Fit's complicated.

For a person about whom I knew nothing but their 5'8" height, a 54 cm normal road frame is the medium-sized bike. But not everybody prefers a medium-sized bike. Some people like a bigger frame, some like a smaller one. It seems that you are a smaller-frame kinda person.

The fact that a LeMond didn't work for you is strong evidence that this is the case. They've always fit "big", because of longer top tubes and slacker seat tube angles. What used to be called "stage race" geometry. Greg's riding position and style was butt back, back flat, long power stroke, big gear, crankin'. And his bikes were always designed for that. If that's not how you ride, bikes like that aren't likely to make you happy.

So, for you, maybe a 52 is the right choice, and, I'd bet, short-reach bars set closer to saddle height. If you can't ride comfortably in the drops for a good while, your bars are too low, and maybe too big as well.

Remember, too, that bike fit affects handling. A lot. I can make a 52 cm frame fit my 5'11", 58-cm-bike-preferring self. By tape measure. On a trainer. But that bike is gonna handle like crap, and riding it is gonna suck.

It's all tradeoffs, and nobody else rides your ride, your way, with your body.

--Shannon