Quote Originally Posted by jlnc View Post
If Roo is 5'9 and on a 56, do you think it is feasible that I am also comfortable on a 56 (at 5'11)?
Given that I am new to road bikes, and the position is very different, it's hard to know if it feels ok.
Perfectly feasible. My younger sister and I are the same height, but she rides a 51 cm frame and I'm comfortable on 54. There are so many different measurements that go into determining what bikes fit what people.

Sometimes determining the "perfect" bike is difficult, because you need adjustments or parts swapped that a shop may not think to tell you about...but definitely listen to your gut about what bikes feel absolutely wrong. Keep the maybes on your list, but keep a record of what about them felt odd to you. Then make sure you bring those issues up before you put any money on the table. If the shop wants to keep you as a customer, they'll help alleviate your concerns and not just brush them off.