Cyclocross - Looking for thoughts on this Tricross trade

I have a 2007 Specialized Tricross Comp that is a little too small for me (56cm). I know someone with a 2011 Specialized Tricross that is a little too big for them (58cm). I'm trying to decide whether it would be a fair trade. I haven't approached them about the trade because I wanted to decide whether it was worth it first. I've been contemplating finding a larger bike for awhile now.

My '07 Tricross Comp is equipped with Ultegra 6510 series components. There '11 Tricross has 105 5700 components. My frame is Columbus E5 SLX aluminum with carbon stays while their frame is just Specialized A1 Aluminum.

So I would be getting a bike that fits better and a newer drivetrain but downgrading frame material and drivetrain level. I figure the drivetrain is a wash. Not sure on the frame material. I'd also be losing fork rack mounts but gaining internal cable routing.

Any thoughts on this trade? Would you do it?

IMO, 5700 is better than 6510

Fits is better than doesn't fit. I'd do it.

Can't hurt to ask, especially if it would be a better fit for both of you. The worst that happens is you test ride each others bikes and find out you already like the one you have better...

I'd bring it up to your friend and discuss it. There are any number of ways to do the trade than simply one bike for another. Minimally, yet most work would be swapping the framesets (frames, forks headset). You might need to keep BB & cranks, but that's not a big deal.

I'm not sure that I would want to trade to an older drivetrain and wheels even if they are a level higher because of wear, but would consider a frameset swap to a better fitting frame if it's in reasonably good condition. Besides the frameset, components such as handlebars, seat & post, etc. would be case by case depending on their condition/size/fit.

In any case, it never hurts to ask. The worst they can do is say "No."