Originally Posted by
aggiegrads
OK, let me ask a more specific question - If I can make the smaller size "feel" more comfortable with longer stem and setback seat, what are the other trade offs?
There will be inevitable tweaks over the first 1,000 miles, but I don't want to create problems I can't solve by buying the wrong frame size. Just because something feels right in the store doesn't mean that it will be comfortable after a full day of riding. I have a bike in the garage that I am replacing with this bike that will remind me of this lesson.
I want a more educated answer than "buy what feels right".
It is true that a ride around the store will not generally get a good fit. Riding for a couple of hours would be better. See if the store will allow for a long test ride. Unfortunately, without seeing you, I could not really guess which would be best.