Bugbear

Howdy all!

I've been looking up the Orange County Craigslist for an affordable road bike to learn on/commute with, and came across this listing: https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/3326199131.html

I'm 6'3, so a 58cm bike would be on the small side for me - however, it's also pretty difficult for me to find well-kept bicycles suitable for my height.

Would I do better to go with something like this (62cm): https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/3287195833.html?

I'm planning on trying these bikes out later this week. Is there anything I should be looking out for in particular?

ThermionicScott 

I like the Cannondale, but it's likely to fit me (5'8") better than you.

The Peugeot looks to be an older model that will have all French-spec parts. Fun in a Classic and Vintage kind of way, but it could be heartbreaking/annoying to maintain.

Aeolis

Good price but bad fit most likely.

bikerjp

Not all 58s are the same, but I'm 6'3" and have two 58cm Cannondales. Some would argue they are on the small side but overall I'm happy with the fit. I am riding a 120mm stem on one and 100mm on the other so take that fwiw.

Juan Foote

Actually, with downtube shifters I think it's a bit high. I payed less than that for one with the slightly newer RSX brifters. Those are well thought of Al frames though.

carpediemracing 

Stay away from that Peugeot. You don't know what "that don't fit that" means until you are trying to fix up a Peugeot. Also the solid steel cranks, among other things, are just one of the things on the bike that's not really desirable.

The Cannondale is nice but the wrong size.

What size shoe do you wear? A size 12 or 14 or something like that? If you wear a size 14 then think of bikes not your size as a size 10 shoe. You'll find great deals on size 10 shoes and you can buy them all day long but none of them will fit. Keep your eye out for the right size bike - you absolutely have to start with the right size bike. Get one that's reasonably current so it's not too difficult to get parts, figure 1995 or later, so about 17 years old. You may be able to find one for under $500.

btw I'm betting that Cannondale is a bit older than 15.

If you're looking at "compact" frames (like the Giant) look for a size XL. The top tube length (usually around 60 cm) is indicative of the size of the bike. There are some other things to look for but that's the coarse way of looking for a bike. Compact frame bikes may be more plentiful because they offer fewer sizes. Instead of frames every 2 cm they do XS, S, M, L, XL. Chances are you can find an XL.

Hope this helps and good luck.

carpediemracing 

btw two of my best friends are your height and both ride either XL or 60-63 cm frames. One even lives over in CA but I don't think he has any extra frames/bikes.

Bugbear

Thanks for all the replies! I'll try to talk down the price (I was thinking $225ish if possible) after giving it a test run. I've talked to some of the guys at the local Specialized shop and one of them (same height as me) expressed his preference for 58 cm bikes due to ease of maneuverability. Hopefully the Cannondale turns out well, but if not, I think the Peugeot would be a viable alternative as a vintage bike project. My grandfather's pretty handy, and I've also got experience working on cars so hopefully that can translate somewhat.

Side note: I actually wear size 10.5 shoes, carpediemracing - close, but no cigar!

Homebrew01

Good advice given, sounds like you'll ignore it though. You realize the Peugeot has been converted to singlespeed ?

bigbadwullf

I'm 6'1" and ride a 58. Fits me perfect. I have a 58cm Allez for sale if you are interested. But you are probably better off with a 60, 61, 62.
BTW, I sold an R400 for $250 last year.

PatrickGSR94

Wow that C'dale has a MASSIVELY tall steer tube above the head tube!

Homebrew01

He added an extender to the steerer tube.