I'm a 56cm frame (I'm about 6 foot 1).
The Sintesi looks interesting though!
What colour should Bianchis be referred to then? I've come to realise they do seem to be under specced for the price compared to similarly priced bikes, which is probably enough to put me off them - they are just so beautiful though
Hi - Bianchi official colour it is renowned for is Celeste.
At 6ft 1 you are approx 3/4 inch taller than I am.
My Sintesi Z2 is size large but equates to a 56 & it's quite 'race' in it's geometry.
The Z2 has an 'Aero' seatpost/mast which can be raised/lowered like any 'standard' seatpost.
The M2 which they still had last I looked has an ISP - intergrated seat post which has to be cut down to size by the store when you purchase it.
Obviously this entails getting you set up 1st & taking measurements.
The name Sintesi is very little known in the U.K but quite well known in other European countries.
Tweeks are the only U.K dealer & as they are selling off stock it appears (though I've not been told) they may not continue to be a Sintesi dealer.
There in lies the only real downside for me at least.
The spec on both the Z2 & M2 is the same & very high for £1500 (£2500 list price).
Toray T800 full carbon frame & fork
(This is same Toray carbon as Giant's flagship Advanced SL bikes) & only 1 grade behind Toray T1000 top grade (in bike industry) carbon.
Full 2012 Sram Force (10 speed not 11) including cassette/brakes & chainset - try getting that from Specialized or Giant (& I do like Giant products).
Ritchey WCS Zeta 2012 wheelset - 1545g & titanium skewers.
Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres (none too shabby).
Last I looked - only the white/black colour scheme Z2 & Red/White M2 were available - both large I believe
I have actually sat on the M2 in the store & can tell you there is plenty of room for a 6ft 1 guy to get fitted to this & it looks the dogs danglies too.
If you can live with the 'not big brand' older model thing & 10 speed 2012 groupset, it's a real good buy.
Other than that I can recommend Giant bikes as a quality product & Cube - Focus - Canyon for best quality v VFM.