Using a frame that is too small... make it work?
 

Last night I acquired a mid 90's Lemond Reno in very nice shape. Aside from a few scratches, it is in great shape. All original - full RSX group, Mavic Reflex wheels, etc. It was a good price and figured even if it wasn't my size, I could take the RSX group and sell the frame - come away close to even.

I ride a 58cm, the frame is a 55cm.

After seeing the condition of the complete bike and just how good looking the frame is, I'd like to keep it. However, in it's current state, I feel cramped on the bike. Would replacing the stem with something longer and moving the seat up and back be a wise move to 'make' the bike fit me, or should I go with my first instinct and take the group/sell the frame?

If I keep the group, I am going to transplant it on to my also recently acquired '87 Bridgestone 450 (58cm). I like the idea of having a STI equipped bike, which is why I want the RSX group.

Thank you,

Joe

You might work out a fit compromise but I doubt it will ever be as good as if it actually fit correctly. I think you would find yourself no riding it much in favor of your other better fitting bikes.

I had a few bicycles that were 4cm too large for me. I could have bottomed out the saddle and made do but decided it looked dumb and sold them. I used the money I made to buy a bicycle that fit me and I don't regret it one bit.

What length stem is on the bike now? I might be possible to get a decent fit on the bike -- I know that I have ridden bikes ranging from 54-58 that were comfortable. The 54 seemed small compared to the larger frames, but it was no less comfortable. I would say worth exploring a bit before moving the parts over to the other frame.

Thanks for your user input. I haven't measured the stem yet, but it is certainly on the shorter side (probably 70-90mm). If I stick with the bike, I was thinking of using something about 120 or so. I also haven't fiddled with the seat yet, but I know I can gain some room adjusting that as well.

I may try to fiddle with it before abandoning all hope, but you may be right. Thank you for the input.

You could put upright bars on it and raise the seat - that way you would be able to sit up more without being cramped.

Put on your blindfold about frame sizes and give it a try (adjusting the fit). I rode a 58cm for 2 years and finally admitted it was too large after trying four stems and multiple position adjustments. I am 5'11" but my proportions don't work on this size frame. I was sure a 56 cm was what I needed and so was the dealer until he did a fitmaster fit on me. I ended up with a 54 cm Cervelo that fits like a glove.

Bob

Is it 55x55?? I'd go for the longer stem first. I find I can fit 'ok' 4cm up and 4cm down from my ideal frame size. But then again I can ride a kid's 16" tire bmx... if I'm only going around the block. So it depends on what you want to do on it I guess.

Many people will ride a bike like that, botched to fit somehow, and never find anything wrong with it. But then again, a few others might not want to ride a poorly-balanced bike.

The top tube length is as important as the seat tube length, in my opinion. I have a longer-than-average torso, so a traditional "square" frame pattern (54x54) requires that I get a 120mm stem (usually...it really depends one frame geometry).

Anyway, I'd give it a try. Raise the saddle (you might have to get an extra long seatpost) FIRST, then see what you'd need for a stem. Raising the saddle also puts you back some, so you may not need as long of a stem as you initially think.

If you can make it work, a 55cm frame will be lighter than a 58cm frame for sure! Lighter is almost always better.

I have found myself trending toward smaller frames with longer stems the past few years. I like a lot of bar drop, and I like the steering feel of the long stem and shorter wheelbase. I have ridden frames as big as 57 cm, and as small as 52 cm (I'm 5'9"). If the contact points are correct and it doesn't look unusually stupid, why not give it a try?

My new travel bike is quite a small frame, and I'm running a 140 stem on it..I like the way it handles just fine.

Lots of great replies. Being at work I can't reply directly to everyone, so I apologize for that. It seems that for the most part everyone feels I should give it a shot. As I was grabbing my Schwinn Circuit before heading to work, I took another look at the Lemond. I decided it was too good looking to not give it a shot! I'm glad that's what the consensus says.

I'm not sure what the top tube length is, but I will measure that, adjust the seat, and go from there.

At this point I don't race. I ride in Jersey and Eastern PA. The Circuit is great on long, flat rides in Southern Jersey, but I do wish for STI shifters for the hilly rides in PA. That is one of the main reasons I grabbed the Lemond.