sizing philosophies
 

I just bought a new roadbike and had to decide between 2 sizes (53cm and 55cm).
I had been doing some reading on Rivendell's siite and had a strong disposition toward buying the largest frame I could straddle w/ enough clearance. As that site predicted, they tried to talk me into the smaller of the two sizes. My goal was to get a comfortable bike w/ a fit that would render that goal easiest. I wanted the bars to be at least at seat height and to not feel too stretched out or tortured when in the drops. I rode both, had a couple of experienced staff members of the shop watch me ride, and allowed myself to be talked into the smaller size.
Neither frame had much seat post showing and we can still cut about an inch off the top of the steerer w/ the bars at seat height on the smaller frame (we did flip the stem). The 53cm feels like a better fit in terms of handling. My only concern is that the rides were fairly short (10 mins twice on each size) and I hope I don't come to regret my decision later. I really could have gone either way but with the 55cm, the seat was adjusted all the way fwd and I would have most likely needed a shorter stem. I agonized over this but in the end, the difference wasn't that huge and I can still tweak things w/ stem and seat adjustments.
I should say that I have a great deal of respect for the folks at this shop. They said I could make either work but recommended the 53cm.
The bike is an '05 Jamis Quest.
Did I do this right?
Thanks for listening.
CPW

Really hard to judge fit without watching you ride. There is a lot more to fit than frame size and seat height.

IMO, if you buy a new bike with different geometry than you're used to, it will take you a while before you will be able to judge for yourself if you're bike fits properly. That's why bike fitting by a competent LBS is so important. My LBS fitted me to my bike and it felt awkward at first. This feeling lasted for a week or so, however now I can ride long distances with a high degree of comfort. I can't imagine changing anything. If I had tried to fit myself, I probably would have sized myself into a larger frame with a longer reach. It would have felt more right at the time, but I'm sure I would be miserable now.

I wanted the bars to be at least at seat height....where else could they be not below. Fit is the most important as[ect to buying a bike. Good LUCK

cpw, i was kinda in the same boat. i though a 54 or 55 would be a good fit, but i ended up with a 53 giant ocr elite. the compact geometry makes it look very small, but it does fit well: the top tube isnt too long and i was able to adjust the seat to about bar height. even though it looked small at first glance, it really does fit well and i really like it. lbs assured me he wouldnt sell me anything that didnt fit right. they were right, after a couple of adjustments, ie moving seat forward and switching the stem to upright position it rides like a charm. rest assured, if you feel comfortable on it, you made the right choice. cheers.

Sounds like exactly the same situatuation as me. That's reassuring. Now all I need is a few hrs free time during business hrs so I can go pick it up. Just got back from out of town tonight but it may be Wed. before I can pick up.
Dang!
CPW

Top tube length is more important than set tube length.

Yes you can shorten or lengthen total top length by playing with stems and seat posts, but you are likely to no longer have your center of mass where it should be, thereby affecting your cornering.

exactly. I think if I bike fits right, the saddle should be centered on it's rails.

I'm not sure I would agree with that, miater. This is going to be an interrelated function of seattube angle, necessary seatpost length and saddle size (some longer than others).

More has to do with relationship of knee to pedal, typical riding position on saddle, etc. KOPS as a general starting rule is going (as well as what fit philosophy you embrace, i.e., "competitive", "Eddy" or "French" to quote competitive cyclist, or Rivendell's rather iconoclastic take) to blow that one out of the water, don't you think?

I would always take the word of a trusted LBS who takes the time to work with you on fit, vs. a website with general sizing rules, who's never seen you.

Also, it's not like they only had the smaller size in stock, so there doesn't seem to be an incentive for them to steer you towards the smaller frame. And from your description of your setup, it seems like itt was a reasonable decision on their part. Good luck.

What he said, and throw seatpost setback into the mix.

Top tube length......

Sorry, but what's "KOPS"?
Thx,
CPW

"Knee Over Pedal Spindle". Lots of the "rule of thumb" guys say if you clip in and rotate your crankarms horizontal, drop a plumb bob from the front of your knee cap, it should bisect the pedal spindle...it's how they define correct fit.

But lots of more detailed fit essays (see for example, Keith Bontrager's article here:
http://sheldonbrown.com/kops.html) say it's a load of hooey, that fit is way more complex than just dropping a plumb bob from your knee.