mr,grumpy 

.... I need quick answers because I'm leaving soon and it's a LONG drive.

I found some one selling a carbon Specialized bike for a very good price. The problem is that it's a 54 and I normally ride a 56 Tricross. With the saddle pretty low, it fits me very well. I had a 58 Trek before that was clearly too big and sold it.

My personals are: old, 5'10-11" depending on the day, beginner and fat with a 31 inch inseam. The internet say 56. (54-58 actually depending on the chart) i do 56 but in y'all's persona opinions, CAN I do a 54 with the seat up a little higher?

Thank you guys so much.

fietsbob

just pull up more seatpost if you emulate the current TdF setups , which wanting Carbon indicates,

they only sit up if they win!

wphamilton

I think you probably can but will you like it, couldn't say.

FWIW I am 5'9 1/2", 31" inseam (pants measure), ride a 54 and a 56 and I'm fine on both. The 56 is more relaxed however and set up to be less aggressive, while the 54 has a more aggressive setup. So I wouldn't consider one to be a replacement of the other, but rather two different styles for different purposes.

corrado33

You'll be fine. You may require a slightly longer stem. Go ride it and see. I'm 5'10" and ride a 54 or 56 as well. 58s are clearly too big for me.

curbtender

Always easier to make a smaller bike larger than a larger bike smaller. If top tube works out, I wouldn't see an issue.

mr,grumpy 

Yes. I'm totally a TDF wanna-be! Seriously though, I was looking at getting a set of wheels/tires for "road" for the TC but then I have to take all me "stuff" off of it too. And it's till "the wrong tool". For a little more I can get a whole other bike to do what I want and not worry. The fact that this one is carbon makes it a deal worth jumping on instead of relegating it to "some day I might..."

That sounds about exactly like the situation I'm trying to emulate so it's a good start.

exmechanic89

I wouldnt do it, OP. I take a 56cm as well and have felt cramped on the 54s I've tried, even with a longer stem and high seatpost.

mr,grumpy 

SO, I went and rode it around a little and it seemed reasonable.I didn't measure it or any thing but I had full extension with plenty of seat post still in. Reach to the bars seemed good (turns out it's IDENTICAL to the Tricross but a little lower down). The bike is fast! I keep getting surprised at how much a few pounds of bike weight can effect how it performs. It worked as it should, showed no major flaws and was reasonable on fit.For what the guy wanted for it I couldn't loose. I took it home, cleaned it up and went for a quick few mile ride in regular sneakers. It's pretty OK so far. 10 speed 105 with a TRIPPLE? I have a THIRTY SPEED road bike? I like it just fine so far but who would even invent such a thing?

nycphotography

the seat slides back on the rails, the stem can be longer, and whammo the bikes fit exactly the same.

the 54 will have a shorter head tube / lower bars. great for aero, but if your neck can't handle it, flip the stem up.

the 54 will be quicker handling than a 56, and less stable in a straight line.

I'm 6' and I choose a 56 Tarmac over a 58, and I've fitted (seat, stem and spacers) and ridden a 54 no problem. But the 54 was a little more aggressive than I want since I do long rides. If all I did was <30 mile races, I'd be on the 54.

So you will be fine.

nycphotography

You have to move the seat back 1 CM as well. Often a 54 will have a steeper seat post than a 56, and moving the seat back on a high post doesn't change the angles much if any.