help with sizing schwinn madison!!
 

alright guys so I'm in the market to buy a new 2009 schwinn madison from craigs list. I got a sweet deal and was able to talk the guy down to selling it to me for 300$. the only issue is that it's a medium size with a 32.5'' stand over height. I'm 6' 4'' so this sounds ridiculously small for me. My question is can this possibly work for me by raising the seat/ handle bars a bit? is it ride able or just ridiculously too small for someone of my height?
the seller told me his 6'3'' friend worked fine with it but i don't know how much i trust that.
I want this bike so bad and the only way i can afford it is through this deal. your help is appreciated.

There will be massive toe overlap.

Let Scrod go in depth.

New one large size:

http://store.citygrounds.com/store/p...adison-Yellow/

yeah i saw the 400$ one but that's still too much for me... really strict budget at the moment being a college student and all...

My first bike was from Craiglist.
It was tall enough but to short to the handle bars.
The crank arms were also to short.
Gave up on it after 1500 miles.

Don't get it, as it will be WAY too small. 5'10" here - riding a large that fits me beautifully.

Find an XL somewhere or start looking at other bikes.

+1 on what scrod said.

Would you buy a size 10 shoe just because you like them?

ugh the brutal truth is showing it's face...such a sad thought.
if i don't get this i'll probably end up with an SE draft light from performance...a significant downgrade
is there no way I could raise the seat enough for it to at least be rideable? or would it just be too ridiculous to consider?

Top tube length will be much too short. Seriously. Don't do it. Don't get a crappy Draft 'Light' either. Go here:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm

and pick out a bike that's within your budget and your size.

It's going to be way too small even if you raise the seat. The higher the saddle goes, the more weight gets put on your hands which can cause you to have problems with your hands and wrists down the road. What also has already been said is that the toe overlap would be really bad.
I'd have to say make yourself a better mechanic and get an older bike that has horizontal dropouts and is in your size range and convert it.

buy it really cheap and flip it.

New one out there are the Scattante Track bikes too at Performance Bikes.com. From the pics, they seem on par with the Fuji Classic Track & Feather ? Another found them and started a thread, but here's the linky:

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1511000_400306

There is a model 1, 2, 3 & 4 version. Scrodzilla might be in a better position to give you the scoop on the Windsor Hour vs the Fuji Classic/Feather vs the Scattante ?

That's also a thought, here's some ebay flipping done right:

http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/

I don't know much about the Scattante but I most likely wouldn't touch it. Windsor Hour is a rebranded Fuji Classic Track. Seriously. Same bike. If money is an issue, get the Windsor. The Feather had the same frame as the Classic Track with a nicer fork and different components. IMO it's not worth the money.

thanks for the help guys.
what do you know about the 2010 scattante americano single speed?
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1081459_-1___
it's in my price range and doesn't seem horrible...

I guess that one's not too bad. Just curious - what's wrong with BikesDirect?

to be honest it's mostly because i only have the money in cash right now ( no credit card or checks unfortunately at the moment) so I have to buy my bike upfront.
Might end up buying the madison today and if like you say it doesn't fit i'll probably be able to sell it for 400 on craigslist i'm assuming?