True....but looking at the geometry for OP's bike http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...mpact#geometry , it only has a TT length of 537mm and s reach of only 385 -which is ridiculous for a 5'11" rider...especially if he has a long torso. (I'm 5'10" and feel comfy on a TT of 565...and that is with a smallish fit- as I prefer the "pro" type fit, as opposed to being stretched-out)

Looks like (from the geo chart) a 56cm in that model would be more his speed- albeit, the standover for the 56 is over 32" (seems to be the trend lately- surprising for a compact, eh?)....but he can learn to deal with that- at least he'd be comfortable riding.....