Originally Posted by dolface
a longer stem can make up for a shorter toptube since it basically makes you reach further forward.
two schools of thought on frame sizing: smaller is good (this is the more common one).
the other one is that we all ride frames that are too small, and should be riding bikes that are 2 - 3 cm bigger than we currently do.
fwiw, i like 'em small.
i went down from a 55 to a 53 (i'm 5-9) cause i thought it would be better for me, but when i was at the track some riders watching me advised me to raise both stem and saddle, and rotate my bars forward, all of which to lift me off the bike, because i was too compressed onto it. looking at the set-up now i could have stayed with the longer seat tube and steerer no problem. if the bike had much longer of a top tube it might be difficult.
i don't feel that 53 is "wrong" though, but there's definitely something to be siad for the idea that the received wisdom suggests bikes that are on the smaller end of our potential fit range.
edit: this is the bike. i'm an even 5-9, with slightly shorter than average arms