Hi:

I've starter a training program for a half marathon and a component of the program is cross training; cycling in my case. I've run marathons is the past the last being in 2005. Since then I really porked up (185#) and would like to get back in shape.

The bike I'm using now is my son's Trek mountain bike but I would like to buy a road bike. To this end, I looked at various web sites to determine what frame size fits me. I'm 5'5-1/2" with a true inseam of 32". From the calculators I have found, the average frame size I need is 53 cm center to center and 55 cm center to top. It also recommeded a 170 mm crank length,

My aim is to purchase a used bike preferably a steel LeMond or similar steel road bike for around $800 - $1300. The question I have is as follows.

Can I rely on the frame calculators since a lot of bikes have different geometries? One web page suggested that the standover height should be 2" or 5 cm lower then the true inseam; is this reliable information?

I'm thinking to just go to different bike stores and test ride a few bikes although this is difficult now winter has arrived.

I would very much appreciate any help or advice. Thanks !!

Jim