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Old 12-29-14 | 04:59 PM
  #9  
achoo
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Joined: Dec 2009
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It all depends on how you like to ride.

You'll be able to get more aero on the 52 as it has a larger seat tube angle and a shorter head tube, so you'll be able to rotate more forward and get your shoulders lower. But that will shift your weight forward, more onto your hands - in general.

You won't be able to get as aero on the 54 with its taller head tube, but the more relaxed seat tube angle will rotate you slightly rearward, putting more weight on the saddle. You'll probably be more comfortable riding the 54 for long rides, but that depends on you.

And all of those changes are in general - you can shift your saddle forward and back, and set your bar height and stem length.

The only hard and fast differences are the taller head tube on the 54 will limit how low and aero you'll be able to get, and the steeper seat tube on the 52 will cause a minor shift in weight balance, with a bit more weight on the front wheel for the 52 frame.

I'd go with the 52 in your situation because I could get more aero were I so inclined and the slight difference in weight balance wouldn't bother me. But that's me.
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