Old bike or new bike?

MJFear

I have a dilemma. I'm in the market for a new road bike. I've been to a decent LBS and been measured up properly and apparently I have a long torso and short legs for my height (6'0" and need a 550mm seat post with a 594mm top tube). I've been advised that an American bike would probably suit me better. I want to spend between £2-3k and was really set on the idea of something a bit more 'niche' than a Trek or Specialized (really fancied a Colnago or Pinarello...). I'm not specifically bothered about having a 2009 or 2010 model.

It also happens that the shop I visited have various 3/4 year old models still in the box in their warehouse which are obviously going cheaper.

My questions are:

- Is it true that an American bike would suit me better? Certainly the geometries I've looked at suggest it is the case.
- How much difference would a top tube that is ~3cm short actually make?
- Given the choice between a mid-range 2009/10 model frame, with say, 105/Ultegra, or a 2005 proven thoroughbred with Dura Ace - let's say one that has won the TDF under Lance - for about the same cash what would others do? Would the older model represent 'better value'? (Incidentally, I'm leaning towards the older model on the grounds that I could buy something else with a cheaper groupset, but the frame probably won't be as good as the older one and by the time I get round to upgrading the groupset I'll have a 4/5 year old frame on my hands anyway).
- Are there any alternatives to what has been suggested I should look at, eg buy a Euro frame with a long stem to make up the difference?

Yours,

Confused..... (well, Mark, actually)
-

markos1963

If you were buying a pair of trainers I would understand this arguement(American trainers tend to be a wider fit) if your shoe size was a 9f but as for a bike I don't buy that for one minute.
FWIW I'm a bit shorter but have a long torso, I have tried several bikes out and I have got on well with most just using a longer stem. My current bike is an Orbea Onix, my hight would have suggested a 56cm(I'm 5'11") but the shop measured me up and put me on the 54 and then put a 120mm stem on, perfection. I did try a 56 but found it too tall for my legs(lack of standover hight) As I get fitter i reckon I could even stretch it out to a 130mm stem.