Getting right Sized bike

[Daveinbronte]

I Am looking at buying a Bianchi Zurigo Cyclcross bike and there is a size 55 then next one down is 52. The shop where i am buying it say the 55 is too big and that I need to go to the 52. All info I look at puts me at a 54 ( inside leg 31 1/2 inches, 5' 8 tall). I rode the 55 and loved it. I also had the very short ride on a 52 (it was raining and it was a customers bike) and it was too hard to tell. I figure the guys in the bike shop know what they are doing but i am feeling a little concerned that the 52 with the seat up high and the bars slightly tilted will still put me too high above the handlebars - I figure i need them to fit out the bike and fit it for me and i wont know until i have ridden it for a week or so. Their concern was that the larger frame over 30-60 min rides i would get more tired due to the stretch of my arms? Is there a definitive way to know from looking at bike geometry and knowing your own stats to feel confident that the bike is the right size?

[Nobody]

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[jacks1071]

For your height I would recommend the 52. Its very simple to make a bike bigger if its a little small ie. longer stem.

Much harder to shrink something down if its too big without a lot of compromises.

[Daveinbronte]

well i bought the 52 and they set it up great its fantastic - why did i doubt their ability and professionalism!

Thanks for your comments


David

[nickdos]

Great to hear it worked out. FWIW I'm very similar height/inseam to you and I ride a 52 with a 11cm stem. I got a professional fit after buying the bike and he suggested the longer stem.