Originally Posted by
caloso
FWIW, it's a lot easier to make a slightly too-small frame fit bigger with a longer stem and seat post than the other way around.
No, not really. Depends on if you are looking for a more relaxed or more aggressive fit.
The most difficult thing to adjust is the saddle-handlebar drop. To me, the major limiting factor - whether small or large - is head tube length. Let's say you go with the smaller frame option. You can only adjust the handlebars upwards about 30-40mm. So a short head tube might limit you there. Sure you can adjust the smaller bike's saddle upwards quite a bit, and the reach quite a bit with a longer stem. But unless you're willing to use a steep upward angled stem, you're out of luck if you need to raise the handlebars.
Same thing holds for the larger frame option. You can lower the seat quite a bit, and go pretty short with the stem. But if you want an aggressive position, there's only so far you can drop the stem downwards. Again, it's head tube length, not saddle height or stem length that's the limiting factor.
I personally prefer the larger option if between two, as do many (most?) non-racers who don't want a really aggressive low handlebar position. People who prefer lower handlebars, of course, the opposite.
But it's not true that the smaller frame is always the more adjustable option.