Originally Posted by
bigcicero
.......... so I'd probably prefer *riding* a 56+. ......
...... At this point, any ideas on what to do with my Caad? It's rideable, but I just don't LOVE it, and I want to LOVE it.
I prefer a 56 myself. But I've owned a couple smaller classic/vintage bikes (as well as larger ones). If I had to adjust one way or the other... I'd rather adjust a smaller bike. Of course... a little more stem length will help. I assume you have already moved the saddle back all the way.
An often forgotten change/difference to make a smaller bike feel bigger (and ride better) is larger handlebars. Your 54 likely has 40cm (15 3/4") wide handlebar. A 42cm (16 1/2") would likely be stock on a 56cm bike. That doesn't sound like much... but the 3/4 of inch will open you up and stretch you out... without moving your head forward.