Originally Posted by CTAC
I'm 5'9 with 32" inseam, riding 54cm compact frame bike with 55cm effective top tube.
In two years I could not fit it right. Right now I'm already using 120mm stem, but it still fells like the handlebar should be at least 2cm farther. It seems that I should use a larger frame, but in that case standover height might be the limitation. Any suggestions?
Your proportions sound about average. I'd guess that pushing your seat back would help. Peter White, Steve Hogg, Bontrager, etc are proponents of being well behind the knee-over-pedal-spindle fit "rule". Having your weight balanced on your butt is more efficient... and it is the way most of the euro pros ride.
If your seat is already back, then 130mm stems are readily available... plus some bars have more reach than others. A different bar width might help as well. What kind of symptoms do you experience that make you think more reach would help?
BTW, when you are normally riding on the hoods and you look down at the front hub, is it obscured by the bars?