Going Down One Size
 

I enjoy finding, wrenching on and riding 80s steel lugged bikes. I’m 6’3” with a 36” inseam. I have a Centurion Pro Tour and a Centurion Lemans RS in size 64cm. I ride comfortably on both bikes with a long quill stem adapter and short stem to raise the bars and reduce the reach. My flexibility is not too good.

There is currently a very nice looking Centurion Ironman Expert for sale. The color scheme and Tange 1 is a magnet but the frame is 60cm, one size smaller than what I ride.

Im wondering if the smaller frame would be a comfortable ride for me. Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks.

I have size 13 shoes but the bike won’t have fenders. I had a 2007 XL Tricross that had severe toe strike. It caused me to crash on a single track ride. I launched that bike shortly afterwards. The Centurion Ironman is a road bike and I could probably look up the trail number. Maybe it’s a short trail. I’m still learning the geometry stuff.

ive arranged to see the bike in a couple days so I have time to think about it.

Thanks for the response.

Sounds like 60cm won't be a good fit for you. I'm about the same size as you and my minimum comfortable frame size is 25" (63.5cm c-t). I keep trying frames in the 60-62cm range and end up hurting myself. Maybe one day I'll learn.

You might like a smaller frame. You should try it out if if you can. I've been progressively going smaller and like the results. 64 cm to 59 and 60 cm all vintage frames. Now I'm on a new 56 cm frame wondering about a 54 cm.

Remember that toe interference is unlikely to ever be an issue. You'll probably have to be less than 3 mph to even be brave enough to turn the handlebars that much even if toe interference wasn't an issue.

I've found it's only really an issue when stopped. If you let your wheel flop to the side, then the light turns green, you might have your foot forward before you straighten the wheel. But you'll be stopped or just barely moving if it should ever happen. It'll just be a awkward moment you hope your friends don't see.