Hi all,

I decided to treat myself to a new frame and came across a good deal on a Specialized Tarmac SL4 size 56 frameset from an online retailer. I owned a Tarmac '09 size 54cm previously but always found it a bit cramped with the bars too low unless I went with a 13cm stem and high angle.. which handled kinda weird. BTW, I'm 176cm (5'9) in height.

It seems the geometry has changed since '09 with a larger headtube. With the SL4, 56cm is recommended for 5'10 upwards. Now that I've set it up I find a -17 degree, 10cm stem with no spacers above the headset gets me in my racing position. My issue is with the handling. With that setup it feels so solid and sturdy that it's like I'm sitting on top of a barge, it's a bit unresponsive.. basically it doesn't feel like the lightweight race machine it should.

I know the conventional wisdom is to ride with a small frame/long stem but I'm just wondering does anyone else race with a similar setup.. large-ish frame, 10cm stem. Will this hinder me climbing and/or sprinting?

Should I try to sell the 56 and get a 54 while it's still in showroom condition (and probably make a loss) or just ride it out and get used to it. What would you do (if you kinda messed up and were) in my position? Just looking for opinions really..

Thanks..