Pretty much the title. I’m right on the cut off height between a 54 and 56 frame. If I use the Specialized site for example, their rec changes based on my shin length. I’m curious how others who are on these split points pick and what goes into the decision.
It’s easier to make a small bike ride bigger than it is to make a large bike ride smaller, in general. But you might want to look at other brands that are closer to your sweet spot.
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Depends on a few things like the specific bike and your own preferences and flexibility, what riding you’re doing etc etc…
But as someone perpetually between 54 and 56 myself, I almost always size down for a drop bar bike. A snappy and dynamic 54cm with a 110 stem and a bit less stack is a way more fun bike to ride IMO than a 56cm boat with a 90mm stem and a big ol’ head tube.
MTB I can go either way a bit more depending on the reach/ETT/wheelbase of the model in question.
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As the previous replies here, on a drop bar bike I usually go smaller. Especially a bike that is too long is hard to fix. Size recommendations by manufacturers also very often tend to point towards larger frame sizes than ideal, if you believe what fitters say.
It might also be a good moment to visit a bike fitter.
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I prefer smaller.
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I’d second the recommendation for a bike fitter.
I’m on the cusp of 56 and 58, but because of my shortish legs, long torso and arm length I end up needing at least a slammed 140mm stem. Many brands add very little reach with a 58, but loads of stack, which is a problem for me who’s looking for more reach and same stack, so I’ve ended up sizing down. A bigger frame might be great for someone else though!
You can also play around with some of the online geo tools to compare touch points.
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My rule of thumb is to go smaller, but with the caveat that you have to be careful about stack height.
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You might want to check out BikeFitJames on YouTube. He’s reviewed some of the bike brands sizing guides and it’s fair to say most didn’t fair well.
That said, I’m in between sizes, and I often go bigger, but that’s because I seem to have proportionally short legs and/or like quite a traditional, relatively aggressive position, with fairly long reach for my height, but the flip side of that is that it can limit seat post exposure ( reducing compliance or dropper travel, depending on the bike).
And that’s kind of the thing - how you fit on a bike depends as much on what you prefer/need in your riding position as it does your height.
It really depends on your circumstances. When I was younger I preferred a smaller frame (56 cm) with a longer stem. I was more flexible then and could handle the larger seat-to-bar drop. Now that I’m older and a little less flexible , I need my seat and bars almost even, so I find the larger frame (58 cm) with a shorter stem more comfortable. I would consult a bike fitter to help you make the decision. It’ll cost more in the short run, but could save lots in the long run!
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I’d agree smaller with all the caveats mentioned above (mostly stack height), but also add to be careful of too much toe overlap on a small frame.
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It depends. I usually struggle with getting a long enough reach and front centre on the smaller sizes, so need to look at all the dimensions before any decision happens. However, I don’t care about a short wheelbase, only fit.
The pitfalls of going small have already been detailed. If you decide to go for a larger size, mind that going down too much in stem size may result in twitchy handling.
My preference would be looking out for another brand/model. If there is no other option, I’d consult a good bikefitter first.
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The only way to know for sure is to test ride bikes and see what feels better. Due to my long limbs, I need a size larger than what you’d expect purely based on my height, I have consistently preferred 56 cm/size L frames across brands over 54 cm/size M. Smaller frames felt more crammed in more ways than can be compensated for by longer stems. My knees would touch my belly more easily in an aero position on a smaller frame as my seat post would be higher and the body angled down more.
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I test rode a 54 and 56 Specialized before deciding on the 54. I think my proportions are about average so both would’ve been fine, but I wanted to leave the option of getting more aggressive drop, and the smaller size felt more responsive. The only downside to a smaller size for me is the smaller wheelbase/FC means more toe overlap, so I have to be more careful making slow turns.
Contrary to what most folks have been saying, the modern trend seems to be to pick the larger frame size. This is because most geometries haven’t caught up to how people are setting up their bikes (long stems, zero offset seatposts, forward saddle position, less emphasis on being as low as possible). The larger frame gives you more reach, which helps with this.
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It really depends on your “issue.” My #1 issue is tall stack height due to an arm problem (one arm is shorter after surgery). Example:
56 Trek Domane stack 591 reach 377
58 Trek Domane stack 611 reach 380
I was willing to “size up” to get the extra 2cm as the reach is nearly identical.
I am a recreational rider and not trying to win anything, including local group rides.
I would also add that I had toe overlap on the 56 but not the 58.
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