I just bought a 2003 Eros from CL.

The seller thought it was size 53. Well, the seat tube is about 53, but the top tube is 55 or a bit more, head tube 15.

From what I can tell, it's a size 55.

Anyone have an eros in 53 or 55 and can double check against theirs?

thanks!

Bianchi still has info on the '06 Eros on their web site (HERE). If the sizing was consistent between 2003 and 2006, a 55 cm top tube would indicate a 57 cm frame.

there are two ways to measure a top tube
the actual top tube length
or the horizontal length between the centre of the head tube and the seat post
which is called the horizontal or effective top tube length

anyhow
does the bike fit or not
is what i want to know
how tall are you and what is your pbh

Thanks,
I tried to upload pictures but it didn't work (any tinypic etc are blocked at work). I'll try again when I get home.

Judging by the 2006 geo chart, it is more likely a size 57, as the seat tube is real close to 54, and tt about 55. Oddly, it has 170 veloce cranks that appear original and a 42cm bar. I would suspect that a 57 would come with 172 or 175 cranks and a wider bar.

The funny thing is, the guy I bought it from was only about an inch taller than me, and he had the stem flipped down. I'm 5'6" and change, and I usually ride a 52 with 535mm ETT and a 110mm stem flipped up. I am used to fairly low angle over the bike and stretched out position.
When I rode the Bianchi it seemed longer than I am used to, but not uncomfortable with the stem flipped up. My guess is the higher head tube (5cm higher than my size 52) compensates for the added length. a la "French fit".

It rides smooth and it's a great bike, but for now I think I need a slightly smaller size. My intended use for it is a commuter, so more standover clearance and a more upright posture are called for.

I posted a CL add trade it for a similar Bianchi or Lemond is a smaller size, but I'll try it with a shorter stem and see what happens. Maybe the French fit guys are on to something. Pass the Grey Poupon.


ETA: The Bianchi size chart does not specify CC or CT, if CC it's probably a size 55. I will have to measure wheel base when I get home. Shame they don't list the head tube, that is the one measure which can't be fudged.

Meh, that's debatable.

could be 57, though it would be bizarre to have 170 cranks and a 42 bar on a 57

Bianchi measures C-T... well, sort of. The size decal on the back side of my San Mateo's seat tube says "53 cm center to top" even though the geometry chart says my "53" actually has a 50 cm seat tube.

I can't tell from the photo, but if the top tube is sloping, then the seat tube will be shorter than the listed "size."