Originally Posted by
ridethecliche
Actually, that's not true. It's a really stand up shop. They had a 56 cm CAAD8 in a 56 (they woulda wanted to clear it out since it was an older bike that was getting discontinued right?) and they said they wanted to see me on the 54 CAAD9 because the fit of the 56 CAAD8 looked a little off. So they got a 54cm CAAD9 in from another friendly cannondale shop in record time because I was heading back to college in a few days.
My initial thoughts were, wow I was fine on the 56, I would have totally bought it. Must have seen something for them to order a smaller bike because they didn't like the way something looked.
There is some amount of personal preference in bike fit. They may have been trying to fit the bike for a rider with more fitness, strength, and/or flexibility than you. Maybe as you ride the bike more, you'll be able to develop these qualities and become comfortable in a lower, more aero, riding position. Until then, a taller stem might be appropriate.