I just joined this list a couple of weeks ago and am amazed by the
knowledge of the members. I've already learned a lot, but I'd like to
ask a question.
I ride a 2002 853 steel Lemond Buenos Aires that fits me beautifully. I
can ride it comfortably all day. According to the company, both the seat
tube and the top tube are 59cm.
My other bike is a 1986 27" (69cm) Bridgestone 400. I measure its top
tube at 24" (61cm). I've never liked the fit of the Bridgestone. Despite
the long top tube, it seems too cramped fore and aft. When I bought that
bike new I remember settling on the huge frame because I tested the more
common 24" frames (one size down) and they were way too cramped. (I'm
6'2" and have long arms and legs.)
I've long wanted to buy a European 531 steel frame from the 60s or 70s
and build it up. Some people say that older steel bikes have "relaxed"
geometry like Lemond's. But before I buy a frame, I'd like to know if it
will fit me. Can anyone tell me what vintage frames would give me a fit
comparable to that of the 59cm Lemond?
David Smith
McLean, Virginia
USA