Originally Posted by
DaveSSS
What you need to compare from a vertical standpoint, is the total head tube length, with the headset, on your Lemond to the total length, with the headset, on a proposed new frame. There can still be some error due to difference in fork length, but it's about the best that can be done, until all brands adopt and report the stack height (vertical) defintion. From a horizontal standpoint, you compare the TT length, but corrections will be needed if the seat tube angles are different. A new frame that has a steeper STA will have more reach - about 1cm per degree.
Frame size numbers are meaningless, particularly with some of the same "size" and same brand having a 20mm difference in the head tube length, depending on whether the frame is a racing model or more comfort oriented model.
What Dave said and a bit more.
Lemonds are measured center to center which often throws many off thinking they have long top tubes. They don't really...but not short either.
Plus Lemond is a proponent of slack sta's.
OP...it isn't that difficult really.
You need to measure:
head tube length
top tube length.
don't even consider sta...most are around 73 deg.
Once you have above defined from your current bike, review the geometry chart of the bike you are interested in.
I am built like you OP only taller. The 41 aka this place is frought with disinformation about long legged guys...saying size down. This is BS. Size down and now you have a lot of drop which is pretty uncomfortable for the average cyclist. Typically long legged riders have long arms which compensate for a shortish torso. I found Drew's comments confusing overall but he did mention one key correct element for guys like us with a long inseam for our height. Comfort or Endurance geometries like the Roubaix work best. I just built one up in fact and rode it today for 60 miles which is becoming routine. Best bike I have ever owned btw and I have owned some nice ones. The tall head tube gets the handlebar up higher for long legs and the average reach works with an average torso length.
It all depends on your flexibility if you can sustain a lot of drop and ride a conventional square geometry with long legs.. I can't at all. Used to be able to but a 60 mile ride will kill my neck with even 2 inches of drop. I am still a pretty strong cyclist FWIW.
Hope that helps.