Originally Posted by
lcdel
Thanks, a big fit makes more sense why they’d have the height listed as taller. I can go check it out (it’s a local seller), just a bit nervous that if it’s subtly too big for me I might not be able to tell since I’m pretty inexperienced.
It would be a fine first road bike(or second, third, or fourth) and one that's a long-term keeper (if it fits) even if you pick up other bikes at some point. If it fits, it should be a comfortable ride over longer miles. Your seller's asking price is in the ballpark if the bike is in very good condition. I always offer less and see where it goes.
The convention/rule of thumb for frames at the time & previous was that a 53cm frame would have a 53cm (effective or actual if non-sloped) top tube. Lemond, in this case, made frames at 55cm and less with top tubes 1.5cm longer. The 53cm had a eff top tube of 54.5cm. I typically ride a 56cm frame. In a Lemond I ride a 55cm frame with a eff top tube of 56.5cm.
The '04 looks to be a spine bike (steel/carbon frame). MSRP at the time was $2450 ($3300 in today's dollars). You'd be getting a lot of bike for $600ish.
As far as checking it out pre-purchase. With a spine bike you'd need to look at it from both a steel and carbon bike perspective..you may want to research that a bit. If I ran across a spine Lemond in the right condition at the right price I wouldn't hesitate in buying it if it checked out OK. Fun bike.
edit.. a thought on sizing. If you ride it and find yourself reaching/stretching to ride on the brake hoods(your arms will be straight-locked at the elbows..not desireable), then it's large for you. This can be adjusted somewhat by getting a shorter stem and/or shorter-reach handlebars. If you swap out either..save them to keep the bike original if need be.