n00b geometry and sizing question
 

I'm planning on building a new fixed gear this winter to replace my crummy Peugeot conversion when the snow melts. I found a pretty good deal on a leader 722ts, the only problem is that its a 61cm. I'm 6'4 (mostly torso) and currently have a 58cm Cannondale CAAD8 with a 110mm stem, and it fits me perfectly. When I compared the geometry charts for the Leader and my Cannondale, they seem extremely close to each other. They have the same stand-over, top tube length is pretty close to each other (about 2cm difference), and seat\head tube angles are withing .5 degrees of each other. My question is could I build up the Leader easily to fit similar to my CAAD8 by using a slightly shorter stem and maybe a no set back seatpost? or am I completely overlooking something simple (definitely a possibility)?

For reference:
CAAD8 Geo
http://i.imgur.com/hdGMA.png

Leader Geo
http://i.imgur.com/wr1oc.jpg


Sorry for the dumb question, I just have no real experience in comparing geometry for sizing.

Yes.

You may even find that your caad doesn't fit you as "perfectly" as you'd thought.

2cm isn't "Pretty close," it's a different size.

Use a fit calculator? http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

The way I was looking at it the 2cm difference could be accounted for by using a 90mm stem instead of a 110mm stem.

I wouldn't just assume that your CAAD fits you perfectly without actually having tried something larger. I'm 3" shorter than you and ride the same size frame as your CAAD, but with even longer (120mm) stem. Without more information its hard to be certain, but it is probable a 61cm frame with a 110+ mm stem would fit you just fine, if not better than your current 58.

This. Depending on what the bikes are used for, I like having bikes with different fits. Different muscles are used which is good for a bunch of reasons.