Originally Posted by
CarloM
If you're going into a reputable bike shop, trust their guys to order you the right overall frame size, usually based on your height and inseam. Your stack, reach, etc. is all adjusted after you get the bike. It may involve ordering a longer/shorter stem, raising/lowering handlebar angle, seat height adjustment, cleat angle adjustment, etc.
The only time it gets a little tricky is 1) if you're between sizes, and/or 2) you have atypical measurements (like a long torso for your height, or long legs for your height). But talk to the reps in the shop (even if it's an online shop, chat with them over the phone). A bike is too important a purchase to rely solely on online tools, especially if it's your first time.
Thanks CarloM. While I want to trust the bike shop, I also want to be an informed customer. If I'm between two frame sizes I would like to be able to go in having a conversation about the pluses and minuses of each one. My experience so far with buying a bike at a shop is that they have leaned heavily towards what they already have in stock. I started seeking this info to get smart and not just blindly trusting the shop. Is there no good way, other than a dynamic fit, to see how I match up to various frame sizes with the various manufacturers?