When choosing a frame, is it better to err on the short side or long side when it comes to top tube length?
I’m shopping for a new frame. My top choice is the Look 555. However, I can’t decide if I’d be better off with the 59 or the 61. The biggest deciding factor between these two for me is the top tube length and to a lesser extent, the head tube length.
My current setup: 58.5 cm top tube, 20.95 cm head tube
Look 555 59: 58 cm top tube, 19.3 cm head tube
Look 555 61: 59 cm top tube, 21.0 cm head tube
Depending on who measured me, I’ve been told I need an overall reach of 69.25 – 70.5 cm. I had been planning to drop my bars a tiny bit, so I can deal with a slightly shorter head tube, though I'd still like to keep it comfortable. Also – this is going to sound a bit silly – I would like to reuse my current 120mm stem, if at all possible.
FYI, I'm a recreational cyclist, doing 25-100 mile rides four to five days per week.
I’m shopping for a new frame. My top choice is the Look 555. However, I can’t decide if I’d be better off with the 59 or the 61. The biggest deciding factor between these two for me is the top tube length and to a lesser extent, the head tube length.
My current setup: 58.5 cm top tube, 20.95 cm head tube
Look 555 59: 58 cm top tube, 19.3 cm head tube
Look 555 61: 59 cm top tube, 21.0 cm head tube
Depending on who measured me, I’ve been told I need an overall reach of 69.25 – 70.5 cm. I had been planning to drop my bars a tiny bit, so I can deal with a slightly shorter head tube, though I'd still like to keep it comfortable. Also – this is going to sound a bit silly – I would like to reuse my current 120mm stem, if at all possible.
FYI, I'm a recreational cyclist, doing 25-100 mile rides four to five days per week.