Originally Posted by Peterpan1
Halfspeed, could you cram yourself on a 58 with those specs? Lorrer is obviously willing to go the custom frame route, but for everyone else out there with similar specs, is it "necesarry".
Problem with a 58 is saddle to bar drop. Shorter seat tube means more exposed seat post and more height above the bars. I'd need a lot of steerer with lots of spacers to make it work. Our tandem is around a 58 with a 58ish top tube in the front. I've got a short stem with a lot of rise on it to make it functional. It's OK for rides up to 30 miles with my wife but for loaded touring, no way.
The only way to know for sure is to try some bikes out.