hi!
Hoping someone can give me a bit of help. I have been riding a 52 Trek older model for a few years, i'm 5'3 and 29 1/2 inch inseam. I have about 1/2 an inch of clearance on the top tube. I'm happy with the size just the arms feel like i'm stretched out just a bit. My LBS did fit me to it when i bought it. Long story short...I got hit by a car 2 years ago, freaked me out, put the bike on the porch and didn't ride it until this past April. Started up again, love it been riding since then.

Fast forward, i've decided to upgrade my old trek with a new road bike, am looking for comfort on long distance riding. I was going to get a Madone but decided on the Domane the 2013 endurance version of the Madone.

My question is this, i've gone to at least 8 different shops, each one says anything from a size 48 to a 52. Understanding that all brands may be different, 48 in this one, 50 in that one etc....my bike shop said definately a 52 no smaller and just bring the stem in a bit.

Ok who do I listen to? One trek shop says 52 the other says 50, i'm comfortable on the 52 it's just a bit long in the arm, just a smidge. Is fitting really just about what that particular fitter likes? Is it better to have the bigger frame and shorten the stem? OR get the smaller and put a set back on the seat post and extend the stem? Now i'm not an engineer but I would imagine when you're adding that much/taking away from a frame you're really messing with the handling.

The longest i've taken my current 52 is 30 miles, I had no discomfort in the shoulder or leg. I've ridden a Specialized 51.8 15 miles and my shoulders were killing me.

My friends husbands who race keep saying oh the smaller 50.

I'm so lost. It's a lot of money not to know exactly what's right.