Originally Posted by Dave Moulton
Thank you George; you are welcome. My frame size chart and recommendations on my web site are for an efficient racing position. Rather than give people multiple choices which I think are confusing, I am saying here is a place to start; this will be your smallest size frame and your longest handlebar stem. From there, do as you have done, and choose a slightly larger frame and maybe a shorter stem if your goals are comfort over absolute efficiency.
If your choices are limited like the original poster of this thread who has a choice between a 52 cm. and a 55 cm. This person appears to be right in the middle of these two sizes; in which case I would suggest choosing the smaller size because it offers more scope for adjustment.
Dave, its great to have a person such as yourself participate on this board. You have such a wealth of information based upon the hundreds of cyclists you have built frames for over the years. Your website is quite informative. In particular I like your commentary about saddle setback relative to femur length...how setback in actual fact is more a function of overall inseam versus just femur length...good perspective. That is percisely the path I chose....slightly taller frame with a bit more setback with slightly shorter stem in deference to my riding style and relatively long inseam relative to torso length.
Dave...a final question please based upon your experience. If not an out and out racer, what do you think is the premier choice for frame material today?...perhaps with a CF fork?
Thanks,
George