Lonesome rider

Hi, everyone! I'm currently riding 1989 Olmo Sanremo with Columbus Cromor tubes. I'm 188 cm tall, the bike is of proper size — 60 cm, stem though is on the longer side being 130 mm but I'm ok with such slightly elongated fit, especially when climbing. That thing is INCREDIBLE! I've never had such a wonderful machine. Every friggin' ride places happy smile on my face and I'm pretty grumpy ass, IYKWIM. The question is: in search for my second bike I've stumbled upon 1994 Colnago Master Olympic frame for bargain price. Whether the frame is Olympic or X-light is questionable since Olympic has internal routing. Actual lot has two external cable hangers under the top tube seen in X-lights, but I don't care, to be honest. What stirs up a doubt is the size — 56 cm. Would that bike fit or not? Has anyone any experience in riding frames of unproper sizes? What's your takes on that matter?

Pros:
- Colnago (want!);
- Cheap.
Cons:
- Smaller size;
- Needs new paint job and possibly new chrome layer for heatube lugs and Precisa fork. Someone painted it badly with can spray, maybe one who didn't like hideous color scheme (agree on that).



Bottom line: I live in Kiev. Ebay shopping is PITA here because PayPal is illegal in the country (bummer!). We have fair amount of other vintage offers here to choose from but Colnagos are rare. For example, Olmos are MUCH more rare finds on Ebay and I've seen up to 8 different frames to appear on local salesboards throughout the year, one of which became mine. I've seen two steel Colnagos for sale in Ukraine, one shown in post and another one was Mexico in war torn condition. Other offers were either aluminum (not interested at all) or carbon fiber with outrageous price tag on them. So, what do you think?

ThermionicScott 

I think it'll be too small. A wrong-sized frame is a bad deal at any price.

Welcome to BF, though!

Lonesome rider

Thanks!

Thus said, what's the bottom level of being proper-sized? -3 or -2 cm from seatpost measurement? I've been reading here for quite a long time without need or will to contribute to the board. Somewhere on this forum (couldn't find a link) someone told that Colnagos among other steel bike manufacturers were famous for odd geometry, in particular, for shorter top tubes than usual.

daf1009

I would advise to be careful with generalizations...but...stay close to what you know fits. The only real way to tell is to ride the bike...

Pars 

Yes, that does seem a bit small for you. You might try getting good measurements of yourself per the instructions, then inputting the data into Competitive Cyclist's fit calculator. I'm 5'7" tall (170.1cm), and normally ride a 56cm frame (or a 54cm). The fit calculator provides for my measurements, a 54cm for the competitive fit, which is more modern, a 55-55.5cm for the Eddy fit, and about a 57cm for the French fit. So there is a range, but unless the Colnago has a long top tube, I suspect you may feel kinda scrunched up on it.

Wildwood 

I would say if the 60cm frame fits, stick with something close. (You didn't say if 60 was ST or TT, but it must be ST)
Keeping the cockpit length close is a safe bet if the drop is manageable. You can make a wide range of frame sizes 'fit', but for a performance rider there is an individual body positioning (geometry) for you that results in an optimal power&aero position without sacrificing too much comfort. I like the top tube between my knees as well.

At 186cm, I ride a TT of 58ish with a 12cm stem and 4cm of drop. It's not a very aggressive position ridden on the tops and gets me into the drops more. Head tube length can be significant unless you dramatically play with stems/bars.

Lonesome rider

Yes, 60 cm stands for seat tube. Thanks for the input, guys! Seems like I'll follow your advices. Pity, you don't often find Colnago frame for mere $175, even though it needs some fresh paint.

That's me dwarfing what appears to be the huge frame from aside.



With my leg length I can easily accomodate anything up to 64 cm but not every frame on the market has appeal. When it comes to Colnagos, you see big sized ones selling like hot cakes for prices 7 or 9 times higher than what that fella asking. 52 to 56 cm ones are cheaper and very common. 2014 was damn hard year to live and break through, so I want my dream to come true as a New Year's present. Just for cure. I've lost 3 different jobs, being paid low by crook employers, had hard times with connecting to my family due to war with Russia. Seems like it couldn't happen.

TallTravel

You have an easy train ride to Krakow, Poland, which has plenty of good bike shops compared to Kiev.

You could test ride it there, they could sell you a boxed bike, ship it on the train with you, and you'd be so much better off.

Even if you buy used, I think you'd be better off with a train ride than by buying in Kiev.

Lonesome rider

I don't have visa to pass Polish border. Getting one is difficult call since EU has a tendency to close any relationships with Ukraine.

Lascauxcaveman 

Terrible situation you have going over there. I won't comment on Putin's imperialist ambitions, since politics is not supposed to be a part of this forum. Hang in there and take care!

But buying a tiny bicycle isn't going to help you any, unless you're looking for a distracting project to fix up and resell.

(For the record, I'm about 182cm and feel most comfortable on 60 - 63cm bikes, the ones I like best have a 59 or 60cm top tube.)

Lonesome rider

Yeah, had considered this idea as well. It could be fun, since it's winter now and I love DIY jobs.

Wildwood 

I don't know the Ukrainian words for = "bicycle flipper".

seedsbelize 

In my experience, it's far better to go too large than too small.

spiker

I've got at least 5cm on you, ride 63 to 69 cm bikes. I'm all arms & legs. Never been able to make a small bike fit. Neck hurts, shoulder hurts, one even gave me headaches. Be patient, from one who knows how difficult it is to find big bikes.

Lonesome rider

Thank you! After all answers in this thread I've decided not to buy mentioned Colnago. More so if it makes body hurt. Steel stands for comfort ride, so this aspect is something very important.