Fitting/test ridequestion

[Catrin]

I have an opportunity to test ride a Trek 520 on Friday - but it isn't in my size. The smallest size for the 520 is a 48cm, they have a 51cm in stock (in the Surly I take a 46cm). The fitter told me that this would be fine if he switched out the stem for a smaller one to mimic the reach on the smaller bike.

Does this make sense? I am unsure if even the 48cm Trek 520 would even be a fit - but am going to try it anyway. Just wondering how much of a real feel it would give me to test a larger bike than I would take assuming the seat post isn't too tall as I start in an...unorthodox...manner anyway

This will at least give me a chance to test out a touring geometry, even if it is a little large. The fitter said that for test ride purposes around a parking lot that it would feel similar to the LHT. Hey, I will take whatever kind of test that I can get, just wondering how much weight to give the test since it isn't my size.

Yesterday I test rode a Cannondale Synapse Feminine 5 , just testing what road bars feel like and my reach. I realized almost immediately that my Trek has spoiled me! I did like the road bars and being in that position, but my Trek 7.6 certainly smooths out the bumps much better than the Cannondale. I assume that part of that was due to the skinnier tires and the Trek does have the IsoZone Monostay that helps with that. It will be interesting to see what steel feels like