Originally Posted by
poxpower
6. I'm 5'9, sizing charts say I should ride a 56cm frame. I see a lot of bikes that are 54-58cm, if I found a great deal on one that's a tad too big or small, would that just destroy me in races?
Lots of good answers already. Just going to focus on this one.
Sizing charts seem to put people on frames that are either the right size, or a bit too big. Not everyone thinks the same on this but I would personally rather be on a slightly too small frame than a slightly too big one. If I had to guess just based on your height, I'd say that a 54cm frame would be what you should concentrate on.
I'm 5'11", pretty normally proportioned, and I have 2 race bikes - one is a 56 and one is a 54. I wouldn't ever want to be on a frame any bigger than my 56. The 54 handles differently, and I have a longer stem on it and more seatpost showing, but it's still a great bike for me and very comfortable.
Oh and ditch those SPD's if you want to race. More than one person has ended up needing serious dental work because their cleat popped out winding up for a sprint. Not worth the risk.