Cyclocross - Soma Double Cross Sizing, 56 or 54?

After reading a bunch of threads re: the question of Soma and CX sizing, I am still just as doubtful as ever. Maybe some of you can help dispel these doubts. I am 5'11.5", with a 33.25" inseam (barefoot, shoulder height apart), not sure how long my arms are, but my side to side reach is a bit over 6' (+1 ape index) so they are a tad longish. Don't own a roadbike currently, but my last was a 56cm C-Dale r5000 (56cm TT, c-c) which felt a tad cramped (don't remember stem length, something moderate no doubt). My hardtail mtb effective TT is 59.5, with a 110 stem, used to run a 150 just fine). Best fitting road bike I have owned was a Bianchi with a 57cm TT and a longish drop stem. Soma Double Cross geometry: size 56 = 576 effective TT, 31.9" standover, size 54 = 567 effective TT, 31.2" standover. Generally I like a longish cockpit so I am leaning towards 56cm. This is going to be my only "road" bike so I intend it to do everything from grocery getter, fireroads bikepacker (although I think I will get a trailer), to cross racer (looks horribly fun, I want to try it!). Never raced 'Cross (or anything for that matter) before so unsure what a racing cross fit is like anyway. Help!

Ryan

Hmmm, just rode a 54 Cannondale CAADX and it seemed short in the top tube. Could probably make it fit with a long stem. But at 54.5 TT for the C-dale, either size Soma would be significantly bigger.

Are you kidding? I'm also 5'11.5", and I'm happy with my size 60 Double Cross.

Yeah, Barrettscv, I read your post before I wrote mine, but there are also guys our height riding 54's! I have little doubt a 60 would be too long, but maybe a 58 would work? I think I have ruled out the 54, but the top tubes are so long on the Soma! I actually like it, but since this is going to be ridden in the dirt a fair amount I don't want to go too big. I think a 56 will almost definately work, although maybe a 58 would too. I went through the competetive cyclist fit calculator and it says I need a 57.3-57.7 TT, which would be a 56 Double Cross. Anyway, getting excited about it. I think I will probably pull the trigger. Haven't had a bike with skinny tires in a couple years!

Yeah, Barrettscv, I read your post before I wrote mine, but there are also guys our height riding 54's! I have little doubt a 60 would be too long, but maybe a 58 would work? I think I have ruled out the 54, but the top tubes are so long on the Soma! I actually like it, but since this is going to be ridden in the dirt a fair amount I don't want to go too big. I think a 56 will almost definately work, although maybe a 58 would too. I went through the competetive cyclist fit calculator and it says I need a 57.3-57.7 TT, which would be a 56 Double Cross. Anyway, getting excited about it. I think I will probably pull the trigger. Haven't had a bike with skinny tires in a couple years!

I would not suggest a 60cm size. It fits me, but I use a compact handlebar and a 110mm stem. I would get a size 58 if I was to buy again.

I don't fit bikes with 585mm VTT or less. I do like a streched-out fit.

54cm would be too small for you, IMO. a 56cm should work if you like longer stems and regular reach handlebars.

Cannondale's geo is a little weird. I'm a solid 5'10" and I ride a 54 on my CX-9 but it can feel a little small. Mine is a purpose built race machine so I don't spend a lot of time on it but it works for racing. It I was buying again I would go for the 56cm.

I got my Double Cross a few months ago and it's a 54.... I'm 6'. I was skeptical at first but I'm liking it so far, it doesn't really feel small. My only issue is that they put a TON of spacers on the steerer tube and the stem has a crazy steep angle on it. Still in the process of dialing in the fit but that is the only part that doesn't seem quite right. I would have thought I would be a 56 but they said because of the higher BB yadda yadda....

The last few bikes I've have all been used frames that I've built up myself so I didn't really have to much of a sense of "proper" fit so I kind of just rolled with what they recommended.