jcll2002

Hi all,

I'm torn between a 56 and 58, and I really can't tell which one to get. The 56cm had about a 2" saddle/bar drop and my back hurt a little after 30 mins, but I do think that's due to it being so aggressive. I loved the handling, although sprinting was a little harder to control. The 58 also had a similar drop, was easier to manage while sprinting, but felt kind of like I was draped over the bike if that makes sense.

I was thinking about getting the 56 but with less of a drop and maybe a longer stem, but I'm not sure if that's the way to go. Any suggestions? I'm a collegiate road racer.

Thanks!

Mike F

I had a big frame with a short 90 stem and I was still stretched out and the bike was already borderline "twitchy". An 80, I believe would have made it too twitchy. IMHO going small and building large is a better opinion.

rangerdavid

on the fence between sizes? I've always heard to go with the smaller one, unless you're young and you'll grow into it. It's easier to fit a smaller frame a bit larger than to make a larger frame fit smaller. Plus, the small frame weighs less, that's why the pros frequently ride smaller(ish) frames.

1Echo

Smaller frame. Lighter, maybe even stiffer, and shorter wheelbase for better handling.

Bacciagalupe

This is not a situation where one should imitate the pros.

The shop should have a good enough fitter to at least get you in the right size for that brand. If they can't, you should probably check with a fitter to get the right size.

canam73

Hmmm. I thought it was to get the saddle to bar drop. Since it's not hard to get a pro level bike below the UCI weight limit I wouldn't think a few grams of frame weight would matter much. And and if you had to use a longer stem and/or seat post some that weight get put back on anyway.

jmX

I'm 6'1" and have a 56 and a 58. When they're setup with same bar/saddle/crank relationship the difference is pretty negligible, and the 56 gives me the option for extra drop if I want it (which it turns out I did, as I now have it slammed with a -17 degree stem).

During sprints, the 56 does come off the ground more than my 58. That's the only downside I've noticed so far, and it could be due to it being 3lbs lighter and me having an easier time yanking it upwards. That seems more like a technique issue than a problem with the bike though.

scotjonscot

My bike is a 58, and wish it was a 57 or 56 for this reason. My stem can't go any lower, and my shortish leg/longish torso combo won't let me raise the saddle any higher. I do like a longer top tube though.

SGV_rider

I will go for smaller size

Inertianinja

I'm in the same boat as you - a 57.
I'm comfortable on both sizes, but for racing get the 56 with a longer stem.

jcll2002

will adding spacers make it less stiff?

tsw910

I am also between sizes (52 & 54) .. i went with 52 and I did have to go with a longer stem after getting professionally fitted

DaveSSS 

A 2-inch or 5cm saddle to bar drop is not aggressive at all, particularly for a collegiate racer. If you're just getting on a bike that's not setup for you, then your test impressions are meaningless.

In general, the head tube length and saddle to bar drop will change by about 20mm between sizes, but it could be as little as 10mm or as great as 30mm. The reach could also vary from as little as 5mm to as much as 15mm.

You really need to read the geometry charts, so you know exactly what changes are needed to make the frames fit the SAME. You should never buy a frame and feel forced to adopt a fit, based on the frame's dimensions.

longbeachgary

I would think that someone needs to look at you on the bikes -be it your coach or the shop that's selling you the bike.

Gluteus

+1.

topflightpro

Yes, adding spacers will reduce stiffness. Additionally, there is a limit to the number of spacers you can add - generally, 40mm is the maximum No. of spacers.

DaveSSS was spot on with his assessment. You really need to consider how the two bikes will fit you. The smaller frame is likely to create greater saddle-to-bar drop, and as DaveSSS noted, 2 inches, or 5 cm, really isn't much.

Do not just listen to the argument that a smaller frame is better. Pros ride smaller frames because they are very flexible and can handle lots of saddle-to-bar drop.

wphamilton

Bigger can be set up more relaxed, more comfortable for easy riding.

Go smaller for more drop!

fstshrk

Small frame, long stem.