I'm in a similar situation, but I didn't think it was worth starting a new thread since this has a lot of good info.. I'll probably be buying a new bike this year and I am looking for advice on the CAAD10-3 Ultegra. (recreational and club rides) I'm looking at either the 2015 or a 2014 (if it's still available when the warmer weather is here). I have not had the chance to test ride since the weather has turned cold. I stopped in at a LBS and they did a quick sizing and suggested that I look at a size 54. Using the Bike Fit Calculator from
Competitive Cyclist website, I have the following measurements (cm.):
Height: 174 Inseam: 84 Forearm: 35 Tibia:53 Trunk:61 Arm: 60 Thigh: 60 Sternal notch 143.
Here's the thing. I will be absolutely working hand in hand with the LBS to make sure that I get the proper fit, but a few of the guys I ride with were thinking that I'd fit a 56 since they are a little shorter than I am. I'm inclined to go with whatever the owner of the LBS recommends. I'm dropping a little more than $2k and will not be buying another bike for quite some time, so I don't want to screw up. The LBS will be doing a number of adjustments after I purchase and ride it for a few months to make sure it fits properly. I will also be waiting for warmer weather so I can test ride a number of bikes from a variety of manufacturers, but so far, I'm liking the CAAD10.
Questions:
1) Any thoughts on the 54 sizing vs the 56 sizing?
3) Is a $200+ body geometry fit really worth it?
3) I hear all the talk about stem length changes and so on. Are these things I need to consider at the time of purchase and are they expensive changes?
If there is anything else I should consider; please let me know
thanks
EDIT - March 3, 2015.. Went in to LBS to purchase the CAAD10-3 yesterday and questioned the 54 vs 56. Luckily they had both in stock and had two sizing/fit stations so they put the 56 on one and the 54 on the other. An hour or so later back and forth on both, I ended up with the 56 size although they did need to change the stem.
... and this is why I like my LBS