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Old 04-06-08 | 04:34 PM
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Campag4life
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Originally Posted by jameswelle
I've got similar measurements and was wondering the same thing. Fit calculators like competitivecyclist's recommend I ride a 59, but I used to race a 61cm Bianchi Veloce and was comfortable on it. Is there any disadvantage to riding a frame one size too big?
Bianchis have a very forgiving geometry...somewhere between comfort and normal and maintaining the Italian tradition of squarely proportioned frames...virtual seat tube length = top tube length...or close. A 61 has a 585mm top tube with 72.5 deg sta and why it worked well for you...a tall frame for its length if you will. The disadvantage to riding a bike too big is multi-fold but in summary, if the top tube is too long you will require a shorter stem and your body CG will not be centered in the sweetspot of the frame. 1 size up bikes tend to be a bit more comfortable for the average recreational rider provided you aren't too stretched out...because the head tube is longer and the handlebar position is higher relative to the saddle.
HTH.
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