Originally Posted by
5h0m3d4m0n3y
that's not 2cm off, that's 1cm from your 54.
and i doubt it will be a big deal. your speed will be a little slower but you'll have better control of your bike, which i'd prefer unless you are racing it. and it doesn't sound like you are. but if you just don't feel good getting the 53, then you should wait since it's something you'll have for a while. get it perfect if you can.
I don't think he'd necessarily be slower.
With a 1 cm smaller frame you can get a little more drop if desired because of the shorter headtube. And if you're not ready for that you can just run a longer stem or a stem w/ more rise and voila you're essentially back at your old 54. It's harder to make a bigger frame fit than a smaller frame, IMO.