Frame size - big or small - Page 2

Are you getting a full and proper fit kit done to this frame? Or is this a choice between two stock bikes already built? In an ideal world, you should take your desired frame selection geometry for the two sizes in question larger and smaller to a LBS and be fit. Based on your body measurements, you'll get a recommended frame size selection as well as lengths/sizes etc for the variables. This would be for the average rider before preferences like ride position agressiveness and the like are chosen, and only you can decide this based on your experience or riding before.

Its possible you'll fall somewhere in between the two frames, in which case you'll be given both options - choose the smaller frame and longer stem etc, or choose the larger frame and shorter stem etc. In this case, I'd almost always go with the former.

For my own opinion, choose your frame and manufacturer and take geometries and go get fit, which will tell what size frame will work for most riders of your body type and size, as well as all the parts you'll need to get in what size to build exactly that (most expensive method - there's no denying that). That decision made, then have them cut the steering tube long and ride a few times moving the spacers around until you settle in on how high you want the bars and you can tweak after that.

If you are looking at a pre-built selection, get that frame's geometry and sizes available and go get fit for that and see what happens. Then go back to the shop that has the sizes you are considering and see how the options play out. Maybe you can get the one slightly smaller and get away with replacing the stem. No way would I choose a slightly smaller or larger bike without being armed with that info. That's why I chose the third option, since I think this question cant be answered in a poll..