Buying "Unseen" takes a lot of courage and even more research.

Two of us have just done it and I researched the Frame size well before I ordered. Just aswell as The others I was thinking about were not available and the decision was made in about 30 seconds. The other is my neighbour and he did check My new bike out and my TCR and Boreas. Top tube length was what we were looking at and Like me- he bought a 50cm frame. My 50 fitted better than the other two which are 51's. BUT- his bike in a different manufacturer feels different. Took some time to find out but My Pinarello has a 525 Top tube- 100 mm stem and compact bars. Fitted both of us a treat. His Forme has a 525 top tube- a 105 Stem and the bars are not compact. Luckily it can be easily corrected but You have to do the research and know what you require if Buying online.

But a Santa Cruz----- Was one of my Dream bikes when I was mountain biking. That is going to take some beating but before you do that first ride--post on the N+1 of 2012

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...he-N-1-of-2012