Road Cycling - Compact vs Standard

In selecting a road bike, what criteria should a person look for in a frame........... I am 5'9" 208 lbs(looking to loose a little). So should compact or standard frames make any difference? Also what is the best way to determine my bike size? I don't want the LBS to sell ne some thing "off the rack" just cause I'm a newbe.:confused:

i don't, really, think a good lbs will give you a bike that won't fit you...

compact or standard frames? Its up to you really..

I like the standard geometry frames, although i don't dislike the compact frames..

I think the standard ones are sexier.. but its just me..

Anyway, if you want more standover clearance, a compact frame would be good..

I use a frame with a standard geometry. but the toptube is slightly sloped, like the compact, to give me more clearance.. BTW, the frame was custom built..

You can go to www.wrenchscience.com or just simply multiply your inseam by 0.67 or 0.65... It will give you a rough size..

But this does not mean its the right size though.. You should try out a couple of bikes and decide what you like...

With compact frames, standover clearance is not an issue, so size it according to top-tube length. You should get the exactly the same fit for your points of contact (pedals/saddle/bars) with either style.
Bike shops can and do sell frames which dont fit, usually because they happen to have them in stock and either dont know or dont care about bike fit.
As an average sized male, you should have no problem at all getting a bike.
see
http://www.cyclemetrics.com/Pages/FitLinks/bike_fit_links.htm
esp
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm