I have narrowed it down to either a 56 cm or
a 58 cm.
Here is some information about me for sizing. First, I am kind of a mutant, with very long legs for my nearly 6' frame (5' 11 3/4" tall). My inseam is right around 36.5" (92.7 cm), so I am all legs. My torso is thus somewhat short at 23.0" (58.4 cm). In case it helps, my arm length is 23.0" as well. I have had two road bikes, with 57 and 58 cm top tubes, and they both have fit fairly comfortably. The bike I am currently riding is a 1971 Atalia road bike (made in Italy) with great dimensions for my abnormal leg-to-torso ratio with a 63.0 cm seat tube (C-T) and an effective TT length of 58.0 cm (it has a 7.4" head tube length; 95 mm negative angled quill stem). I like the fit of the bike. I find myself riding with my hands behind the hoods quite a bit so I am thinking that I might prefer the shorter top tube of the 56 cm LHT (Effect. TT is 57.0 cm). I do not want to be stretched out too much on an extended tour. On the other hand, I was wondering if I do not cut down the steer tube much on the 58 cm frame (Effect. TT of
58.6 cm), then the angle of the steer tube may bring the bars back close enough to be comfortable. Thanks for your help with this big decision. I am hoping that this LHT will last me for many years.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Nick