Originally Posted by
airick
53 or 55 ? If anyone can relate, I'd appreciate opinions; I currently ride a 54 Fuji Roubaix (55 c-c top tube) with a 90 mm stem and I'd say it fits well. What I'm wondering is, would it be "beneficial" to go with the 53 Bott. with a 53.5 top tube, and then a longer stem, or with the 55 Bott. and likely a 90 mm stem ? For some reason I'm thinking I'd like to go with the smaller size, for no real scientific reason. Bye the way, I'm approx. 5'8" with a 30 5/8" cycling inseam and average proportions. The head/seat tube angles on the Fuji are 73.5/73, respectively. The 53 Bott. is 72/74 and the 55 is 72.5/73.5. I'm not quite sure how those numbers would actually translate in regard to fit. The only pesonal comparison I can make is that I test rode a Cannondale Systemsix, size 52 (53.5 top tube), with a stock stem (probably 100 mm ?), and when in the drops, out of the saddle, it felt like my wrists were going to snap off... too short. Sorry for the long-windage, but I'm contemplating the group buy and I'd like to get it right the 1st time.
Thanks -- Eric
I was in the same debate between the 53 and 55 cm Bottecchia CF, and I chose the 55. I'm 5'8" with 31.5" cycling inseam. I chose the 55 partly because of the neck and back pain I'd had riding too small a frame (too cramped), and I wanted the taller headtube. I enjoy the long rides, so comfort is more important to me than racing and aerodynamics.