Bicycle Mechanics - Is this bike to small for me?

Hi

I am interested in buying a Litespeed Vortex 1999, that is a size 53. It is a private deal, which is why the size can't be changed. For more info about the bike.http://www.litespeed.com/archives/lscatalog1999.pdf

I wonder, if this is to small for me? I would like your oppinion about it, so ask all the questions you want.

Thanks you for reading. :)

My measurements in centimeters.
-------------------------------------------
Inseam: 83
Trunk: 63.5
Forearm: 33
Arm: 61
Thigh: 56.5
Lower Leg: 53.5
Sternal Notch: 144.5
Total Body Height: 174

use an online sizing spreadsheet like the one found on competetive cyclist. Have you even tried the bike?

use an online sizing spreadsheet like the one found on competetive cyclist. Have you even tried the bike?

I have used the competetive cyclist calculater, and no its not possible for me to try the bicycle.

The competive site gives me three kinds of fits:

The Competitive Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 53.8 - 54.3
Seat tube range c-t: 55.4 - 55.9
Top tube length: 53.5 - 53.9
Stem Length: 10.7 - 11.3
BB-Saddle Position: 76.8 - 78.8
Saddle-Handlebar: 50.9 - 51.5
Saddle Setback: 3.9 - 4.3


The Eddy Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 55.0 - 55.5
Seat tube range c-t: 56.6 - 57.1
Top tube length: 53.5 - 53.9
Stem Length: 9.6 - 10.2
BB-Saddle Position: 76.0 - 78.0
Saddle-Handlebar: 51.7 - 52.3
Saddle Setback: 5.1 - 5.5


The French Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 56.7 - 57.2
Seat tube range c-t: 58.3 - 58.8
Top tube length: 54.7 - 55.1
Stem Length: 9.8 - 10.4
BB-Saddle Position: 74.3 - 76.3
Saddle-Handlebar: 53.4 - 54.0
Saddle Setback: 4.6 - 5.0


My guess is that it is to small?

I wouldn't buy a bike you couldn't try out if you weren't sure it would fit you.

I wouldn't buy a bike you couldn't try out if you weren't sure it would fit you.

hmm.. yes indeed you have a point there.

Just looking at your measurements my first thought is that the frame is too small. I'm almost your exact height and inseam and I ride a 57 cm Litespeed and can get by with a 55. My 57's have about 11 cm of seatpost exposed and the bars are 3.5 cm below the saddle top but that takes 30 mm of spacers and a +6° up-angled stem to achieve.

Unless you are willing to have a LOT of seatpost exposed, use a long stem and be willing to have the bars several cm below the saddle, the frame is too small.

Two of the "fit" recommendations you cite are intended for competative riders and have a low stretched out riding position. Even then they say the frame is too small. The French fit is more conservative and it says the frame is significantly too small.

Just looking at your measurements my first thought is that the frame is too small. I'm almost your exact height and inseam and I ride a 57 cm Litespeed and can get by with a 55. My 57's have about 11 cm of seatpost exposed and the bars are 3.5 cm below the saddle top but that takes 30 mm of spacers and a +6° up-angled stem to achieve.

Unless you are willing to have a LOT of seatpost exposed, use a long stem and be willing to have the bars several cm below the saddle, the frame is too small.

Thanks for your reply.

And I must agree, I now also think that it's to small, and must find something else with a 55 size at least.

May I ask what model and year Litespeed you have? both of them.

May I ask what model and year Litespeed you have? both of them.
Actually, I have three of them.

The oldest is a '96 55cm Catalyst with 70,000 miles.

The newer ones are both 57 cm, an '05 Firenza and an '06 Tuscany. The Tuscany is all Campy Chorus 10-speed. The Firenza is a mongral with Campy 10-speed Ergo brifters and front derailleur every thing else is Shimano Ultegra 9 and 10-speed stuff. They play well together thanks to a Shiftmate.

I know it sounds odd to have two such similar bikes but I bought the frames when Colorado Cyclist was closing out Litespeed in late '06 and the prices were much to good to pass up.

Get 55 or 56. 53 is too small.

Too small. You need something about 56 cm c-t.

I have a 2000 Litespeed Classic that's 55 cm.I'm 5'8 and it fits like a glove.

hmmm i dont think it is so small

hmmm i dont think it is so small

Why is that?

I have decided that I will go after a size 55 or 56.

Pay more attention to the top tube length (or overall cockpit length) than nominal size. TT length varies within a "size" so unless you know what you want and what the bike has, the only alternative is to ride it.