I have a 54cm 1986 Centurion Ironman, and a 1993 54cm Rossin bike. There is a 2 inch difference between the bikes from front fork end to rear drop out ends. What does that mean in handling difference if any?

I would think both of those frames would have fairly similar geometry. It really depends on where the differences are, it could mean nothing or the longer one could be much slower handling. Hard to say without more details

It seems that the front fork on the Rossin is closer to the down tube

are you sure the Rossin isn't bent? Maybe the top tube is shorter too, but the Ironman has classic racing geometry from what I can tell

I recently picked-up the Rossin. it's nearly mint. Columbus Gara, Pearl Red. Full Campy 8 speed. Modolo stem and H/B's. My first Italin Bike. Probably paid to much ( $600). I now have a Jap. bike, Ironman. Italian, Rossin, and American, Rodriguez. Why else can I ask for??? Love to Ride!!!

Why not ride them both and then tell us the difference.

See the duplicate posting for my answer. Andy.

I love the ride of the centurion. I haven't ridden the Rossin except for around the block a few times. I need to adjust the stem higher to get more comfortable. i'm 60 yrs old, can't keep that tucked position like I use to

I'm far less knowledgeable than many here, but it seems to me that if you measure the angle of the head tube (or more specifically the front rake) that would mean more than the axle-axle length...

Alternatively, I suspect that the ratio of rear axle-BB/ front axle-BB lengths would be more informative and easier to measure if you don't own any tool for angles...

Bingo, Coastiescott!