - it's too big

I have a low-miles 06 55cm poprad (canti brakes) that is just too big for me. I'd like to trade for a 52-53 cm bike of the same or similar provenience. I'm willing to do a bike for bike swap or just frame and fork - whichever works best. I've switched the stem and bars to something a little smaller, but can return it to full stock. Pictures available on request.

Top tube is too long huh?

I feel you, I've been riding on a 52cm 2005 Poprad and it feels big for me. Moving over to a 52cm Motobecane Le Champion SRAM Force. Compared the geometry and it should be smaller though it didn't feel that different when I tried out Treks with similar geometry. No matter, gives me more of an excuse to spring for a smaller carbon fiber frame later on =D.

Yeah, and too tall. I can almost deal with the length with a shorter stem and short-reach bars, but I can't stand over the bike super-comfortably.

I initially thought my 55 was too big and thought about swapping it, but the 52 was definitely too small. Over time, I've come to realize that the 55 is in fact the perfect size, and I have just a smidge of standover clearance.

Ah don't worry, I read somewhere that top tube length fit is way more important than stand over height. If it's comfortable while you are riding, I think that's what matters. Standing over your bike, shouldn't be doing that much anyway right? Unless you are stopped at a light... I dunno just trying to make you feel better about that frame size. Have you actually tried the smaller frame sizes to see how they fit on you?

What are your measurements -- height, inseam, etc.?

I'm 5'11" and have a 30" (pants) inseam. As I mentioned, stanover height is tight, but I've grown to like it that way. I have a long torso, so I need a larger frame to get a longer top tube. That's why the 52 felt too small for me.

I feel for you, though. Fit is tough. I've gone through a period with every bike I've bought where I question whether I got the wrong size. From now on, I'll default to the larger of two choices.

Been thinking the same thing myself. I'm about 5' 8" , 30" inseam and riding a new 52 Poprad for about 2 months. I can standover OK, but feel stretched out (compared to last bike and my 86 Nishiki) But rode 40 miles last week and felt fine - nothng unusually sore or stiff. Thinking about going from stock 100mm stem to a 90 just to see. My main worry, though, is when I actually ride cross - am I gonna feel ok on the rougher stuff. Won't know "till I get there. I know that feeling, though, of thinking every bike is the wrong size (compared to the one you got used to) Coming to the conclusion the Poprad fits fine, it just fits different.

Yeah, the standover is ok while riding, but not so great in mounting/dismounting. Worst bit is the reach, though. I've gotten it pretty close with a much shorter stem and short reach drops, but it's still out of whack. I can ride it all right but the non-proportional geometry (of the big bike, short reach) just throws the handling all off.

So...still wanting to trade. I will sell, but I need to get enough to replace it.