Trev Doyle

I have been professionally fitted and the jist of it was that I should ride a 54cm top tube w/120mm stem. I have no arguement with that and it feels right. My question is what would the big difference be if I ran a smaller frame (52cm) with a longer stem (140mm) ? the entire reach would be the same. I realize that a longer stem would not have as quick steering but on the road I am not as concerned as I would be with a XC bike on the trail.

Is there any negatives to running this setup? Is there any other problems that I am missing?
Thanks

caloso

I think you're looking at only half the equation. Saddle positioning is just as important (more important for my creaky old body). So maybe you could go with the smaller frame but instead of making up those 20 mm at the front, you could get a seatpost/saddle combination that will let you set it back 20mm on the back end. You might feel more balanced on the bike that way.

Trev Doyle

But then wouldn't I be too far back over the BB, my knees wouldn't be over the pedal axel? would they?

caloso

It depends on your femur length. And keep in mind that KOPS is just a starting point for good fit.

Trev Doyle

Kops????

caloso

Sorry. Knee over pedal spindle.

old and new

NO,Never let one small component dictate the size frame,it's dumb,it's a good question,you are not dumb for asking either.Assuming that you have a ways to go as far as riding technique if not fitness,you have room in the future for a longer stem.Some say that a small frame is "quicker",that's wrong too.If it was,compromise as far as ride quality that only the right size can offer would off-set it.A too large frame IS more awkward "tossin' 'round uner you" during an out of saddle sprint or climb.Bike measuring these days IS race oriented,as are the frame geometries in the realmof road bikes ,even cyclecross.A short stem,that is to say a "normal" stem,100 to 120 is based on a coorect size.Too short of a stem results in too quick steering actually.I rode a bike with a 130 stemfor years,it DID makeme feel "locked-in" going on a straight course,the out of saddle climbing somewhat suffered.Some sprinters use a long stem,140 or more.They ARE dedicated sprinters ,you won't see the guys wearing the Pink Polka Dot jerseys with the long stems.Coloso's idea on the seat post is good,it's been said that knee-over sindle is best,Imaintain,OK but a little set-back behind the pedal beats too far forward.In the last place,you were proffesionally fitted,that ought to trump a choice to have a longer stem 'cause it looks cool.You can get a longer stem and/or a set-back post after you REALLY sharpen your road bike skills if needed.

reef58

Well the smaller frame will have a larger saddle to bar drop, because the headtube will be shorter, and the seatpost will be higher. If your bike fits then I recommend staying put.

Richard

timmyquest

You can also move the saddle forwards and backwards. There is no single frame size for each individual...to a certain extent it becomes kinda personal.

BlackTie

is english not your first language? that seriously took me 10 min to read and understand

old and new

REALLY sorry to hear that..pay attention to the post .. less on nit-picking punctuation.English IS my first of three languages. You're picking on the wrong man.

Camilo

Yea, but as constructive advice, it was good. If you used some periods and spaces between sentances, it would be much easier to read what you said; what you said was good, but damn hard to read. I could hardly read it also. I'm not talking about perfect spelling and "proper" punctuation, but just a little would be nice though.

CdCf

One size up or down is well within the range of adjustability of other components. Frame size isn't that critical. It also depends on your body type. Long upper body requires a larger frame, while long legs mean a smaller frame.

Trev Doyle

I guess I should have given every detail............
I have a Merckx that is 2 cm to short, so I put a stem on that is 2 cm too long in hope that it would sort of even everything out.