Originally Posted by
bmccollum
I'm appreciative of the responses and recommendations. Still uncertain which size to go with though. Makes the issue more difficult due to the fact that I'm able to find & ride a 58cm but no one has the 60cm in stock to where I can compare/contrast. LBS still says without a doubt that the 58cm is what I need based on all factors involved, and another shop 3 hours away says without a doubt I need a 60cm based on all factors involved. I'm not buying a road bike to race it or stress over my avg. speed when I ride or anything like that, but I of course am trying to get into whatever size bike frame is the most comfortable and "best" fit for me for long-term use.
I'm willing to bet anything that the shop 3 hours away has the 60cm in stock, which is why they are insisting without a doubt that you take that size. They are in sales, they make money by selling things, and unfortunately, they don't care what's perfect, they more likely care about what is "close enough" to not have you complain. Either of these frames will accomplish that, in other words be "close enough" that you won't complain, because you don't know any better. Save the gas money and buy the 58, it'll be fine. For someone who says you don't want to stress over this stuff, you sure are stressing out about it lol.
Think of it this way, back in the 80s, frames came in size jumps of 2 or 3 inches, not just 2 or 3 centimeters! It didn't bother anyone back then!