Originally Posted by
Demet
I sent an email asking for more pictures on that frame.
I roughed in some numbers on a bike fit calculator (don't have anyone handy right now to help measure), and it came back with top tube 70cm ctc! Seat tube was 61.5 ctc. I wonder if it would be worth finding a local fitter to help me dial it in. I'd rather spend a little money up front and maybe save me some time/money in long run...?
I would agree with this strategy, plenty of good fitters in PDX, Dave Levy at TiCycles is the guy I would recommend as he builds the frames from his fittings. Micheal Sylvester is a literal guru at Bike Fitting Services who also teaches yoga and among many other things developed the system that Trek finally started using.
I would also encourage you to keep in mind that your physiology has likely changed if you have been off the bike for a long time. I would also guess the type of riding you are planning isn't the main type of riding you used to do back when and with your fitting challenges will have a definite impact.
I am at the opposite end of the spectrum from you, at only 6 ft I have a 37 in inseam. I do have fairly long arms so I can reach ok when they get long and tall but don't like to hunch over at all so end up with my bars way up and tilted up and back. I have recently found out that as the numbers tell that I can, should and do ride 64-66 cm frames that work much better for longer and harder for me rides. Funny thing is they "feel" big after riding bikes that are small for me all my life, 2 fists of seatpost, tall Technomic stems and all.
I'm in PDX also and would be glad to meetup to talk. We also have a BF member here in PDX that is a frame builder with a great sense of what it takes to get what you want and need out of a bike and makes many expert mods to get there.