Cross sizing if using as winter trainer (Ridley Cross Bow)

passout

I'm considering a cross bike as a fat tyred winter trainer & for the occasional off road adventure / tour in the summer. No racing. I like the look of the Ridley Cross Bow frame - building it up to my own specification. I could get a 52 or 54cm frame. I'm 5'9'' with a 31'' inside leg and average proportions.

Anyway do I judge size by effective top tube length which would normally be 54cm approx.? Or do I drop a size, as many people on line seem to advocate, giving me a shorter top tube than normal? If I'm not hoping off the bike in a race I can't see the point of dropping a size....

Obviously I'll try to ride before I buy but some research never does any harm. Thanks.

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ex-pat scot

Identical approach to your own- road use and some off-road.

I would advocate replicating your road position as far as you can.
Same eff tt length.
Same stem length.
Maybe a tad higher bars.

You should have plenty of cross bar clearance whatever size you go for.

passout

Cheers

If it's too long, I guess I could play with the stem. I agree though- should be fine..