Frame or component?

Since I am a proponent of using Campagnolo shifters with Shimano drivetrains, 'I' endorse your plan ...

FWIW. I'm 5'9" tall and my preferred frames are 52x54.5 (with a 120mm stem & Cinelli 66 handlebars) & 53x55 (with a 110mm stem & Cinelli 65 handlebars which I just never got around to switching to a 66) ... the choice is as much cosmetic as not, BTW.

I have bikes whose top tubes are longer (with stems which are proportionally shorter), too ...

Off hand, I would say a frame with a 56cm

... a 56cm top tube should probably be about right for you.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Knackeredbiker [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Hello i am new at this site and road biking,
Well after i have been knackered by a bike theft (it was a Scott sub 20)
I am about to buy a carbon 2012 Specialized Roubaix comp with Shimano Tiagra £1400 now. i just want to puchase the best frame that i will be able to meet. As a Specy fan, roubaix looks a good choice to me. Its cheap components Tiagras and wheels don't bother me at this moment because after a few years later it will be replaced with Campognalos. This is my dream. Should i stick on this bikes for just its frame or give importance to components a little bit ( alternative bikes felt Z 85, Roubaix Secteur Elite, Jamis Ventura Race 2012, Specialized Allez, Norco A1 Valance, or another bike wit shimano 105.
Yes what is your opinion? Is roubaix worthy of buying for just its frame or not?
I am not going to a real proffesioanal race. My height is 177 cm (5'10). What is the Frame size? (i think it should be 56cm).
I will appreciate your suggestions and oppinions. Thank you vermuch.

Hi Knackeredbiker

I'm about your height as well, 5' 9" or 5' 8.5". I would say the frame is the most inmportant component since you can change everything else relatively easily but the frame is the core of the bike. The dimensions of the frame cannot be changed, and I would say the most important dimension of the frame is the top tube length, not the seat tube,

I have some trouble finding a frame that fits me properly, so I had a custom frame made by Condor Cycles in 1987. It is a 22" frame (56cm) with slightly shorter 21" top tube (53.5 cm). My legs are a little long relative to my height, hence I struggle not to be too out stretched and prefer a shorter top tube. I have a 100mm stem. Arguably the frame size (seat tube) is a little on the large size, by a smidge, but it feels pretty comfy. I was looking recently at the new Condor frames, and think their Baracchi relaxed geometry or RL 52cm frame would probably fit me best since it has 52.7cm top tube - so you can see that's quite a small frame in traditional terms (Condor frame geometries attached). So your 56cm frame might be too big depending on the top tube and reach you want.

Tho only issue with "cheap" Tiagra components is that they aren't in high demand. Your total cost of acquisition will most likely be higher by selecting the Tiagra version rather than a 105 version to start. ... Or, just splurging for Campy to to start, which would be your lowest cost option if you definitely are going to make the swap. 105 groupsets on eBay or other sales channel have strong resale value - Tiagra not as much. Basically comes down to total investment and cashflow. Same for wheels - mid-range wheelsets have market value, where "entry-level" won't offset your trade-up cost very much.

You're in the general ball park for size, but throw in the nuances of inseam vs. torso vs. arm length, coupled with personal preference and there is NO way you're going to get fit via the Internet.