Originally Posted by
Road Fan
Standover is grossly overrated by those who have never found out what happens once it gets too high - it can be painful. It's still ONE viable element of a good bike sizing. A rider suited for a 52 cm frame might be able to use a 54 or 55, but probably can't use a 58 or 59.
I must concede that there is increased potential for unwanted interaction with the TT as the height increases, but the only SERIOUS injury I have ever heard of came from falling down a distance onto a TT that was too LOW.
(-Obviously I am student of the "Standover is grossly overrated" school: To me, the distance from the seat to the drops and the seat to the cranks is what most matters - and stand-over height is secondary)