Will 1.5cm shorter TT length be ridable for me?

[dzxc]

Wanted to get some opinions, may be sizing down. Adding a 120mm stem in place of the 100mm stem on the smaller bike gets me to about 1.5cm shorter total, a little less given the slight increase in seat tube angle on the new bike. My current ride is very comfortable.

Will I adapt to 1.5cm shorter, or should I just not even consider it? I ask because it's a good deal on a bike I want.

[zap]

not enough info. provide frame geo's.

[dzxc]

58:

http://road-bikes.gearsuite.com/sites/default/files/975/media/images/2011_Scott_Addict_R2_665734_i0.png

versus the smaller 56:

http://www.specialized.com/th/en-ap/bikes/road/venge/sworks-venge-frameset#geometry

[kramnnim]

Will the shorter head tube be a problem?

[dzxc]

I'm slammed on my current stem, so worst case I think I could just use a HT spacer I suppose. But I ride a pretty aggressive position, so I don't think it would affect me too much.

[firerescuefin]

Toe overlap may be a problem.

I did something similar a few years ago, and now my new preferred fit is a 54-55 (with a slightly longer stem) over the 56-57.

[zap]

Longer stem 120 v 100 should improve handling.

If your fit is correct and you know your numbers, go to your local Spec shop and take one out (after some adjustments) for a spin.

[kramnnim]

I'd try it, then. Wish the geo chart for the 58 showed reach but there isn't much difference between the two Venge sizes...

[Lewis Moon]

Remember: Seat angles don't mean schmidt inside of a certain range. Saddle position should always be measured in relation to the BB. Steeper seat angle means the saddle just gets kicked back a bit to keep the same relationship with the BB. Steeper seat angle also means a longer "effective" TT than advertised (as does a shallower HA).

This is one of the reasons I could comfortably ride a 60cm TT on my Felt and a 57.5 on my Ridley.

Of course, center of mass in relation to the tire contact points might be weird and head angle, stem length and rake/trail need to be dealt with, but you should be able to replicate your position within ~2cm either way of your regular frame size.
YMMD
YCCHI
YWPD

[Black Dog]

If you are running a 100mm stem and it is slammed then I would suggest that you are on a frame that is too large. Going down 2cm will put you on a better fitting bike.

[dzxc]

Oh, currently running a 58, slammed stem, 120mm stem. The 56 bike I was looking at had a 100mm stem stock, so I'll swap stems to get the extra 2cm of reach.

Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the bike as it was a fantastic deal. I'll see how it feels and will just have to resell it if it feels weird. Should arrive Thursday, hope to get a good long ride Friday.

[kramnnim]

Hmm, wonder if you'll end up needing a 130 or 140mm?