I agree with the recent posts, you can definitely ride the size of bike you have. In the last year I've done long rides on bikes with frames ranging from 55 to 63 cm, and the main difference I've noticed is that my neck gets sorer sooner on a smaller frame. But hey, I'm 49. My neck gets sore no matter what I do. You shouldn't have that problem.

My advice would be to build the bike up and ride it, but don't go overboard. Don't have it powdercoated or anything. Put it up on the "frame don't fit" thread looking for an exact frame swap, looking for a slightly bigger version of the same frame. If you get a bite, go for it; until then, just keep riding.

Fit is such a personal thing. Some will feel better on a small bike, and others will opt for the larger, depending on their anatomical factors and their riding habits.
I've also noted that there is a great deal of variance in bikes themselves: Sometimes a small bike will feel larger, whereas a larger one will feel too small.

The best advice I can offer is to take no one's advice at all. Try it for yourself and decide, and if you get lucky, Harry, your Int'l may feel like a tolerably good ride. Best of luck!

Ok, thanks for all the insight and experience with this problem.

I knew everyone would think that the frames i ride are a tad too tall but i feel alot safer and upright on a taller frame.

When i ride something smaller then 58 i feel pretty bunched up, like i'm not getting enough extension on my legs and my back will hurt from being hunched over instead of upright.

But you can't tell someone how to fit on a bike ya know? if a guy that is 6'5 wants to ride 52cm frame because he feels more comfortable on it i don't see why he should consider getting a different frame but that's just my opinion.

-Harry

auchen- I always love hearing your side of every thread, you almost always have some great and useful information.

Thanks for all the help! I'm gonna go for it! (not overboard though)

Long seatpost + Nitto Dirt Drop + moustache bars lets me ride a smaller frame on my "casual bike". Gives me extra willie clearance.

HB Harry why not ride a few different size vintage road bikes? Do you have some friends with vintage bikes that would allow you to borrow them? You know, similar to test driving.

I am 5'11" and my target size frame is 57cm. For the last year though, I have been riding a 52cm Nishiki frame for commuting. I can get enough seat post extension and with GB All-Rounder bars (with an 80 or 90 mm stem), it actually is quite comfortable. I use to think (early 80s) that I needed a biggish frame and rode a 60 cm Palo Alto frame for quite some time. I was talked into trying some smaller frames and found that after messing with seat positions and stems, they were actually much more suitable for me. I don't think I am disproportional, but everybody's different.

The International is a very nice ride so it is worth trying. After a few hundred miles you can decide.

Good luck.

I think the International will be fine as long as you pick the stem and seatpost right.

Riding a smaller frame is up to you. If your legs clear the bars, you can ride the bike. I'm a tad over 5'8" and usually ride a 56cm vintage frame. I currently have a 50cm Bianchi Campione that I've upgraded to STIs. I added an adjustable stem to send the bars out a little and find I can ride this like any other bike. It looks awful, but I have no problems riding it. I have a 52cm Lemond Maillot Juane where I added a Nitto long stem to lift the bars. That one works too.
On my MTBs, I just moved to two "small" framed bikes. I was never fast on an MTB until I bought the small frames, what a difference.

Three of my bikes are a bit too small. I've made them comfortable by using upright bars.