tranzformer

Ok so I went to my LBS yesterday to check out bikes and sizes. I looked at Felt's, Treks, LeMonds, and some Cannondales. As I wrote in my other thread I am 5'10.5'' and have a 32'' inseam. So I tried out the bikes and the bike I am leaning towards (Felt F65) comes in a 54 and 56 which both fit me. As the guy at the shop told me, the 54 will be a bit quicker handling wise and give me more stand over clearance. The 56 on the other hand will have less room over the top tube, but it will feel a bit more stable on a long straight away and at higher speeds. So what should I do guys? This is going to be my first road specific bike. I have had mountain and hybrid bikes in the past, so should I go with the 54 as my first bike to build up some confidence?? Also, if I plan on doing some centuries in the future, wouldn't I want to have the larger bike? Or maybe not necessarily?

tranzformer

I guess I am leaning towards the 54, but I am worried that once I get into road biking that I will wish I had the larger bike.

TassR700

The larger bike will have less drop from the seat to the handlbars so it should be more comfortable on longer rides, but slightly less aero. I had the same decision and went with the larger bike for comfort on centuries and I don't plan to race. If you think racing is in your future and you are young, you might be happier with the smaller bike. If cruising at speed is more what you are interested in, go with the larger.

Little Darwin

I know that there are those in the forums that will guide you in each way... those that think everyone has a bike that is too big, and those that feel the opposite.

But based on what you have been told so far... If the only advantage of the smaller bike is to have quicker handling, I say go with the larger frame unless you plan to race. No reasonable frame is going to be sluggish handling enough to be an issue with non-racers by being 2cm larger.

The only other advantage that comes to mind, a 54 will weigh slightly less than a 56, is also only relevant (in my mind) if you are racing or doing a lot of climbing.

Personally, I don't think you will feel much of a difference between the two in any way, and would personally opt for the larger frame as long as the 'nads are safe.

There is of course the aspect that the top tube is also likely to be slightly longer on the 56, so if you feel too stretched out on the 56, then the 54 or a shorter stem is in order.

tranzformer

I am 23, so yeah I am young and could probably take a more hunched over position than some of the older guys. As far as racing, I am not sure yet. It might be cool to enter a few races in the future. Who knows.

Cycliste

Welcome back! I see you have taken the leap from internet to LBS, great!

Problem I am seing here is that you are dealing with an LBS who sized you based on stand-over only. It's a start, and while this may be ok for a hybrid or mtb, it is not sufficient for a road bike.

Handlebar reach is as important if not more (at least more $ to rectify) than height, handlebar width must match your shoulder width. Did you test ride it? Compared with another model and brand? Different frames (compact like Specialized vs traditional geometry like Cannondale, Felt are more traditional geometry but somehow slightly in between), stiffer and aggressive ('Dale) vs more comfortable (Lemond, Specialized or Felt).

Get the feel of different bikes. It's possible that you may end up buying the Felt, but check another shop or two at least before you take the plunge.