Is a 55cm Lemond too large for me?

I'm the same height with the same inseam as you do and I could ride a 58 comfortably, especially with a shorter stem. I like a little bit bigger bike. I can stradle my 56 cm sloping top tupe that is in my trainer with the front tire elevated on a couple of 2x4's (read cheap riser block). I also have a 56 cm traditional frame and a 57 cm sloping frame that feel just fine. Most bike shops would fit me for a smaller frame though.

All of the bikes you've tested probably feel awkward just because you've taken so much time away from cycling. I recommend you don't break the bank getting a new bike because as you ride it the awkwardness will go away but a bad fit won't. And if you don't feel comfortable on it you are less likely to ride it.

Doctor Morbius said:

I recommend you don't break the bank getting a new bike because as you ride it the awkwardness will go away but a bad fit won't.

Thanks so much for your reply. One of the main reasons for my interest in the Lemond is that it's a 2004 Reno and the LBS has it at a considerable discount from original price. Otherwise I couldn't afford it. I'm going to go for it!

I think the TT of the 55 Lemond is 56.5cm so it may be 1cm longer than the fit calculator recommends. I am 5’9-1/2” and I am not sure if I would be better fit to a 53 or 55 Lemond. The fit calculator recommends I use a 55.5cm top tube which is what my medium Giant is. We may be between sizes.

hate to throw a spanner in the works, but i am 183cm (6'0"😉 and i ride a 55 cm lemond alpe d'huez (same frame as the reno). for me it is a perfect fit, both length and height, but then i like a fairly compact frame as i am a track rider.

I'm at about 5'10" and too much weight and my 55cm Lemond fits pretty good. If you get the good deal on price, go for it. You can change the stem and monkey with the seatpost level a little. Also remember that a reversible angle stem changes things. With the up angle, you ride more upright and the down angle makes you more streamline. Good luck.

I am 5'11" and ride a Lemond Maillot Jaune. My upper body is longer than yours since my inseam is only about 30. This bike fits me very well. I would guess that you would need to go with a much shorter stem than what is stock (maybe 80-90) but the bike will probably otherwise fit. The geometry seems to be similar to my Genisis geometry (Gary Fisher) mtb geometry and fits me like a glove. Actually in my opinion, a good long ride or two is the ideal way to find out if a bike is right for you. If you wake up the following morning and your back feels okay, your quads aren't screaming, and your knees are painless, it's probably a good fit.

Thanks everyone for your advice! I took the plunge and bought it. It came down to the Lemond Reno vs. a trek 1200 in the LBS. I think in terms of components, etc both of these bikes were comparable. The Trek had 3 sprockets up front where the Lemond had only two, and it had clipless pedals compared to the cages of the Lemond. I wanted to keep my learning curve as simple as possible so I figured 18 speeds is plenty since I live in Central Florida and we don't have any hills, and I want to get used to just riding before I add clipless pedals. So I went with the Reno.This may sound lame, but I liked the graphics/color of the Lemond better and this was the final push in favor of the Lemond. My wife also bought a Lemond, the smallest frame they make, in the Women's Specific Design. We're both looking forward to getting out on our first ride this weekend!

jabike said:

I would guess that you would need to go with a much shorter stem than what is stock (maybe 80-90)

You must know your bike sizing! When the LBS measured me I came out to a 32.75" inseam, longer than I thought, so the frame size wasn't as much of an issue as I expected, although they did put a reversible 80 or maybe 90mm stem on it. LBS guy said when my flexibility and general ability improve I can flip the stem to the downward position to get more aero.

Instead of turning the stem over, you may find yourself using the drops more as you get a little more flexible. I would guess that at least 90% of the bikes I see around here have the stem in the up position.