Need some advice

I'm looking to buy a new frame and I've found 2

One is a Colnago with columbus SL tubing - £180
the other a Pinarello Treviso with columbus GPX tubing - £270
They're both in excellent condition and look pretty much the same so I need some advice on which one to buy??
I don't really know much about this sorta thing.

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Do you like the pinarello 50% more than the colnago? Just buy whichever you think looks coolest and will still fit, don't worry about the tubing sticker

Flip a coin if you get really stuck

They look to be different sizes. Buy the one that fits.

at that price buy the Colnago

that's v cheap, sure there's nothing fishy with it?

/cynic

also, very different sizes as has been said, find out your size first , before you buy anything

Yeah I was gonna buy the colnago but then I was told that it's a replica. Pinarello it is!
What're peoples opinion on having shimano on an italian frame? I've heard it's quite frowned upon

How tall are you?

I'm looking to buy a new frame and I've found 2...
**
...so I need some advice on which one to buy??**
I don't really know much about this sorta thing.

They look to be different sizes. Buy the one that fits.

also, very different sizes as has been said, find out your size first , before you buy anything

How tall are you?

It sounds as if you don't know what size frame you need.

If you search there's a list of bike fitting services and in there is a link to a free online measuring guide.

You should always find the top tube length and use that as the basis for your choice.

Actually, for a frame with a horizontal top tube, like these two, seat tube length is also important.

Obviously it plays a factor, but it's less important. And if you're unsure of sizing and need a rule of thumb top tube makes more sense.

I would argue that for a conventional frame (i.e. not compact), seat tube length is more important as it governs both stand over height and exposed seat post length. Most frames of that era were built with top tubes that were very similar in length to seat tube, give or take a couple of centimeters so that reach can be adjusted using a different stem.

In old money, frame size was one third of your height, or your inside leg measurement to floor, minus 9 inches.

I guess you've got a point about Italian frames like those usually being square. But from my searches on ebay, ST and TT lengths can often varry quite a bit.

ST length governs standover height when coupled with BB height - and there are differences there - , and I have nott found it that important when riding a bike nor have I really worried about exposed seat tube length. whereas how stretched out you are does make a difference. Also while being too long on the TT can. E sorted with a short stem, it then also impacts your bar choice.

Seatposts can be easily raised or lowered, and are also effected by your saddle and pedal/shoes.

The truth is there's a balance needed, and seattube angle and the distance from BB to sadle rails and then the distance from your arse to your hands from the top of that line are probably much more use. But I still think if youre searching and you don't have much of an idea of your size checking the TT is more reliable and gets you closer to your fit than the ST.

I shouldn't talk
The way I found my size was to buy a succession of ill-fitting
bikes

I'm 5'7"-ish and the ST is 52cm and the TT is 53cm. Sounds pretty good to me

One further thing to note, Italian frames are often quote seat tube lengths 'centre to centre' (centre of BB shell to centre of seat lug) whereas in UK, ST lengths are quoted 'centre to top' (of seat lug). This usually makes Italian frames about 1cm longer in the ST for a given size.

I am also 5' 7" and ride a (conventional) frame with a 54cm seat tube (C to T) and 55cm top tube.

Which tubing would you say is better Reynolds 531C or Columbus GPX
I googled the latter and apparently is "a custom Columbus tubing" but don't know if it's better. Thanks for the help peple :D