Originally Posted by RobbieTunes

There was once a "fit" that many preferred, with a longer TT than "square." I have a 53x56 frameset that really does seem to fit well. I also have a 53x53 that I've yet to fit with any kind of comfort level, and I had somewhat the same problem with an '87 Paramount.

If I recall, the early Merckx were somewhat like that, longer than tall in smaller sizes. I think once you get to around 57cm or 58cm "tall," the top tubes kind of level off, or at least much less incrementally than most current models.

The general condition seemed to be a "square" model in the lineup, then for about every 1.5 to 2 cm in height increase, the frames seemed to go about 1 cm longer in reach. Again, I've seen earlier models that were longer than this in the smaller sizes, and it appeared to be more prevalent in the 70's and early-mid 80's than later.

I'm sure someone will chime in with their 52x56 1990 bike, but I'm speaking in general terms of what I've seen.